KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said minorities’ rights will be protected in Pakistan at all cost.
Addressing a Diwali ceremony in Karachi on Wednesday, he said Pakistan is the motherland of all its inhabitants, irrespective of their caste, creed, or faith.
The Prime Minister said he does not believe in religious discrimination. He said every Pakistani has equal rights. Nawaz Sharif stressed the need for promoting religious harmony in the country.
He said the government will protect the oppressed irrespective of one’s religious alignment.
The Prime Minister announced establishment of Bhagat Kanwar Ram Medical Complex in Hyderabad and renovation of Baba Gurdwara Nankana Sahib.
Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn or spring every year. Diwali is one of the largest and brightest festivals in India. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of good over evil. The preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls between mid-October and mid-November.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family Puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
After Puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including sweets, and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. NNI
