Islamabad, Oct 27 (IANS): Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf have called for unity and religious tolerance to defeat the scourge of terrorism and sectarianism.

In their message to people on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha Friday, they urged them to renounce hatred and prejudice, and unite for the prosperity of the country.

President Zardari said there was a need for unity, religious tolerance and sacrifice to face the challenges of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism, Xinhua reported.

And the best way to defeat them is to follow the teachings of Islam, the prime minister said.

"We should promote the values of compassion, unity and brotherhood among ourselves and dedicate all our energies to the prosperity and well-being of the country," he said.

Pakistan will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha Saturday. It is celebrated in honour of Prophet Ibrahim, who was even ready to sacrifice his son Ismail to please Allah.

According to Muslim belief, Allah replaced Ismail with a sheep just as Ibrahim was about to slit his throat - hence the tradition of sacrificing an animal.