Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community and other religious minorities, calling the festival “a beautiful message of joy, peace and tolerance,” and reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting minority rights.

Speaking at a special Diwali ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House, attended by religious leaders, diplomats and minority representatives, PM Shehbaz said the gathering reflected “the living reality of Pakistan’s pluralism.”

He reiterated that every citizen, regardless of faith, has the constitutional right to practise their religion freely and without fear.

Highlighting recent government steps, the prime minister said institutional and policy measures were being strengthened to ensure minority protections, including parliamentary work to provide a firmer legal foundation for the proposed National Commission for Minorities.

He also mentioned scholarship and inclusion programmes to enhance representation of minority communities in education and public institutions.

Praising minorities for their contributions to national development, Shehbaz said their patriotism and service were a source of pride.

“Muslims and non-Muslims must work shoulder to shoulder to reject hatred, intolerance and extremism,” he said.