President and PM extend Diwali greetings to Hindu community

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate messages on Sunday extending Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and globally. Both leaders highlighted the festival's themes of hope, compassion, and the victory of good over evil. According to Dawn, the leaders reaffirmed a commitment to safeguarding the religious freedoms and rights of all citizens.

President Zardari noted that the Hindu community is an integral part of national life, contributing to sectors such as healthcare, education, business, and the arts.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Hindu community as a valued part of the national fabric and stated that Pakistan takes pride in its religious and cultural diversity. Dawn reports that the Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to protecting minority rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. The five-day festival marks the return of Lord Rama from a 14-year exile and involves traditions such as lighting candles, prayers, and cleaning houses to welcome the goddess Lakshmi.

In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa featured a special Diwali display on Saturday night. Gulf News reports that the 828-metre landmark lit up the skyline with messages in English and Hindi wishing viewers brightness, joy, and prosperity.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Times, Dawn - Pakistan, Dawn, Gulf News — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.