{
  "id": 18887350,
  "title": "President, PM extend greetings to Hindus on Diwali, reaffirm commitment to minority rights, interfaith harmony",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/president-pm-extend-greetings-to-hindus-on-diwali-reaffirm-commitment",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T07:33:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2043038/president-pm-extend-greetings-to-hindus-on-diwali-reaffirm-commitment-to-minority-rights-interfaith-harmony"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent their best wishes to Pakistan's Hindu community and the global Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights. They emphasized that their government is fully committed to upholding minority rights, ensuring the dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their faith, ethnicity or background. Diwali is a vibrant festival that involves lighting candles, prayer, celebrations, and worship, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of light after a period of darkness.\n\nIn his message, President Zardari highlighted that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens, and the Hindu community is an integral part of the nation's social, cultural, and economic life. He reaffirmed that Pakistan adheres to the vision of its founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned a country where faith, caste, or creed would not be a barrier to equal citizenship and rights. President Zardari emphasized that the principles of equality and freedom enshrined in the Quaid's vision must be upheld for every Pakistani, irrespective of their religious beliefs. He urged the nation to reject prejudice and discrimination and embrace each other's celebrations, emphasizing that diversity is a strength that unites Pakistan.\n\nPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments in his message, stating that the Diwali festival conveys a profound message of peaceful coexistence and social harmony. The prime minister reiterated that the Hindu community is an invaluable part of Pakistan's national fabric, and the country takes great pride in its religious and cultural diversity. He stressed the government's commitment to protecting the religious and civil rights of minorities, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. PM Shehbaz called for interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and unity, emphasizing that a society embracing diverse cultures and traditions will ensure equal opportunities for all its citizens.",
  "summary": "President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and worldwide on the occasion of Diwali, reaffirming their commitment to minority rights. They underscored the government’s commitment to “safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity”. Diwali…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Express Tribune - Pakistan",
        "title": "President, PM extend Diwali greetings to Hindu community, reaffirm commitment to minority rights",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/president-pm-extend-diwali-greetings-to-hindu-community-reaffirm",
        "published": "2026-11-08T02:31:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Diwali lights the way for Zulu-Indian unity and shared prosperity",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/diwali-lights-the-way-for-zulu-indian-unity-and-shared-prosperity",
        "published": "2026-11-08T05:45:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "US, Iran, Pakistan, UAE and more: World leaders extend Diwali wishes, call for peace and prosperity",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/us-iran-pakistan-uae-and-more-world-leaders-extend-diwali-wishes-call",
        "published": "2026-11-08T05:53:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}