ISLAMABAD, Aug 19: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the nation to counter the negative propaganda spread by misguided elements in the country by promoting the Islamic teachings of tolerance and harmony.

In his message for Eidul Fitr, the president said a society developed on such healthy lines would be helpful in resolving the issues of extremism and terrorism.

Mr Zardari mentioned the recent incident of firing by terrorists on passenger buses in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such acts of sectarianism and hatred went against the teachings of Islam.

Similarly, he said, the terrorist attack on Kamra base, which was foiled through the courage and valour of the country’s armed forces, clearly violated the spirit of Islam.

He said that Eidul Fitr was a day that concluded the blessed month of Ramazan. “To express gratitude before Allah Almighty, we need to spend our lives in line with His true, glowing and balanced teachings.

“This is the righteous way that leads to the attainment of success in the life here and in the hereafter, and takes one’s self closer to Allah Almighty,” he said.

The president said the real happiness of Eid could be felt only by joining poor relatives, neighbours and needy brothers and sisters on this occasion.

“This is only possible by shaping our lives in accordance with the golden principles of Islam and by shunning hatred, animosity, greed and malice. Moreover, we need to promote in our ranks love and affinity, tolerance, generosity and endurance,” he remarked.

He said that by following these standards, a society could be reformed which was truly in line with the aspirations of Islam.

“May Allah Almighty bless everyone with real pleasure and the bliss of Eid,” he said.—APP