Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and worldwide on the occasion of Diwali, reaffirming their commitment to minority rights.
Diwali is a Hindu festival involving lighting candles, worship, celebrations and prayers. It is celebrated to mark the day when Hindu deity Lord Rama returned home after his 14-year exile. It is a five-day festival and during this time, houses are cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
PM Shehbaz calls for interfaith harmony
In his message on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said, “The festival of lights conveys a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life.
“The enduring belief in a bright, prosperous and hopeful future is one of the most cherished attributes of Diwali.”
He described the Hindu community as “a valued and integral part of our national fabric”.
“The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset. Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity,” he added.
The premier reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the religious and civil rights of minorities, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.
“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the religious and civil rights of minorities. The government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity. Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility,” he said.
The premier added: “A society that embraces diverse cultures and traditions and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence is one that ensures equal educational and economic opportunities for all its citizens.”
He called on the nation to foster interfaith harmony, strengthen bonds of fraternity and brotherhood and work together towards a future founded on peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
’Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens’
In his message, President Zardari said, “The festival of lights celebrates the symbolism of triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. Its message of compassion and renewal reminds us that each of us can bring light into the lives of others through kindness, understanding, compassion and care.”
He added that Pakistan’s Hindu community is “an integral part of our national life”, highlighting its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture.
He reaffirmed that “Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens”.
The president added that “Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a country where faith, caste or creed would be no barrier to equal citizenship and equal rights”.
“We must honour that vision by ensuring that every citizen can practice their faith freely, live in dignity and enjoy equal protection under the law. For me, Quaid-i-Azam’s promise of equal citizenship is a sacred national commitment.”
He added, “No Pakistani should ever have to prove their belonging because of their faith. This country is their home, its freedoms are their right, and its future is theirs to shape.”
He called on the nation to reject prejudice and discrimination by sharing in each other’s celebrations.
“Our diversity is not our weakness but a great strength.
“It should be clear to all of us that protecting the rights of religious minorities is our shared responsibility.”
‘Sindh govt committed to protecting rights of minorities’
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also wished the Hindu community on Diwali, stressing that the festival brings the message of love, brotherhood, and light, APP reported.
CM Murad said that Sindh was the land of Sufi saints, where people of all faiths live in peace.
“Interfaith harmony and tolerance are integral to the beautiful culture of Sindh,” CM Sindh was quoted as saying, adding that the provincial government remained committed to protecting the rights of all minorities in Sindh.
The Hindu community plays a vital role in the development of Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, he said, adding, “This Diwali, let us dispel hatred and kindle the lamps of love and light.”
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