PM Shehbaz says Islamic new year begins with Iran-US peace breakthrough

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday extended greetings to all Pakistanis and the Muslim community on the commencement of the new Islamic year, saying it began with the news of a peaceful resolution to the major Iran-US dispute and expressing hope for global peace.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar 1448 Hijri, began today, while Ashura will be observed on June 26.

Iran and the United States recently agreed to a peace deal mediated by Pakistan, with both sides declaring the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The development has been welcomed by world leaders, who hailed the breakthrough agreement aimed at ending the three-month-long conflict in the Middle East and praised Pakistan for its mediation role.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the premier prayed that the new year would bring peace and prosperity not only to the Muslim world but to all of humanity.

“May every day of 1448 AH become a guarantee of peace and security, tolerance, mutual harmony, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of humanity across the world,” the premier said.

He expressed satisfaction that the beginning of the Islamic year coincided with the news of a peaceful resolution of the major Iran-US dispute.

“The entire nation deserves congratulations on the success of Pakistan’s sincere efforts for peace,” he said, adding that the strategy of understanding and peaceful diplomacy was in accordance with Islamic teachings and the noble example of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

The prime minister said the new year served as a reminder of the great event of the Holy Prophet’s migration.

“Among the most significant outcomes of the Hijrah was the foundation of an exemplary society and state based on Islamic teachings. That ideal state changed the course of human history and laid the foundation of a system built on faith, justice, equality, brotherhood, and service to humanity,” he added.

Read: Pakistan helped avert wider conflict through US-Iran mediation, security sources say

PM Shehbaz said the migration taught the values of brotherhood, sacrifice, mutual trust, discipline, justice, and collective responsibility.

“Lasting solutions to our problems lie in following these principles and the noble example of the Prophet,” he added.

The prime minister said the beginning of Muharram also reminded Muslims of the tragedy of Karbala, in which the grandson of the Holy Prophet, Imam Hussain, along with his devoted companions, made an "unparalleled sacrifice with unwavering faith and courage" against oppression and tyranny.

“At the start of the new year, we renew our resolve to remain steadfast in supporting the rights of suffering people around the world, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine and occupied Kashmir,” he said.

Calling for national unity and collective responsibility, the prime minister urged citizens to promote honesty, hard work, mutual respect, and tolerance in their individual and collective lives.

“Through our conduct and actions, we will play a positive role in the progress, stability, and prosperity of Pakistan,” he said, and prayed that God would make the new year a harbinger of goodness, blessings, peace, and prosperity for Pakistan, the Muslim world and the entire world.