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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has wished the Hindu community in Pakistan on the festive occasion of Holi being observed today.
“Wishing all our Hindu community a very happy Holi, the festival of colours,” said the prime minister on Twitter. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri have also greeted the Hindu community on their religious festival.
In his congratulatory message, Qaiser expressed his delight on this auspicious occasion and said that Pakistan was a pluralistic country that was enriched with cultural diversity and celebrates each of them with equal zeal and zest. He also recognised the rich contributions of the Hindu community in prosperity and development of the country.
NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri also conveyed his warm greetings to his fellow Hindu members of the National Assembly and the Hindu community celebrating this festival. He also appreciated their contribution in national development, fostering national unity and cohesion.
Wishing all our Hindu community a very happy Holi, the festival of colours.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 28, 2021
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended Holi greetings to the Hindu community and all those celebrating the ancient in Pakistan and across the world.
In his message, Bilawal said that the message of Holi was of love, peace and brotherhood signifying the triumph of good over evil. He further said that at a time when intolerance and extremism are on the rise everywhere, the importance and usefulness of promoting the message of Holi is of paramount importance.
Bilawal said that all the minorities are enjoying equal rights in Pakistan guaranteed through the unanimous 1973 Constitution given to the nation by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He appealed to those celebrating Holi to offer special prayers for the eradication of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the security and prosperity of Pakistan.
Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the “festival of love”, the “festival of colours”, and the “festival of spring.”
Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love and for many it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season.
According to a rough estimate, there are around 10 million Hindus in Pakistan as of 2020. In Sindh, which has maximum Hindu population (6.51 per cent), the authorities have been directed to release Rs188.2 million for disbursement of salaries and pension to the KMC employees ahead of Holi.
The Sindh government has also a public holiday for the Hindu community on Monday, March 29.
