A mother paints her son’s face as they celebrate HolI in Mithi in Tharparkar district of Sindh on March 13, 2025. PHOTO: AFP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hailed the Hindu community celebrating Holi and called for stronger national efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, protect places of worship and foster mutual respect.
“Let us renew today our national determination to continue our common efforts for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous future, defending the values of tolerance, empathy and unity,” he said.
Highlighting the cultural significance of Holi, the Prime Minister said the festival reflects social harmony through vibrant colors and showcases the diversity of Pakistan.
He described the Hindu community as a valuable part of society, contributing to social harmony, economic development and peaceful coexistence.
“The Constitution guarantees religious freedom and human rights to all citizens without discrimination based on color, race, religion or belief. The government is the guardian of the constitutional rights of all minorities,” he added.
He also cited government initiatives, including the Interfaith Harmony Policy (2025) and the Religious Tolerance Strategy (2025), as measures to foster tolerance.
Read: Hindus celebrate the festival of Holi
President Asif Ali Zardari earlier urged the Hindu community to celebrate Holi in a simple and moderate manner this year, citing the security situation on Pakistan’s western border and heightened regional tensions. He called for unity and shared responsibility, while the Hindu Council of Pakistan endorsed his call, advising community members to exercise caution, avoid large-scale public events and cooperate with local authorities.
Similarly, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori extended Holi greetings to the Hindu community, describing the festival as “a beautiful celebration of colors, love and brotherhood.”
He said Sindh, known as the land of Sufis, is defined by tolerance and harmony, adding that minorities in Pakistan enjoy constitutional and religious freedom. The governor acknowledged the role of the Hindu community in the development and prosperity of the country, noting that Holi carries the message of erasing hatred and spreading colors of love and peace.
Learn more: President Zardari calls for simple Holi celebrations amid regional tensions
The advisory comes amid heightened regional uncertainty over the weekend after the United States and Israel launched what they described as a “pre-emptive” joint strike against targets in Iran, with US President Donald Trump announcing the start of “major combat operations”.
To compound concerns, Pakistan also launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against the Afghan Taliban following what officials described as “unprovoked firing” from across the border. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistani armed forces destroyed 182 Taliban posts and captured 31, signaling a sharp escalation along the western border.
Holi, often called the festival of colors, is a major Hindu spring festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Celebrated with colorful powders, festive gatherings and traditional sweets, it is observed by Hindu communities in Pakistan and the wider region.
