Islamabad, 8 November, 2026 (Ghufran): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended warm greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of minorities in Pakistan. In his message, President Zardari described the Hindu community as an integral part of Pakistan’s national life and appreciated its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture. He said safeguarding the rights of religious minorities was a shared responsibility and stressed that every citizen must have the freedom to practise their faith, live with dignity and enjoy equal protection under the law. Referring to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the president said that religion, caste or creed should never become a barrier to equal citizenship and fundamental rights. He added that Diwali provided an opportunity to strengthen national unity and promote mutual respect by sharing in each other’s celebrations, supporting one another during difficult times and rejecting prejudice and discrimination. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Hindu community, acknowledging its valuable contributions to Pakistan’s social, cultural and economic development. He said the country’s diverse religious and cultural traditions were a valuable social asset and a source of national pride. The prime minister emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed the religious and civil rights of minorities, adding that the government remained committed to protecting the dignity, rights and religious freedoms of all citizens without discrimination based on religion, faith, colour or ethnicity. He further stated that a society built on cultural diversity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect must ensure equal educational and economic opportunities for everyone. On the occasion, the prime minister called for renewed efforts to promote interfaith harmony, strengthen bonds of brotherhood and fraternity, and work collectively towards a peaceful, tolerant and prosperous future founded on mutual understanding.