Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended greetings to the Hindu community globally, with a special focus on those in Pakistan, to mark the occasion of Diwali. In their individual messages, they highlighted the festival’s representation of light’s victory over darkness and its underlying message promoting peaceful coexistence.
According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari emphasized the collective responsibility to protect the rights of religious minorities. He acknowledged the Hindu community’s significant contributions to various sectors in Pakistan, including education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, and arts and culture. Prime Minister Sharif echoed these sentiments, describing the Hindu community as an integral part of Pakistan’s national fabric. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the rights, dignity, and religious freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.