Muslims join Hindus in Diwali celebrations in Pakistan's Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Muslims, Christians and Sikhs joined Hindus in a rare Diwali celebrations in Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

The event was organised by All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement Chairman Haroon Sarab Diyal at the premises of ancient Gor Khattree monument here on Saturday night.

Provincial Minister for Mineral and Labour Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli was the chief guest at the event which was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs Sardar Soran Singh and lawmaker Shaukat Yousafzai.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned religious scholar and Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs Qari Roohullah Madani said the gathering of people of diversified faith on occasion of Diwali ceremony reflected strong bonds of brotherhood and harmony among people of Pakistan.

"In our country, minorities are enjoying full liberty to live and perform their religious celebrations in free atmosphere," he said.

In his address, Diyal said the "objective of holding this unique gathering was to give a message to the outer world that mutual co-existence does exist in Pakistan where every one is free to live his life in accordance with his wishes and religious norms."

He said Hindu community has decided to organise Seerat- un-Nabi conference in Peshawar on the occasion of the Prophet's birthday next month.

Former information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said the impression of religious intolerance created due to bombing of mosques, churches and temples by terrorists has vanished.

"This year's Diwali celebration has proved that peace is restored and minorities are free in practicing their religion and in celebrations of festivals," lawmaker Yousafzai said.

Provincial minister Tahirkheli appreciated the idea of inviting people of diversified faiths at Diwali celebrations.

She said that in the same manner, the upcoming Christmas celebrations will be celebrated jointly and in April the Baisaki festival of Sikhs will be attended by Muslims, Christians and Hindus.