The festival of lights “Diwali” was celebrated in temples Lahore and across the country under the administrative control of the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). Diwali celebrations were held in functional temples of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security arrangements were made to ensure the safety of Hindu citizens. Additional Secretary Shrines, Nasir Mushtaq, extended felicitations to the Hindu community on Diwali. On this occasion, special prasad and Eid gifts were distributed among the Hindu community.

The central ceremony was held at Krishna Mandir on Ravi Road, Lahore, which was decorated like a bride with electric bulbs, colorful lights, and flowers, while traditional illumination was also done. Under the supervision of Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, complete arrangements were ensured including security, cleanliness, lighting, parking, drinking water and seating.

A large number of Muslim, Sikh, Christian and people from other faiths, along with Hindu religious leaders, attended the event. The participants offered special prayers for peace, brotherhood, religious harmony and prosperity in the country. Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq cut the Diwali cake along with the Hindu community, distributed special prasad and gifts, and hosted a lavish dinner for the guests.

Addressing the ceremony, Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq said that Diwali celebrations are a practical example of promoting interfaith harmony and religious tolerance in Pakistan. Like India and the rest of the world, the Hindu community living in Pakistan celebrated its traditional festival with reverence and respect.
He added that Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Bhagwan Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years, and in this connection homes and temples are illuminated as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. According to the Hindu calendar, the new year also begins from this day.