ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and across the world on the occasion of Diwali.
In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister described Diwali as a symbol of the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair.
Message from President Asif Ali Zardari on the Occasion of Diwali
On the joyous occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world.
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.
Pakistan’s Hindu community is an integral part of our national life. Its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture have enriched our country. On this occasion, I pay tribute to these contributions and reaffirm that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens.
Quaid-e-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-e-Azam’s promise of equal citizenship is a sacred national commitment. The Pakistan Peoples Party’s tradition, carried forward by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, also calls upon us to defend that promise without fear or favour. 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.”
Diwali is also an occasion to strengthen the bonds that unite us as Pakistanis. By sharing in one another’s celebrations, standing together in times of difficulties and rejecting prejudice and discrimination, we can build a more just and compassionate society. 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.
As families gather, pray and celebrate by lighting the lamps, my thoughts and good wishes are with all those celebrating. May the light of Diwali bring joy to your homes, comfort to those facing difficulties and renewed hope for the year ahead.
Happy Diwali!
Pakistan Zindabad!— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) November 7, 2026
They said the Festival of Lights carries a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relationships and society.
President Zardari emphasised that protecting the rights of religious minorities was a shared responsibility that everyone must recognise and uphold.
He described Pakistan’s Hindu community as an integral part of the country’s national fabric, highlighting its valuable contributions to various fields, including education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the Hindu community as an essential part of Pakistan’s social fabric.
Warmest felicitations to all those celebrating Diwali in Pakistan and around the world.
May this Festival of Lights bring you peace, health, happiness and prosperity.
Happy Diwali! 🪔
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 8, 2026
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their religion, faith, colour or ethnicity.
The messages highlighted the importance of religious harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in building an inclusive society.
