Pakistan's leaders greet Hindus on Diwali and pledge minority rights
Both leaders promised to protect the religious freedoms of all citizens, and Zardari called minority rights a shared national responsibility.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent Diwali wishes to Hindus around the world on Sunday, with particular attention to those living in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported.
In separate messages, the two leaders described Diwali as a victory of light over hatred, intolerance and hopelessness.
They also said the festival promotes peaceful coexistence in personal relations and social life.
Zardari said it ought to be obvious to everyone that "protecting the rights of religious minorities is our shared responsibility."
The president described Hindus as a core part of national life, saying their work in education, health care, business, public service, welfare, and arts and culture has enriched the country.
Prime Minister Sharif described the Hindu community as woven into the nation's social fabric.
Sharif said the government is committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of every citizen, regardless of religion, faith or ethnicity.
Diwali is one of the most widely observed festivals in Hinduism, and it is marked by lighting lamps, which is why it is known as the festival of lights.
Pakistan's constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens and provides for the protection of minority rights.
Hindus are among the country's longest-established religious communities and form one of its largest non-Muslim groups.
