- WEB DESK
- November 8, 2026
President, PM extend Diwali greetings to Hindu community
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- WEB DESK
- November 8, 2026
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world, with Zardari reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of religious minorities.
In a message posted on X, Zardari said Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolised the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair.
He said the festival’s message was one of compassion, renewal and sharing happiness with others.
Pakistan’s Hindu community was an important part of national life, Zardari said, citing its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture.
“Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned a country where equal citizenship and rights would not be obstructed by religion, caste or belief.
Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring religious freedom, a dignified life and equal protection under the law for minorities.
“No Pakistani should have to prove their citizenship or belonging to their homeland because of their religion,” he said.
He said a more just and compassionate society could be built by participating in one another’s religious celebrations, standing together in difficult times and rejecting prejudice and discrimination.
Protecting the rights of religious minorities was a shared responsibility, he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended greetings to those celebrating Diwali, saying he hoped the festival of lights would bring peace, health, happiness and prosperity to all.
The Foreign Office, in a separate message, said it hoped Diwali would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to those celebrating in Pakistan and around the world, while strengthening harmony, unity and mutual respect.
Diwali, one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, is celebrated on the new moon night of Kartik, a month in the Hindu lunar calendar.
The festival is being celebrated this year on November 8 and is widely associated with the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindus mark the occasion by decorating homes and temples with lamps and colourful lights and holding special prayers.
Bilawal, Shazia Marri extend Diwali greetings
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and party spokesperson Senator Shazia Marri also extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world.
“Pakistan and people celebrating Diwali around the world have my warmest greetings,” Bilawal said, adding that the lamps lit during the festival represented a shared light for everyone in the country.
Marri described Diwali as a festival of light, happiness, peace and love and said the PPP shared in the celebrations of the Hindu community and all other religious minorities.
She said all minority communities were an important part of Pakistan and equal partners in the country’s national development.
The PPP believed in equal rights and religious freedom for all citizens, she said, adding that Diwali carried a message of love, hope and happiness.
Maryam Nawaz extends Diwali greetings
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community, paying tribute to its contribution to the country’s development.
“We are committed to protecting the rights of minorities and ensuring they receive their rightful share,” she said.
Pakistan was a “beautiful bouquet” of people belonging to different religions, Maryam said, adding that her government was working to build a society in Punjab based on love and religious tolerance.
She said the Punjab government was providing financial assistance to minorities through a Special Minority Card and had established Minority Virtual Police Stations under its Safe Punjab vision.
The initiatives were aimed at supporting minority communities and strengthening their protection and access to public services, she added.
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- Reuters
- November 8, 2026
