PM Nawaz Sharif attends diwali function

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said all the religious communities living in Pakistan enjoyed equal rights and reiterated his stance to safeguards their rights.

“Every community living here whether Hindu, Muslim or Parsi, everyone belongs to me and I belong to them. I am a Prime Minister of all communities,” he said addressing a ceremony to mark the Hindu religious event of Dewali.

The Prime Minister conveying his warm greetings to the huge gathering of Hindu community underlined the need for forging further unity among all the communities.

He said it was his duty as the Prime Minister to protect rights of all the communities and stand with them against any oppression.

“It’s my duty to help and facilitate you. If you are in distress, I will stand with you. Even if a Muslim commits an injustice, I will stand with the victim,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that it was the lesson taught by Islam, by his forefathers and by all religions of the world.

He also announced construction of Bhagat Kunwar Medical Complex in Hyderabad and Guru Nanak Gurdwara.

The Prime Minister said it was his agenda to forge unity among all the religious communities and called for assisting each other in the time of need.

He said he felt immense pleasure in attending the event and told the organizers to invite him to all religious events of various communities.

“Even I would like to be among you in the colourful event of Holi in which multi-colours are sprayed,” he added.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the message of religious hymns read out in the ceremony by saying that it was also his agenda to stand against the tyrant. He also lauded the role played by the Hindu community in the development of the country and said, they played significant role in the realms of education, judiciary, health and sports and produced notable personalities.

The Prime Minister said that Dewali brings, a message of light and an effort to remove darkness from life. He referred to his family’s historical background and said that the close heart waves among people living together for years never fade away.

Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Sindh Governor Ishartul Ibad and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah were also present on the occasion.

Ismail Raho, Krishan Chan Advani and other Hindu elders also expressed their views and appreciated Prime Minister’s presence. They lauded Prime Minister’s vision of Pakistan and said that the government’s policies would lead the countrymen to an era of progress and prosperity. The Hindu elders also vowed to work for the peace, progress and integrity of the country.