President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world, calling for religious harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

In a message issued by the Prime Minister's Office on 8 November, Mr Sharif said Diwali symbolised the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair. He described the Hindu community of Pakistan as a valued and integral part of the national fabric, praising its contributions to the country's social, cultural and economic development.

President Zardari, in his own message, said Diwali stood for the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. He reaffirmed the state's commitment to protecting the rights of religious minorities, and said the Hindu community was an integral part of Pakistan's national life.

The Foreign Office also issued a message, saying it hoped Diwali would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to those celebrating in Pakistan and around the world, while strengthening harmony, unity and mutual respect.

The greetings came as Hindus marked Diwali, the festival of lights, on 8 November. The messages were welcomed by community representatives, while attention also turned to a recent report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which warned that religious minorities continue to face discrimination and violations of religious freedom. The commission's seventh annual report on freedom of religion or belief called for stronger protection of minority rights.