Islamabad, August 26, 2026: Muslims across Pakistan are observing Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) today with religious fervour and solemnity, as prayers, processions, conferences and special programmes are being held to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered after Fajr for the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
The government has declared August 26 a public holiday across the country to mark 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1448 AH.
Streets, roads, buildings, mosques and homes across the country have been decorated with green buntings, flags and colourful lights as people mark the blessed occasion with religious devotion.
Milad processions are being taken out in cities and towns across Pakistan, organised by religious organisations, Milad committees, government departments and community groups. Conferences, seminars and Mahafil-e-Milad are also being held, with religious scholars and speakers highlighting various aspects of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and urging people to follow his Sunnah.
As part of the celebrations, people are distributing sweets and food among the public, as well as at orphanages and in neighbourhoods, reflecting the spirit of charity and compassion associated with the occasion.
President, PM call for following Seerat
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in separate messages on Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), extended heartfelt felicitations to the nation and the Muslim Ummah and urged people, particularly the younger generation, to draw guidance from the Seerat of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
President Zardari said the occasion reminded Muslims of the great blessing bestowed upon humanity through the Holy Prophet (PBUH), who brought the message of faith, guidance, justice, mercy and noble character.
He stressed the importance of promoting justice, tolerance, inter-sectarian and interfaith harmony and protecting human dignity in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan could overcome its economic, social and moral challenges by moulding individual and collective lives in accordance with the guidance provided by Islam.
He called upon the younger generation to make high moral character, hard work and service to humanity the purpose of their lives and play their role in building Pakistan into a strong, prosperous, peaceful and welfare-oriented state.
International Seerat-un-Nabi conference
The main official event marking the occasion is the International Seerat-un-Nabi Conference being held in Islamabad under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
This year’s conference is focused on “Protection, Development and Character Building of the Younger Generation in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH)”.
Religious scholars, intellectuals, researchers, university professors, parliamentarians, diplomats, government officials, media representatives and other prominent figures from Pakistan and various Islamic countries are participating in the conference.
Academic papers, recommendations and practical proposals are being presented on different aspects of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), with particular emphasis on applying the Prophetic model to national life and addressing contemporary challenges facing young people.
National call for unity, tolerance
The National Assembly, in its session on Tuesday, also called for Eid Milad-un-Nabi to be marked through national-level programmes and urged federal and provincial governments to facilitate widespread participation in the celebrations.
A resolution unanimously adopted by the House called for the illumination and decoration of highways and roads and urged government, educational and business institutions, as well as media organisations, to participate in the celebrations.
The resolution also called for the promotion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
It urged the nation to observe the occasion with devotion, respect and unity while renewing its commitment to the teachings and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Religious observance across Pakistan
Special gatherings and processions are being held in major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, while religious scholars are delivering lectures on the life, character and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Mosques and religious institutions are organising Mahafil-e-Milad, while community groups and individuals are arranging food distribution and other charitable activities.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed by Muslims in Pakistan and many other parts of the world on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The occasion is marked by prayers, charity, religious gatherings and programmes centred on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is regarded in Islam as a mercy and blessing for all humanity.
