KARACHI: Hindu communities in Pakistan and across the globe marked the festival of Diwali on Monday, observing the occasion with traditional rituals, prayers, and festive celebrations.
Special ceremonies are being organized in temples to mark the occasion, where devotees light earthen lamps in remembrance of Lord Rama’s return, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
The festival commemorates the sacrifices of Shri Ram Chandra Ji, who spent nearly fourteen years in exile, spreading the teachings and values of Hinduism.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the Hindu community in Pakistan and abroad on the joyous occasion of Diwali.
In a message on the occasion of Diwali, President said, “As our Hindu citizens and millions around the world celebrate Diwali, this festival reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.”
He said, “The celebration of Diwali reminds us of the universal values of peace, compassion and harmony that are shared across faiths. These values are at the heart of our national life and reflect the principles of mutual respect and coexistence that Islam itself upholds.”
“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and complete freedom of religion to all citizens, reaffirming our commitment to a society where people of every faith live together in dignity and mutual respect,” he added.
The President said, “Our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan where minorities would enjoy equal rights and opportunities and where every citizen could freely practice their religion. The Hindu community has been an integral part of our social, cultural, and economic fabric since the country’s inception. Their contributions in education, commerce, and public service have enriched our shared national life.”
“To our Hindu community across Pakistan, I convey my sincere wishes for happiness, prosperity, and peace. May the light of Diwali bring joy to your homes and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one nation. Happy Diwali,” he concluded.
PM Shehbaz Sharif extending Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world, reiterated his government’s commitment to providing equal rights and opportunities for progress to all communities, irrespective of their beliefs.
The prime minister, in his message on Diwali being celebrated today, said that the “festival of lights” reflected the light prevailing over darkness and hope over despair.
“As we celebrate Diwali, let us collectively look toward a future filled with positivity and unity. As Pakistanis, we take pride in the diversity of our society, which strengthens our national fabric and enriches our shared culture,” he remarked.
He expressed the pleasure over Pakistanis from Hindu and other minority communities working shoulder to shoulder with their Muslim countrymen for the progress of our country.
Concluding his message with “Happy Diwali,” the prime minister prayed that the “festival of lights” brought peace and prosperity to the lives of Hindu community and fostered unity and brotherhood among people of all faiths in the country.
