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 greater national efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, protect places of worship and foster mutual respect.
“Let us renew today our national determination 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 importance of Holi, the prime minister said the festival reflected social harmony through vibrant colors and showcased the diversity of Pakistan.
He described the Hindu community as a valuable part of the society, contributing to social harmony, economic development and peaceful coexistence.
“The Constitution guarantees religious freedom and human rights to all citizens without discrimination on the basis of 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 Policy for Interfaith Harmony (2025) and the Strategy for Religious Tolerance (2025), as steps towards fostering tolerance.
Read: Hindus celebrate the Holi festival
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 rising regional tensions. He called for unity and shared responsibility, while the Pakistan Hindu Council endorsed his call and advised community members to exercise caution, avoid large-scale public events and cooperate with local authorities.
Similarly, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori extended his Holi greetings to the Hindu community and described 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. The governor acknowledged the role of the Hindu community in the development and prosperity of the country and noted that Holi carries the message of erasing hatred and spreading the colors of love and peace.
Read more: President Zardari urges simple Holi celebrations amid regional tensions
The warning comes amid heightened regional uncertainty over the weekend after the United States and Israel launched what they described as a “preemptive” joint strike against targets in Iran, and US President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations.”
Compounding 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 Pakistan’s armed forces had destroyed 182 Taliban posts and captured 31, indicating a sharp escalation along the western border.
Holi, often called the festival of colors, is an important 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 across Pakistan and the wider region.
