Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have sent Diwali wishes to Hindus in the country and across the world. Zardari also restated the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of religious minorities.
In a post on X, Zardari described Diwali, the festival of lights, as a celebration of good defeating evil, light overcoming darkness and hope prevailing over despair. He said the festival’s message centres on compassion, renewal and sharing happiness with others.
Zardari calls for equal citizenship for all
Zardari said the Hindu community is an integral part of national life, pointing to its contributions in education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture. “Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens,” he said, adding that the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had envisioned a state where religion, caste or belief would not stand in the way of equal citizenship and rights.
The president reaffirmed his commitment to religious freedom, a dignified life and equal legal protection for minorities. “No Pakistani should have to prove their citizenship or belonging to their homeland because of their religion,” he said. He argued that a fairer, more compassionate society could be built by joining in one another’s celebrations, standing together in hard times and rejecting prejudice and discrimination. Protecting minority rights, he added, is a shared responsibility.
Prime minister and Foreign Office send wishes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he hoped the festival would bring peace, health, happiness and prosperity to everyone celebrating. In a separate message, the Foreign Office said it hoped Diwali would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to those celebrating in Pakistan and abroad, while strengthening harmony, unity and mutual respect.
How Diwali is observed by Hindus
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the new moon night of Kartik, a month in the Hindu lunar calendar, and this year falls on November 8. Hindus mark the occasion by decorating homes and temples with lamps and colourful lights and by holding special prayers.
