Eidul Fitr is being observed with full fervor throughout Pakistan on Wednesday as the month-long fasting of Ramadan came to its happy culmination.

People attended mosques, Eidgahs, and open fields early in the morning to perform special Eid prayers, where religious leaders explained the importance of the day and prayed for the success of the nation and the health of the Muslim ummah.

To mark this festive holiday, the government of Pakistan has declared four-day Eid holidays from March 31. Individuals are welcoming the holiday season by spending time with loved ones, cooking mouth-watering meals, and engaging in different social and philanthropic activities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his Eid message, wished the country and the Muslim world warmest greetings, stressing that Eid is a day of joy, gratitude, and harmony. He appealed to the people to keep up the practice of the virtues of patience, sacrifice, and sympathy even after Ramadan.

The prime minister also touched upon the problems confronting the nation, appealing for national solidarity in the fight against extremism and stability. He praised the sacrifices of the Pakistani armed forces in the struggle against terrorism and promised to fortify the economy and law enforcement.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on Eid, asked people not to forget the needy and the poor, adding that happiness truly comes from making others happy too. He requested all to do their religious duty of Zakat, charity, and Fitrana so that no poor soul is excluded from the festivities of Eid.

The president also reiterated the unflinching support of Pakistan for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine, and he expressed solidarity with their cause for freedom.

The Eid spirit is seen in the crowded shopping malls and markets, where women and children, along with families, shop enthusiastically for new clothes, shoes, jewelry, and gifts. Public places, houses, and roads are adorned with colorful lights, while concerts, fun fairs, and family reunions contribute to the festive mood.