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Hindu women play with a sparkler amid Diwali celebrations in this undated image. — AFP
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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Hindu community in the country and across the world on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
In his message, President Zardari said, “As our Hindu citizens and millions around the world celebrate Diwali, this festival reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.”
He said the celebration of Diwali reflects the universal values of peace, compassion and harmony that are shared across faiths, and are central to the ideals of mutual respect and coexistence that Islam itself upholds.
The five-day festival of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, began today (Monday) and is being celebrated globally. The occasion honors the triumphant return of Rama, one of Hinduism’s most revered figures, the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, reflected in the widespread use of fireworks and lamps during the celebrations.
President Zardari reaffirmed the Constitution’s guarantee of equal rights and full freedom of religion for all citizens, adding that Quaid-e-Imaam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan where minorities would enjoy equal opportunities and religious freedom. “The Hindu community has been an integral part of our social, cultural and economic fabric since the inception of the country. Their contribution to education, commerce and public services has enriched our common national life,” he said.
“As we celebrate Diwali, let us reaffirm our commitment to tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence. This festival of lights will inspire us all to work for one Pakistan in the spirit of equality, harmony, and solidarity witnessed by our founding fathers,” the President extended his wish for happiness, prosperity, prosperity, and peace.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of faith. He said the “Festival of Lights” reflects light prevailing over darkness and hope over despair.
He remarked, “As we celebrate Diwali, let us collectively look towards a future filled with positivity and unity. As Pakistanis, we are proud of the diversity of our society, which strengthens our national fabric and enriches our common culture.”
The Prime Minister appreciated the contribution of the Hindu community in the social, economic, and political life of the country and expressed satisfaction over the members of the minority communities working shoulder to shoulder with their fellow citizens for national progress.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated a Pakistan where all communities enjoy freedom and equality.
Concluding his message with “Happy Diwali”, the Prime Minister prayed that the festival would bring peace and prosperity to the Hindu community and further promote unity and brotherhood among people of all faiths in the country.
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori also extended greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali, and offered good wishes for peace, happiness and prosperity.
In his message, the governor said that Diwali is a festival with a message of light, love, peace and brotherhood. He said that the Hindu community has played an important role in the development and prosperity of both the province and the country.
Governor Tesori said that like all religious minorities in Pakistan, members of the Hindu community also enjoy full freedom to practice their faith. He emphasized that protecting the rights of minorities is one of the top priorities of the government
He further said that the present government is taking steps to promote inter-faith harmony and tolerance across the country. Concluding his message, the Governor called for special prayers for peace, prosperity and progress of the nation during Diwali.
