President, PM extend greetings to Hindus on Diwali, reaffirm commitment to minority rights, interfaith harmony

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and worldwide on the occasion of Diwali, reaffirming their commitment to minority rights.

They underscored the government’s commitment to “safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity”.

Diwali is a colourful festival involving lighting candles, worship, celebrations and prayers. It is celebrated to mark the day when 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.

’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 Muhammad 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 practise 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.”

President Zardari further said that his political party PPP’s tradition was in line with Jinnah’s vision.

He reiterated, “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.”

PM Shehbaz calls for interfaith harmony

In his message, 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.”

Similar to President Zardari, PM Shehbaz reiterated that the Hindu community is “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.

“Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility,” he said.

“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.