The Hindu community across Pakistan and around the world is celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor today.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and the Sindh government extended warm greetings to the Hindu community.

Temples across the country, especially in Sindh and southern Punjab, were illuminated with lamps and colorful decorations as families gathered to perform puja, exchange sweets, and pray for prosperity and peace.

“Light overcoming darkness, hope overcoming despair,” PM Sharif

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair. He noted that Pakistan’s religious diversity strengthens the nation’s unity and cultural richness.

Appreciating the role of the Hindu community in Pakistan’s social, political, and economic development, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing equal rights and freedoms to all citizens as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He expressed hope that the festival would promote peace, prosperity, and brotherhood across the country.

Maryam Nawaz

Extending her heartfelt greetings, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that Diwali’s light carries the message of peace, goodwill, and harmony.

She announced that a ‘Special Minority Card’ has been issued to provide various facilities to minority communities. She further revealed plans for a ‘Minority Virtual Police Station’ under the Safe Punjab Vision to ensure quick and effective access to justice for minority citizens.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the government remains committed to fostering a society rooted in mutual respect and inclusion.

Bilawal Bhutto

In his Diwali message, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the festival reminds everyone that light always triumphs over darkness.

He reiterated his party’s vision for a progressive Pakistan where people of all religions can live together in peace, love, and mutual respect.

Public holiday

Sindh government spokesperson Sukhdev Himnani extended Diwali greetings, announcing a public holiday for the Hindu community as per tradition.

The main Diwali event in Karachi is being held at the Governor House, where Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori is serving as the chief guest. The celebration features puja, a cake-cutting ceremony, and special prayers for Pakistan’s prosperity.

Special events and fireworks have also been arranged in various temples, including the historic Swaminarayan Temple, where people of different faiths are participating to express solidarity and interfaith unity.