President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged the nation to follow the teachings and example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stressing the values of compassion, justice, tolerance, unity and service to humanity on the occasion of Eid Miladun Nabi.

In his message on 12 Rabiul Awwal, President Zardari congratulated the people of Pakistan and the Muslim world on the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), saying the occasion reminded Muslims of the divine blessing through which humanity was given a complete path of faith, guidance, justice, mercy and good character.

Zardari said the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had marked the beginning of an enlightened era in human history, in which the darkness of ignorance gave way to knowledge and guidance, while injustice was challenged and the principles of equality, brotherhood and justice were promoted.

“The Holy Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated through his exemplary life that the establishment of a righteous society was achieved by adopting higher moral values, justice, compassion and a sense of responsibility, while observing piety and following the commands of Allah Almighty,” he said.

The president said the Seeratun Nabi taught people to promote mutual respect and goodwill, while protecting the rights of vulnerable and deprived members of society, including orphans, the poor and those in need.

He said Muslims should demonstrate their love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by incorporating his life and Sunnah into their individual and collective conduct.

“As members of the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH), it is incumbent upon us to practically demonstrate justice and fairness, tolerance, inter-sectarian and interfaith harmony, and the protection of human dignity in our society,” Zardari said.

He also called on young people to draw guidance from the Seeratun Nabi and make knowledge, good character, hard work and service to humanity their goals in life.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his felicitations to the people of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah on Eid Milad-un-Nabi.

“The life and teachings of our beloved Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) remain an eternal source of guidance for all humanity — calling us towards compassion, justice, tolerance, unity and service to others,” PM Shehbaz said.

He urged people to pledge to shape their individual character and collective conduct in accordance with the Seerat-un-Nabi and work towards a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.

“Let us pledge to illuminate our character and collective conduct with the light of Seerat-un-Nabi and work together for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan,” the prime minister said.

Shehbaz also prayed for peace, stability and prosperity in Pakistan and for the country to become a source of goodness and safety for all humanity.