Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah after the creation of Pakistan had quite emphatically stated that everyone be he a Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Hindu or believer of any other faith living within geographical borders of this country is a citizen of Pakistan enjoying equal rights. As such members of all minorities are enjoying equal rights, freedom and liberty as guaranteed by the Constitution.
This is what Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has quite rightly reiterated in his message on the occasion of Divali festival of Hindu community by saying that the followers of all faiths are equal citizens of Pakistan and enjoy equal rights under the Constitution of the country..
Divali is the most colourful festival of Hindu community and a blend of celebration is a happy and festive mood throwing colours on each other without any hesitation and reservation. Celebration of Divali festival by Hindus without any fear or restrictions is ample indication of their enjoying equal rights and freedom of expression and association in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan. All this is appreciable and commendable, indeed.
MEEM ZAY
Lahore