Web desk: A Diwali Ceremony at PM House is being held to celebrate the festival with traditional lights and festivities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community and said that Diwali is a beautiful message of happiness, peace and tolerance.
The PM reiterated Quaid e Azams message regarding the freedom of minorities in Pakistan.
He stated that Pakistans minorities are all equal, and all have equal rights. “All religions have the full right to practice their religious rituals without any fear or intimidation,” said PM Shehbaz.
In his message, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s minority community has played a proud role on every front and we are proud and honoured of our minorities.
He said that Muslim and non-Muslim Pakistanis together fight the attacks against the beloved homeland vigorously.
Shehbaz Sharif clarified that all minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete religious freedom. The majority of Pakistan has always condemned the injustices done to minorities.
He said that the minority community has rendered valuable services in education, health and other sectors.
The Prime Minister said that minorities are represented in all political parties of Pakistan, while minorities also have full representation in the Senate and provincial assemblies.
He said that the federal cabinet has approved the Interfaith Harmony Policy, while the National Minorities Commission Bill has been passed by the Senate and the National Assembly.
Scholarships for Minority Students
Scholarships are being given to minority students, and minority youth are being included in various projects under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.
Shahbaz Sharif said that a 5 per cent quota is reserved for minorities in government jobs, and minorities are also given holidays on religious festivals.
He said that Pakistan is a land of peace, harmony and tolerance, there is no room for hatred, sedition, chaos and terrorism here.
Previously, a public holiday was announced across Sindh for the Hindu community.
