The 1500th Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is being celebrated on Saturday with great reverence, respect, and religious fervour in a grand and dignified manner.

In this connection, cities and neighbourhoods have been illuminated, while mosques, high-rise buildings, markets, and intersections are adorned with green flags, creating a festive atmosphere.

Across the country, gatherings of Durood and Salaam are being held as an expression of love and devotion for the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

On the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, after the Fajr prayers, a 31-gun salute was given in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in each of the provincial capitals.

The day began with special prayers in mosques and homes for national development, safety, prosperity, and the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

After the Fajr prayers, offerings of Durood and Salaam and collective supplications were made in honour of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.

Many organisations have planned gatherings and processions to mark the event across the country.

In Karachi, under the banner of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat, a procession will begin at 3pm from New Memon Mosque, Bolton Market, and will travel via M.A. Jinnah Road, concluding at Nishtar Park.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday greeted the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

In their separate messages, the two leaders urged the people to mould their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and called upon the nation to renew its commitment to build Pakistan in line with the golden teachings of the Seerat-un-Nabi (Life of the Holy Prophet-PBUH), emphasising unity, justice, compassion, and peace.

In his message, the president said, “Today, on the blessed day of 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, I extend my greetings to the entire nation and the Muslim Ummah.”

“This historic and memorable occasion is a source of joy and devotion for the Muslim Ummah,” he said, adding, “Besides this 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, the joy of completing the 1500th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brings us the message that we should implement the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) universal principles of justice, mercy, brotherhood and peace in our social, political and cultural structures.”

In his heartfelt message, the prime minister said the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) nearly 1500 years ago in the sacred land of Makkah illuminated the world, transforming darkness into light and setting new paths of justice, mercy, equality, and unity for all of humanity.

He noted that this year, Pakistan and Muslims around the world are celebrating the Holy Prophet’s 1500th birth anniversary as the “Year of Rahmatul-lil-Alameen” (Mercy to All Creations).

This historic milestone is being observed in accordance with the resolutions passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate, reflecting a collective national resolve to make the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings an integral part of the country’s constitution, legal framework, and public life, he added.

“The life of the Prophet (PBUH) is a complete and comprehensive model for all aspects of life governance, justice, economics, trade, and social values,” the prime minister said.

In today’s rapidly changing world, where technology is shrinking distances and increasing connectivity, the prime minister emphasised the need to familiarise younger generations with the Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) to guide them toward goodness, knowledge, and peace.