In separate messages shared on Sunday, both leaders recognised the Hindu community’s contributions to Pakistan’s development and emphasised the importance of equal citizenship, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Zardari Highlights Hindu Community’s Role
President Asif Ali Zardari said Diwali represented the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair.
He said the festival’s message of compassion and renewal reminded people of their responsibility to bring light into the lives of others through kindness, understanding and care.
Describing Pakistan’s Hindu community as an integral part of national life, the president said its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture had enriched the country.
He paid tribute to the community’s role in national development and reaffirmed that Pakistan belonged equally to all its citizens.
Referring to the vision of the country’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, President Zardari said he had envisioned a state where faith, caste or creed would not stand in the way of equal citizenship and rights.
The president stressed that every citizen must be able to practise their religion freely, live with dignity and receive equal protection under the law.
Message from President Asif Ali Zardari on the Occasion of Diwali
On the joyous occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world.
The festival of lights celebrates the symbolism of triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. Its message of compassion and renewal reminds us that each of us can bring light into the lives of others through kindness, understanding, compassion and care.
Pakistan’s Hindu community is an integral part of our national life. Its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare, arts and culture have enriched our country. On this occasion, I pay tribute to these contributions and reaffirm that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a country where faith, caste or creed would be no barrier to equal citizenship and equal rights. We must honour that vision by ensuring that every citizen can practise their faith freely, live in dignity and enjoy equal protection under the law.
“For me, Quaid-e-Azam’s promise of equal citizenship is a sacred national commitment. The Pakistan Peoples Party’s tradition, carried forward by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, also calls upon us to defend that promise without fear or favour. No Pakistani should ever have to prove their belonging because of their faith. This country is their home, its freedoms are their right, and its future is theirs to shape.”
Diwali is also an occasion to strengthen the bonds that unite us as Pakistanis. By sharing in one another’s celebrations, standing together in times of difficulties and rejecting prejudice and discrimination, we can build a more just and compassionate society. Our diversity is not our weakness but a great strength. It should be clear to all of us that protecting the rights of religious minorities is our shared responsibility.
As families gather, pray and celebrate by lighting the lamps, my thoughts and good wishes are with all those celebrating. May the light of Diwali bring joy to your homes, comfort to those facing difficulties and renewed hope for the year ahead.
Happy Diwali!
Pakistan Zindabad!— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) November 7, 2026
Equal Rights a National Commitment
President Zardari described equal citizenship as a sacred national commitment and referred to the Pakistan Peoples Party’s tradition of defending this principle, carried forward by former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
He said no Pakistani should ever have to prove their belonging because of their religious beliefs, adding that every citizen had an equal right to the country’s freedoms and future.
The president also called for stronger bonds among communities, urging people to share one another’s celebrations, support each other during difficult times and reject prejudice and discrimination.
He described Pakistan’s diversity as a strength rather than a weakness and said protecting the rights of religious minorities was a shared responsibility.
Extending his wishes to those celebrating the festival, he expressed hope that Diwali would bring happiness to families, comfort to those facing difficulties and renewed hope for the coming year.
President, PM Reaffirm Commitment to Minority Rights on Diwali
PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Minority Protection
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to the Hindu community worldwide, particularly those living in Pakistan.
In a message issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he said Diwali symbolised the victory of light over hatred, intolerance and despair. He added that the festival carried an important message of peaceful coexistence in human relationships and society.
The prime minister described Pakistan’s Hindu community as a valued and integral part of the country’s national fabric, praising its contributions to social, cultural and economic development.
He said Pakistan took immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity, describing the country’s different traditions as a valuable social asset.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on the Occasion of Diwali, 8 November 2026.
On the joyous and auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt felicitations and warmest wishes to the Hindu community across the world, particularly those residing in Pakistan.
Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair. The festival of lights conveys a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life. The enduring belief in a bright, prosperous and hopeful future is one of the most cherished attributes of Diwali.
The Hindu community of Pakistan is a valued and integral part of our national fabric. Its invaluable contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of our country are worthy of the highest appreciation.
The diverse cultural and religious traditions within our society constitute a valuable social asset. Pakistan takes immense pride in its religious and cultural diversity.
The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the religious and civil rights of minorities. The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity. Promoting religious harmony, mutual unity and respect is our shared responsibility.
Our collective resolve is to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation. A society that embraces diverse cultures and traditions and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence is one that ensures equal educational and economic opportunities for all its citizens.
On this special occasion, let us renew our collective commitment to fostering interfaith harmony, strengthening the bonds of fraternity and brotherhood, and working together towards a brighter future founded on peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
I hope that all Pakistani Hindus celebrating Diwali will enjoy the vibrant and festive traditions of this joyous occasion to the fullest and share with society a message of peace, goodwill, happiness, prosperity and hope.
Heartfelt felicitations to the Hindu community on the joyous occasion of Diwali!
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) November 7, 2026
Government Pledges Equal Opportunities
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Constitution guaranteed the protection of minorities’ religious and civil rights. He reaffirmed that the government was firmly committed to safeguarding the dignity, rights and religious freedoms of every citizen, regardless of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity.
He stressed that promoting religious harmony, unity and mutual respect was a shared responsibility.
The prime minister said the government’s collective goal was to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation where all citizens could enjoy equal educational and economic opportunities.
He urged people to renew their commitment to interfaith harmony, fraternity and brotherhood, while working towards a future based on peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
Concluding his message, Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that members of Pakistan’s Hindu community celebrating Diwali would enjoy the festival and share its message of peace, goodwill, happiness, prosperity and hope with the wider society.
