Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed best wishes for the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the advent of the new Islamic year 1447 Hijri.

According to Radio Pakistan, in their separate messages, the leaders prayed that the new Hijri year may bring peace, prosperity, and stability to Pakistan and the entire Muslim world. President Zardari highlighted that the holy month of Muharram is one of the sacred months in Islam, where Allah Almighty has prohibited conflicts and discord. He emphasized that the spirit of Karbala teaches rising above sectarianism, anarchy, and despair.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message emphasized that Muharram-ul-Haram reminds individuals of the unprecedented sacrifices made by forefathers in the path of truth, justice, and the promotion of noble values. He also prayed for peace and stability in Pakistan during the current Islamic year, particularly for an end to the oppression of innocent Muslims in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.