Islamabad: On the occasion of Diwali, President Asif Ali Zardari extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the globe, underscoring the celebration as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari highlighted the integral role of Pakistan’s Hindu community in various sectors such as education, healthcare, business, and the arts, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s enrichment. He reaffirmed the equal belonging of all citizens to Pakistan, resonating with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated for a nation free from barriers of faith, caste, or creed.

President Zardari emphasized the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to defending equal citizenship rights, referencing the party’s tradition established by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. He stressed that no Pakistani should have to prove their belonging based on faith, asserting that the country’s freedoms and future are the rights of all its citizens.

The message also reflected on Diwali as a time to strengthen national unity, urging Pakistanis to embrace diversity, reject discrimination, and protect the rights of religious minorities. President Zardari’s wishes extended to all those celebrating, expressing hope for joy, comfort, and renewed hope in the year ahead.