Musharraf, Aziz urge nation to celebrate Eid with simplicity
PakistanTimes.net Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have appealed to the nation to celebrate Eid ul Fitr with simplicity in view of earthquake- wrought devastation and colossal human tragedy in NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and make generous donations to alleviate the hardship and sufferings of the affected people.

In his message on Eid ul Fitr, the President urged the people to remember the earthquake victims on the occasion as a lot still needs to be done for their rehabilitation.

“It is my appeal to you to remember the earthquake victims in your Eid festivities, celebrate Eid with simplicity and deposit fitrana and zakat and generous donations in the President’s Relief Fund.

“Your attention and assistance will be helpful in alleviating the hardship and pain of earthquake victims. In this way, while partaking of the joys of Eid we can also discharge our national and societal responsibilities,” he said.

He commended the demonstration of unity and oneness displayed by the nation in support of the quake-stricken people. “Each and every segment of the nation displayed exemplary spirit of solidarity, harmony, unity and oneness in mitigating the suffering and tribulations of the earthquake hit people, which is highly commendable.”

Message by PM

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the nation has showed courage, strength and determination in the time of crisis while standing united to cope with the after-effects of the devastating earthquake.

He urged the people to celebrate their Eid day with those who suffered in the earthquake so that they do not feel being left alone in their hour of distress. “We must remember the affected children and adults, visit them in their camps and hospitals, so that they realise that the entire nation stands with them in this difficult time.”

Prime Minister Aziz said the nation was facing the challenge, posed by the worst natural calamity that hit the country, with courage, devotion and national zeal. “We have to remain steadfast in our commitment to help the hundreds and thousands of those whose lives have been devastated by this natural calamity,” he said.

He said the entire nation has gone out of the way in helping the affected people and showed unprecedented spirit of brotherhood, enthusiasm, sacrifice and determination.

The Prime Minister said people from all over the country rushed to help the quake affected people. He said political, social work organisations, NGOs, volunteers and government agencies all worked with a vigour to provide succour to the devastated people.●