ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called for the protection of religious minorities and stronger interfaith harmony in Pakistan, as they extended greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali.
In separate messages issued on Sunday, the country’s leaders recognised the contributions of Hindu citizens to national life and stressed that people of all faiths should enjoy equal rights, dignity and protection under the law.
Zardari described the protection of minority rights as a shared responsibility, saying Pakistan’s Hindu community was an integral part of the country’s social and cultural fabric.
He noted that members of the community had contributed to several areas, including education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture.
The president said the festival offered an opportunity not only to celebrate religious traditions but also to strengthen the bonds that unite citizens as Pakistanis.
He recalled the vision of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had envisaged a state in which religion, caste or creed would not prevent citizens from enjoying equal rights.
Zardari said that vision should be reflected in efforts to ensure that every citizen could practise their religion freely, live with dignity and receive equal protection under the law.
He also urged people to reject prejudice and discrimination, saying that sharing in one another’s celebrations and standing together during difficult times could help build a more just and compassionate society.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Hindu community, describing its contributions to Pakistan’s social, cultural and economic development as invaluable.
He said the country’s religious and cultural diversity was an important national asset and a source of pride for its people.
Sharif stressed that the Constitution guaranteed the religious and civil rights of minorities, adding that the government remained committed to protecting the dignity, freedoms and rights of all citizens regardless of their religion, faith, colour or ethnicity.
The prime minister said a society that respected different cultures and traditions should also provide equal opportunities in education and economic life.
He called for renewed efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual understanding, urging citizens to strengthen bonds of fraternity and work together towards a peaceful future.
Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant celebrations for Hindus. The five-day festival is associated with the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair.
Families traditionally mark the occasion by lighting lamps, decorating homes, exchanging gifts and sweets, offering prayers and gathering with relatives and friends. Celebrations take place in communities across South Asia and around the world.
In Pakistan, Hindus form one of the country’s religious minority communities, with populations living in several regions, particularly Sindh. The community maintains religious, cultural and social traditions while contributing to the country’s public and economic life.
The messages from the president and prime minister placed emphasis on the principle that national belonging should not depend on religious identity. Both leaders presented the festival as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of equal citizenship and respect among communities.
Their statements also highlighted the distinction between constitutional guarantees and the practical responsibility of ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights without discrimination.
The call for religious freedom and equal treatment comes amid continuing discussions in Pakistan about minority protection, representation and the promotion of social cohesion.
For Hindu families celebrating Diwali, the greetings from the country’s top leadership offered a public expression of solidarity during an important religious occasion.
The leaders’ messages concluded with appeals for greater unity, mutual respect and cooperation among people of different faiths, presenting religious diversity as part of Pakistan’s national identity.
