I S L A M A B A D : Pakistan’s leadership has called for interfaith harmony on the occasion of Diwali, urging the protection of minority rights and stressing that the country’s socio-cultural diversity remains a source of collective national strength.
‘Pakistan’s Hindu community is an integral part of our national life. Its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture have enriched our country. On this occasion, I pay tribute to these contributions and reaffirm that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens,’ President Asif Ali Zardari said.
He said Diwali was also an occasion to strengthen the bonds that united Pakistanis. By sharing in one another’s celebrations, standing together in times of difficulty and rejecting prejudice and discrimination, the country could build a more just and compassionate society.
‘Our diversity is not our weakness but a great strength. It should be clear to all of us that protecting the rights of religious minorities is our shared responsibility,’ he said.
According to him, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a country where faith, caste or creed would be no barrier to equal citizenship and equal rights.
‘We must honour that vision by ensuring that every citizen can practise their faith freely, live in dignity and enjoy equal , protection under the law, he said.
Mr Zardari extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world, reiterating that its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture had enriched the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Hindu community of Pakistan was avalued and integral part of the national fabric, and its invaluable contributions to the country’s social, cultural and economic development deserved the highest appreciation.
‘The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset.
Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity,’ he said.
The prime minister said the Constitution guaranteed the protection of the religious and civil rights of minorities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity, adding that promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect was a shared responsibility.
‘Our collective resolve is to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation.
A society that embraces diverse cultures and traditions and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence is one that ensures equal educational and economic opportunities for all its citizens,’ he said.
He extended felicitations and warm wishes to the Hindu community across the world, particularly those residing in Pakistan.
Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal BhuttoZardari also extended congratulations and warm wishes to the Hindu community in Pakistan and everyone celebrating Diwali around the world.
The PPP chairman said every lamp lit for Diwali carried a message of peace, hope, love and light, rising above distinctions of religion, colour and race to brighten every heart and home.
He said the Hindu community was an inseparable part of Pakistan and its contribution to nationbuilding and development was invaluable.
‘Our joys and our sorrows are shared,’ he said.