{
  "id": 18893736,
  "title": "President Zardari, PM Shehbaz wish Hindu community on Diwali, reaffirm commitment to minority rights",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-wish-hindu-community-on-diwali-reaffirm-18893736",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T08:10:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2043038/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-wish-hindu-community-on-diwali-reaffirm-commitment-to-minority-rights"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their wishes to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Diwali, emphasizing their dedication to minority rights. Diwali, a major Hindu festival, involves lighting lamps, worship, festivities, and prayers, symbolizing the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Celebrated over five days, it marks the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair.\n\nDuring his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted Diwali's message of peaceful coexistence and social harmony. He affirmed the Hindu community as an integral part of Pakistan's national fabric, stressing that the country's diversity is a valuable social asset. The prime minister reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding the religious and civil rights of minorities, as stipulated in the Constitution of Pakistan.\n\nPresident Zardari echoed these sentiments, describing Diwali as a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair. He emphasized that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens, regardless of religion, faith, color, or ethnicity. The president also highlighted Sindh province's rich cultural tapestry, where people of all faiths live in peace and harmony.",
  "summary": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and worldwide on the occasion of Diwali, reaffirming their commitment to minority rights. Diwali is a Hindu festival involving lighting candles, worship, celebrations and prayers. It is celebrated to mark the day when Hindu deity Lord Rama returned home after his 14-year…",
  "key_points": [
    "President Zardari and PM Shehbaz wish Hindu community on Diwali.",
    "Reaffirm commitment to minority rights in Pakistan.",
    "Emphasize Diwali's message of peace and harmony."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "‘The whole world is one family’: Diwali message from Hindu Maha Sabha",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/the-whole-world-is-one-family-diwali-message-from-hindu-maha-sabha",
        "published": "2026-11-08T04:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}