On Monday, Pakistan’s leading political figures extended sincere Deepavali greetings to the country’s minority Hindu community members, reiterating a strong commitment to safeguarding the rights of all minorities within the nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan stands as a land of peace and tolerance, where there is absolutely no place for hatred, chaos, or terrorism. During a special ceremony hosted at the Prime Minister House for Deepavali, the Prime Minister acknowledged and lauded the invaluable services and contributions made by Pakistan’s minority communities across various spheres of life.
He remarked that the presence of diverse religious representatives at this event perfectly embodies the foundational ideals of Pakistan, as envisioned by its founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, where every citizen enjoys equal rights and fundamental freedoms.
Mr. Shehbaz further asserted that both Muslim and non-Muslim Pakistanis continue to stand united, working in harmony to counter any malicious designs against the country. He proclaimed that the entire Pakistani nation remains resolute and unified alongside its security forces, dedicated to eradicating the threats of terrorism and hatred from the homeland.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan’s majority Muslim population has consistently expressed strong condemnation for any deplorable acts committed against the country’s minority communities, always standing in unwavering solidarity with them during challenging times.
He also detailed several key policy initiatives undertaken by his government to ensure robust protection of minority rights in Pakistan and to foster greater interfaith harmony. These measures include guaranteed representation for all minority communities in Parliament, a five percent quota in government employment, scholarships for minority students, the federal cabinet-approved Interfaith Harmony Policy, and the National Commission for Minorities’ Rights Bill, which has been successfully passed by Parliament.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, also spoke at the event, affirming Pakistan’s role as a beacon of interfaith harmony and peace on the global stage. Separately, state-run Radio Pakistan reported that President Asif Ali Zardari, in his Deepavali message, noted that the festival ‘serves as a poignant reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.’
President Zardari underscored that the Constitution of Pakistan unequivocally guarantees equal rights and complete religious freedom for all its citizens. He also commended the Hindu community’s significant contributions in the fields of education, commerce, and public service.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had conveyed his ‘heartfelt greetings’ to the Hindu community both in Pakistan and globally via a post on social media platform X, wishing them a joyous Deepavali. ‘As homes and hearts are illuminated with the light of Diwali, may this festival dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us all toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity,’ he wrote.
He added that ‘the spirit of Deepavali, which embodies light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair, inspires our collective resolve to overcome the challenges confronting our societies, from intolerance to inequality.’ He concluded by urging everyone to collaborate, ensuring that all citizens can live in peace and contribute to national progress, irrespective of their faith or background.