by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
Eid arrives each year like a gentle breeze after a long season of trial, carrying with it the fragrance of forgiveness, reunion, and gratitude. It is a day when hearts soften, when differences are forgotten, and when families gather beneath one roof to offer thanks to Almighty Allah for the strength to endure and the blessings to rejoice. In every town and village, in every street adorned with lights and laughter, the spirit of Eid transforms ordinary hours into moments of profound happiness.
For those who live abroad, or who reside in distant cities in pursuit of livelihood, Eid holds a special longing. Many travel great distances, crossing oceans and deserts, boarding crowded trains and flights, only to embrace their parents, children, and siblings. They strive to double the joy of Eid by returning home, believing that no celebration is complete without the warmth of family. Their journeys reflect a universal truth; that the essence of Eid lies not merely in new garments or festive meals, but in togetherness.
Yet while millions rejoice within the safety of their homes, there are sons of the soil who stand watch where no festivity can reach them. They remain at the borders, on the seas, upon the icy heights of glaciers, and in the vast expanse of the skies, vigilant and resolute. They cannot partake in the embrace of their children nor sit beside aging parents at the Eid table. Their place is at the frontiers, guarding the trust of a nation.
Pakistan, situated in a region marked by enduring tensions, bears a burden that many other nations do not. There exist countries in the world whose borders are but lines upon maps, where neighbours exchange goodwill without suspicion, and where soldiers seldom confront the spectre of hostility. We, however, are not so fortunate. Our eastern neighbour, India, and our western neighbour, Afghanistan, present challenges that compel constant vigilance. History has taught us that complacency invites peril. Thus, our guards must remain ever alert, even when the rest of the nation bows in prayer and gathers in celebration.
These sentinels of the homeland do not merely perform a duty; they embody sacrifice. While children exchange gifts and laughter echoes through our homes, they scan horizons under a relentless sun or within biting cold. On snow-covered peaks and along restless shores, in silent watchtowers and roaring fighter aircraft, they uphold the sovereignty of Pakistan. Their celebration is not marked by festivity, but by steadfastness. Their joy lies in knowing that their compatriots may celebrate without fear.
It has long been a noble tradition that the chiefs of Pakistan’s armed forces spend Eid among their troops at the borders. This gesture is not ceremonial alone; it is symbolic of unity between command and soldier, between leadership and sacrifice. By sharing a simple meal or offering prayers shoulder to shoulder with those stationed at the frontiers, they affirm that no rank is detached from the hardships of duty. Such moments strengthen morale and remind every soldier that the nation stands with him in spirit, even if distance separates them from their homes.
But our reflection on Eid must not end with those who stand guard today. We must also remember those who once stood where others now stand, and who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Across Pakistan are homes where the chair at the Eid table remains empty, where a mother’s eyes search instinctively for a son who will never again cross the threshold, where a widow gathers her children and speaks of a father whose embrace they can recall only in memory. These are the families of our martyrs, whose young lives were laid down so that the nation might endure.
For them, Eid is not untouched by sorrow. The call to prayer carries echoes of absence. The laughter of neighbours reminds them of what has been lost. Their loved ones will not return with sweets in their hands or smiles upon their faces. They will not join in the communal prayer nor exchange greetings beneath the open sky. Yet their sacrifice has woven itself into the fabric of our freedom.
As a nation, we bear a collective responsibility toward these families. It is not enough to utter words of praise or to post messages of tribute. On the day of Eid, when we distribute gifts and extend hospitality, we should remember the homes of martyrs in our own neighbourhoods and cities. A simple visit, a shared meal, a moment of sincere gratitude can assure them that their sacrifice has not been forgotten. When we sit beside a grieving father or comfort a child who asks about his absent hero, we reaffirm that the blood shed for this land was not in vain.
Eid teaches us compassion, gratitude, and unity. Let us therefore celebrate not only with joy, but with consciousness. Let us pray for those who guard our borders, that they may return safely to their families. Let us honour those who have fallen, by standing beside their loved ones with humility and respect. And let us remember that the peace we enjoy, the laughter that fills our homes, and the freedom to bow in prayer without fear are secured by the vigilance and sacrifice of others.
In doing so, our celebration of Eid will rise above mere festivity and become an expression of national solidarity. It will reflect a people who understand that happiness is sweetest when shared, and that gratitude is most meaningful when accompanied by responsibility.
