ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and across the world on the occasion of Diwali, reiterating their firm commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of all minorities in the country.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with candles, prayers, and joy to mark the return of Lord Rama after his 14-year exile. The five-day celebration symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
In his message, President Zardari said that Diwali serves as a reminder of “the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.” He emphasized that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees complete religious freedom and equal rights to every citizen.
“Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan where minorities would enjoy equal rights and opportunities,” he said, adding that the contributions of the Hindu community in education, commerce, and public service deserve great appreciation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message posted on social media platform X, conveyed his “heartfelt greetings” to the Hindu community, wishing them a joyous Diwali filled with light, harmony, and peace.
“As homes and hearts are illuminated with the light of Diwali, may this festival dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity,” the prime minister stated.
Highlighting the deeper meaning of the festival, he added that the spirit of Diwali embodying light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair should inspire collective resolve to overcome challenges such as intolerance and inequality. He urged people to unite in ensuring that citizens of all faiths live peacefully and contribute to the nation’s progress.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also sent his greetings, calling Diwali “a festival of lights, hope, and renewal.” In a statement issued by Bilawal House Media Cell, he said the occasion reminds everyone that “light always triumphs over darkness, and truth, peace, and love prevail over hate and division.”
Bilawal reaffirmed that under the vision of his mother, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Pakistan Peoples Party remains dedicated to creating a progressive and inclusive society where all faiths coexist with dignity and respect.
He praised the Hindu community for their “invaluable contributions” to Pakistan’s cultural and national life, urging everyone to embrace Diwali’s message of compassion, unity, and hope.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also extended greetings to the Hindu community, describing Diwali as a celebration of joy, light, peace, and love. Both leaders underscored the importance of promoting interfaith harmony to strengthen the social fabric of the province and the country.
