Pakistan Glows with Eid Milad-un-Nabi Celebrations

The nation is glowing with joy as Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations take place across Pakistan. Marking the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, citizens joined in prayers, processions, and special gatherings to honor the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The day began with gun salutes, prayers for peace, and renewed calls for unity among the Muslim Ummah.

Day Begins with Prayers and Gun Salutes

The morning opened with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in each provincial capital. Special prayers after Fajr focused on the prosperity of Pakistan and the unity of Muslims worldwide. Religious leaders reminded the people of the Prophet’s timeless teachings of compassion, brotherhood, and harmony.

This year’s celebrations carried added significance. The government declared it the 1,500th blessed birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet, corresponding to 1447 Hijri. The move followed a unanimous resolution passed in both houses of parliament.

Streets and Mosques Illuminated

Cities and towns across Pakistan radiated with lights. Mosques, streets, and public buildings glowed with green decorations. Neon signs bore the names of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), while images of Masjid-e-Nabawi, the crescent, and the star adorned cityscapes. Communities gathered for Milad events, with scholars highlighting the Prophet’s message of peace and tolerance.

Leaders Extend Greetings

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to the nation and the wider Muslim Ummah. Both leaders urged citizens to shape their lives according to the Prophet’s teachings.

The prime minister stressed the need to reject prejudice, extremism, and hatred. He called on Pakistanis to embrace empathy, solidarity, and harmony. Leaders also encouraged people to renew their pledge to build a just and peaceful society, in line with Islamic values.

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Rawalpindi Hosts Main Processions

Rawalpindi witnessed extensive processions under strict security. More than 6,000 police officers and personnel ensured safety, with walk-through gates and body searches at all entry points.

The city hosted 105 smaller processions alongside the main one, which passed through Banni Chowk, Circular Road, Waris Khan, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, and Raja Bazaar before concluding at Jamia Masjid Road. Roads and alleys along the route were sealed for security purposes.

CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani confirmed that only designated entry points were allowed. The processions were closely monitored through Safe City cameras, while snipers kept watch from rooftops.

Security and Traffic Measures

To manage crowds and traffic flow, over 530 traffic officers were deployed in Rawalpindi. An additional 2,400 officers were stationed specifically for the main procession. Police patrols from special units such as the Elite Force, Dolphin Force, and Muhafiz Force maintained order throughout the city.

The Vice President of the Milad Committee, Hafiz Hassan Fareedi, said the main procession was inaugurated outside the historic Jamia Masjid. Officials from the district administration and Central Milad Committee joined the ceremony. The administration banned music-based Naat groups and large vehicles in the rally to maintain decorum.

Punjab Cities Shine with Lights

Punjab cities, including Lahore, marked the day with remarkable lighting. Public spaces glowed with green and neon decorations. Five major processions in Lahore were conducted under senior traffic officers. To prevent congestion, around 1,100 traffic wardens managed routes, supported by response units and breakdown vehicles.

Authorities appealed to citizens to maintain discipline. Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer stressed that the day’s true spirit lay in peace, brotherhood, and respect for Islamic values.

Karachi Resonates with Devotion

In Karachi, over 4,400 police personnel guarded rallies and events. Streets, mosques, and intersections gleamed with illuminations and green flags. Decorations included images of the Green Dome of Masjid-e-Nabawi.

Old city neighborhoods carried a festive atmosphere, where Na’ats and Durood echoed through the streets. Families and communities competed in decorating lanes and homes. Free food, juices, and sweets were distributed in areas such as Burns Road, MA Jinnah Road, Lyari, and Liaquatabad.

The highlight of Karachi’s celebration was the grand rally. Participants expressed devotion in creative ways, from riding horses and camels in traditional Arabic dress to presenting floats of children dressed in white and fairy costumes, reciting Na’ats with devotion.

National Resolution for Unity

The Senate passed a unanimous resolution to observe the 1,500th Eid Milad-un-Nabi with nationwide events. Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui led the resolution, urging governments at all levels to ensure widespread participation.

The resolution encouraged Mahafils, media campaigns, welfare activities, and public illumination of buildings and highways. It called upon institutions, schools, and media outlets to actively promote peace and harmony through the Prophet’s teachings.

Senators collectively emphasized the importance of following the Sunnah and Seerat of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They urged the nation to mark the occasion with devotion, unity, and respect, ensuring that the Prophet’s timeless guidance continues to inspire Pakistan’s path forward.

Spirit of Brotherhood

Across Pakistan, the Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations reflected the spirit of love for the Prophet. Communities came together to pray, share food, and decorate their surroundings. Leaders and scholars reminded the faithful that the true honor of the Prophet lies in living by his teachings—spreading peace, practicing patience, and fostering unity.