Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended their heartfelt felicitations to the Pakistani nation and the entire Islamic world on the commencement of the new Hijri year 1448 AH. In their separate messages, they urged the nation to promote tolerance, uphold the rule of law, strengthen national unity, and play a positive role in Pakistan's progress and prosperity.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance, love, brotherhood, and mutual respect in both individual and collective lives while avoiding sectarianism. He reminded the nation that the sacred month of Muharram-ul-Haram also commemorates the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), highlighting the universal lessons from the battle of Karbala.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his delight at the peaceful resolution of the major conflict between Iran and the United States coinciding with the Islamic year's onset. He commended Pakistan's sincere efforts in peace-building and extended congratulations to the nation for this achievement. He also urged the nation to embrace honesty, hard work, mutual respect, tolerance, and national unity in their lives.