A mother paints her son’s face as they celebrate HolI in Mithi, Tharparkar district of Sindh on March 13, 2025. PHOTO: AFP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday greeted the Hindu community celebrating Holi and called for a stronger national effort to promote interfaith dialogue, protect places of worship and promote mutual respect.
“Let us renew our national resolve today to continue our joint efforts for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous future, upholding the values of tolerance, empathy and unity,” he said.
Highlighting the cultural significance of Holi, the Prime Minister said the festival reflected social harmony through vibrant colors and showcased Pakistan’s diversity.
He described the Hindu community as a valuable part of society that contributes to social harmony, economic development and peaceful coexistence.
“The Constitution guarantees religious freedom and human rights to all citizens without discrimination based on colour, race, religion or creed. 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 steps towards promoting tolerance.
Read: Hindus celebrate the Holi festival
President Asif Ali Zardari earlier urged the Hindu community to celebrate Holi in a simple and restrained 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 Pakistan Hindu Council supported his appeal, advising community members to exercise caution, avoid large public events and cooperate with local authorities.
Similarly, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori sent Holi greetings to the Hindu community, describing the festival as “a beautiful celebration of colours, 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. Acknowledging the role of the Hindu community in the country’s development and prosperity, the governor noted that Holi carries the message of erasing hatred and spreading the colors of love and peace.
Read more: President Zardari calls for simple Holi celebrations amid regional tensions
The advisory comes amid heightened regional uncertainty over the weekend after the US and Israel launched what they described as a “preemptive” joint strike against targets in Iran, with US President Donald Trump announcing the start of “major combat operations”.
Of greater concern, Pakistan has 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 Pakistan’s armed forces had destroyed 182 Taliban positions 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 colored powder, festive gatherings and traditional sweets, it is observed by Hindu communities across Pakistan and the wider region.
