ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for rejecting extremist trends and negative propaganda of misguided elements in the country by promoting the Islamic teachings of tolerance and affinity.

The President, in his message to the nation on Eid-ul-Fitr, said that a society developed on such lines would be helpful in resolving the issues of extremism and violence.

The President mentioned the recent incident of firing by miscreants on the passenger buses in Lulusar (Gilgit-Baltistan) and said such acts of sectarianism and violence are completely against the teachings of Islam.

Similarly, he said, the terrorist attack in Kamra, which was foiled by the courage and valour of the country's armed forces, clearly violated the spirit of Islam.

President Zardari felicitated the nation on Eid and expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting all an opportunity to celebrate this festive occasion.

He said Eid-ul-Fitr is a day that concludes the blessed month of Ramazan, marking it with a note of thankfulness.

“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 hereafter, and makes one's self get closer to Allah Almighty,” he said.

The president said the real happiness of Eid can 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 said.

He said by following these ethical standards, a society can be reformed which is truly in line with the aspirations of Islam.

Zardari prayed that may Allah Almighty bless everyone with real pleasure and bliss of Eid.