President Zardari and PM Shehbaz Reaffirm Commitment to Minority Rights in Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world, reaffirming the government’s commitment to minority rights and religious harmony.

In separate messages posted on X on Sunday, both leaders recognised the Hindu community’s contributions to Pakistan’s development. They also called for equal citizenship, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.

President Zardari described Diwali as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. He said the festival’s message of compassion and renewal encouraged people to bring light into others’ lives through kindness and understanding.

Zardari Highlights Hindu Community’s Contributions

The president said Pakistan’s Hindu community remained an integral part of national life. He praised its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture.

“Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens,” he said.

Referring to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Zardari recalled the founder’s commitment to a state where faith, caste or creed would not prevent citizens from enjoying equal rights.

He said every citizen must have the freedom to practise their religion, live with dignity and receive equal protection under the law.

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The president also described equal citizenship as a national commitment. He referred to the Pakistan Peoples Party’s political tradition, carried forward by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, as one that defended this principle.

Zardari stressed that no Pakistani should have to prove their belonging because of their faith. He said the country belonged equally to all citizens and that everyone had a role in shaping its future.

He urged people to strengthen national unity by sharing one another’s celebrations, supporting each other during difficult times and rejecting prejudice and discrimination.

The president described diversity as a national strength and said protecting minority rights remained a shared responsibility. He also wished the Hindu community happiness, comfort and renewed hope during Diwali.

Shehbaz Calls for Religious Harmony and Equal Opportunities

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to Hindus worldwide, particularly members of Pakistan’s Hindu community.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he said Diwali represented the triumph of light over hatred, intolerance and despair.

He described the festival as a reminder of the importance of peaceful coexistence in society and human relationships.

Shehbaz praised the Hindu community’s contributions to Pakistan’s social, cultural and economic development. He also said the country took pride in its religious and cultural diversity.

The prime minister noted that Pakistan’s Constitution protected the religious and civil rights of minorities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and religious freedoms of every citizen, regardless of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity.

He said promoting religious harmony, unity and mutual respect was a shared responsibility.

Shehbaz added that the government aimed to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation by ensuring equal educational and economic opportunities for all citizens.

He urged Pakistanis to strengthen interfaith harmony, fraternity and mutual understanding. He also expressed hope that Diwali celebrations would spread peace, goodwill, happiness, prosperity and hope across society.