October 31, 2006	Tuesday	Shawwal 7, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 30: The ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) on Monday celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali in show of solidarity with the Hindu minority and announced to celebrate in few days the festivals relating to Baba Guru Nanak, Easter, Christmas and Holi.

The Hindu community participated in the function in large numbers and sung songs of Diwali and Holi, while their religious leaders performed various rituals.

At the function, speakers stressed interfaith harmony which was the teaching of Quaid-i-Azam who said all citizens of Pakistan were equal in status and rights.

They said the PML was a multi-faceted party encompassing membership from all faiths, which was necessary for a strong and vibrant Pakistan.

The speakers called for ending narrow mindedness and promotion of the spirit of tolerance and taking all segments along in the journey of progress.

Speaking on the occasion, PML Secretary-General Mushahid Hussain Sayed said all such functions were not held to appease anyone but to make the minorities realise that they were equal Pakistanis and part of us.

He said such functions reflected the ideology of enlightened moderation which gave Pakistan a boost at international level.

He called upon the minorities to play their role in making Pakistan strong and a land of peace and tranquillity.

Minister for Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq said all those living in Pakistan enjoyed equal rights irrespective of the faith they followed. All of them were patriotic Pakistanis.

He said Hindus were largest minority in the country followed by Christians and they had played constructive role in country’s uplift.