Shehbaz Sharif marks Diwali with Hindu community, cuts cake at PM House

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended warm greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali, calling it a festival that symbolises joy, peace, and harmony.

Addressing a special Diwali celebration held at the Prime Minister’s House, Shehbaz said the festival carried “a beautiful message of happiness, peace and tolerance,” and reflected Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and inclusion.

“I extend heartfelt greetings to our Hindu brothers and sisters celebrating Diwali,” the prime minister said. “Our minority communities have always played a proud and commendable role in the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.”

Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees full religious freedom to all citizens, adding that the country’s majority has “always strongly condemned” any injustices committed against minorities.

“Muslim and non-Muslim Pakistanis stand shoulder to shoulder in defending the country,” he said, adding that members of minority communities have rendered valuable services in education, health, and other fields.

Highlighting the government’s efforts for inclusion, the prime minister said that minorities enjoy full representation in the Senate and provincial assemblies, while a five per cent job quota has been reserved for them in government departments. He added that minority students are being offered scholarships, and they are included in various initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.

He noted that the National Minority Commission Bill has been approved by both houses of Parliament, and the federal cabinet has endorsed a policy on interfaith harmony to strengthen social cohesion.

“Pakistan is a land of light, peace, harmony and tolerance — there is no place here for hatred, chaos, or terrorism,” Shehbaz said.

The prime minister concluded the event by cutting a Diwali cake alongside members of the Hindu community.