ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior officials, extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Diwali, reiterating the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of all minorities.
In a statement on his social media platform X, PM Sharif highlighted the universal message of Diwali, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and harmony among communities.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live in peace and contribute to progress,” said the prime minister on X.
In Hindu belief, Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates “the return of Lord Rama after a 14-year exile and the triumph of righteousness over injustice.” Devotees light candles and lamps “to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.”
The Hindu community remains the largest religious minority in Pakistan. According to the latest official census data from 2023, released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), around 3.8 million Hindus live in Pakistan, representing about 1.6% of the total population.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said the festival “reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.”
He emphasized that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights and full religious freedom to all citizens, adding that this principle reflects the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founder, who envisioned a Pakistan where minorities enjoy equality and opportunity.
Federal Minister for Human Rights and Law Azam Nazeer Tarar also extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and abroad, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the minister reaffirmed the government’s “unwavering commitment to ensuring equal rights, religious freedom, and dignity for all citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.”
He expressed hope that Diwali would bring “joy, peace, and prosperity to everyone, and further strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual respect within our society.”
Global Diwali greetings
World leaders and global business figures also marked the occasion with messages of peace and celebration. Apple CEO Tim Cook wished “everyone celebrating around the world a joyful and healthy Diwali,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended greetings to Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities across Britain.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared a video message on X, conveying his warm wishes for Diwali to people across Australia and beyond.
