Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended Eidul Azha greetings to the military and political leadership, and paid tribute to the armed forces for their professional capabilities, sacrifices and services towards national security.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the prime minister telephoned Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf to convey Eid greetings and best wishes.

“The prime minister praised the professionalism and unwavering commitment of the armed forces, saying the nation was proud of its brave soldiers and their sacrifices in defence of the country,” it stated.

He also offered prayers for Pakistan’s security, development and prosperity, while paying tribute to troops performing defence duties during Eid holidays.

The chief of defence forces and service chiefs thanked the prime minister for his Eid greetings and good wishes, the statement added.

PM Shehbaz also held separate telephone conversations with senior government, constitutional and political figures to exchange Eidul Azha greetings, Radio Pakistan reported.

The prime minister telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan and conveyed Eid greetings.

Read More: President, PM, military leadership extend Eidul Azha greetings

He also exchanged Eid greetings with Abdul Aleem Khan of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, Khalid Magsi of the Balochistan Awami Party and Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao of the Qaumi Watan Party.

The prime minister prayed for Pakistan’s peace, progress, prosperity and stability, and for unity and harmony among the nation.

During the conversations, views were exchanged on the overall political situation in the country, while emphasis was laid on effective coordination and cooperation between the federation and the provinces.

The prime minister said the federal government, in collaboration with all provinces and federating units, would continue taking every possible step to provide maximum relief to the people.