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“Together against Hatred”: PM Shehbaz honors Hindu community on Diwali
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said there is no room for hatred, chaos, or terrorism in Pakistan as he extended warm Diwali greetings to the Hindu community.
Speaking at a Diwali celebration hosted at the Prime Minister’s House, Shehbaz Sharif praised the valuable contributions of all communities to Pakistan’s progress. He said the presence of representatives from diverse faiths reflected the true vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — a Pakistan where every citizen enjoys equal rights and freedoms.
The event was attended by senior religious and diplomatic figures, members of minority communities, and parliamentarians.
PM Shehbaz emphasised that all Pakistanis, regardless of faith, stand united for the country’s prosperity and to defeat those who seek to harm national unity. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the security forces in their fight against terrorism.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan’s Muslim majority has always shown solidarity with minority communities in difficult times and condemned any act of intolerance or violence against them.
Highlighting government initiatives for minority welfare, Shehbaz mentioned parliamentary representation, a 5% job quota, and scholarships for minority students as steps toward promoting equality and interfaith harmony.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kheal Das Kohistani, thanked the prime minister for organising the Diwali event at the PM House. He said Pakistanis stand united and will not allow anyone to spread hatred or division within society.
Kohistani also praised Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and DG ISPR for showing restraint and upholding peace during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in May, after India’s cross-border strikes. He noted that the Pakistan Army avoided targeting temples or civilians in India — a sharp contrast to Indian forces that attacked religious seminaries, women, and children.
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