ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: Former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Sunday asked the nation to fight against tyranny, poverty and exploitation.

In their separate messages to the nation on Eidul Azha, the two exiled prime ministers called for harmony, peace and brotherhood. Emphasizing the spirit of sacrifice, they asked the nation not to forget the less fortunate people during their celebrations.

“Eidul Azha symbolises the willingness to sacrifice one’s most prized possession in obedience to Allah’s will and the Muslims of the world today commemorate the supreme sacrifice offered by Hazrat Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him). In doing so, the Muslims also affirm unity of action in an imperishable bond of brotherhood,” said Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto.

Eidul Azha this year has an added significance, as it coincides with the dawn of the New Year making it an auspicious occasion for interfaith harmony and understanding.

“I greet the Muslims throughout the world in general and of Pakistan in particular on this auspicious occasion. It saddens me that so many of our people are living in despair and misery brought by lack of justice, unemployment and low wages that has lately been dramatized by the economic suicides.

“In the mid of celebrations, we must not forget those who suffer and endure and are deprived of true joy. Let us also pray on this day that the deprivations of the people of Pakistan will soon be over and they will regain their civil and economic rights,” she said.

Nawaz Sharif said that their struggle was to make Pakistan an exploit-free society and a prosperous country, but the ideology of Pakistan had been put in jeopardy in the name of enlightened moderation.

He said Eidul Azha taught us the meaning of sacrifice and it was our duty to include the less fortunate segments of society in Eid celebrations.

“This celebration is also an occasion to reflect on the message that came through Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The message of Islam is a message of consensus and of the rights of the weak and the dispossessed. Let us, therefore, on this festive occasion remember our less fortunate brethren and try to alleviate their sufferings.”