Islamabad (Web Desk): Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) is being observed across Pakistan on Saturday (today) with great religious zeal and fervour.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in each provincial capital, while it will also be marked as a public holiday.
Special supplications were offered after the Fajr prayer, seeking unity among the Muslim Ummah and prosperity for the country.
This year carries special importance as, under a unanimous resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament, the government has declared 1447 Hijri as the 1500th birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has prepared a comprehensive program to highlight the noble aspects of the Prophet’s life and teachings.
The central ceremony of the day will be the International Seerat Conference at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad, which is likely to be attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Distinguished scholars, ulema, diplomats, and participants from within Pakistan and abroad have already arrived in Islamabad to participate in the conference. Alongside this, a national Qur’an and Seerat Exhibition will display manuscripts, publications, and digital material on the Qur’an and Seerat.
A Mehfil-e-Naat was organized under the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, with prominent Naat Khawans from across the country performing.
Milad processions are set to be taken out in almost all cities of the country, where ulema and khateeb will shed light on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and emphasize following his teachings and Sunnah.
Mehfil-e-Milad gatherings are also being arranged in towns and major cities to further highlight various aspects of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH).
Religious organizations, social forums, and educational institutions have scheduled a variety of programs to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, streets, mosques, houses, and public buildings have been beautifully decorated with green flags, buntings, and vibrant lights to celebrate the blessed day.