President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world, pledging protection of minority rights as the festival was observed on Sunday.

In a message shared by the Prime Minister's Office, Mr Sharif described the Hindu community as an integral part of the national fabric and said the Constitution guarantees the protection of the religious and civil rights of minorities. “Warmest felicitations to all those celebrating Diwali in Pakistan and around the world. May this Festival of Lights bring you peace, health, happiness and prosperity. Happy Diwali!” he wrote on X.

The Indian Embassy in Islamabad also marked the occasion, celebrating Deepavali and Bandi Chhor Divas and sharing festive glimpses on social media. President Zardari joined the prime minister in sending warm wishes to Hindus in Pakistan and abroad, state media reported.

The greetings came as a new report raised concerns about the treatment of religious minorities. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in its seventh annual report titled “Sanctuary Denied: Freedom of Religion or Belief (2025/26)”, warned that minorities continue to face discrimination and violations of religious freedom.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is observed by Hindu communities across Pakistan, including in Karachi, Lahore and Sindh's districts, with prayers, lamps and family gatherings. The prime minister's message stressed religious harmony and peaceful coexistence between communities. Daily Imroz reported the leaders' messages on Sunday.