PESHAWAR: The peaceful coexistence of the followers of different faiths is vital for peace and stability of Pakistan, said speakers during a Diwali function here on Wednesday night.

They said just like the festival of Diwali symbolised the triumph of goodness over evil, all religions propagated humanity, honesty, truthfulness and goodness and highlighted importance of extending respect and love to fellow human beings.

The colourful event held at a local hotel was attended by members of Hindu, Sikh and Christian minorities and representatives of civil society organisations.

Hindu festival celebrated in Peshawar

The venue was heavily illuminated and decorated with flowers, especially marigolds, while most participants were clad in colourful attires with women wearing floral bracelets.

The guests cut a cake showing unity among members of different religions and prayed for the country’s peace and development.

As Diwali is known as the festival of lights, the participants lit earthen lamps.

A group of youths from Kohat sang special Diwali songs.

The participants observed one-minute silence to pay homage to late Maulana Samiul Haq and police officer Mohammad Tahir Dawar, who were recently killed.

Minority MPA Ravi Kumar said the PTI’s federal and provincial governments were committed to extending equal rights to members of religious minorities.

He said the provincial government had taken the initiative of holding a gathering of the representatives of all religious minorities from across the province last year but that didn’t take place this year due to delay in the passage of the budget.

The MPA however said the event would take place soon.

“We all have to work for the development of the country for which unity and coordination between different faiths are important,” he said.

Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women Rubina Messy said Peshawar was known as the city of flowers, while its diversity of religion depicted different floral colours.

“This colourful diversity is the beauty of Peshawar valley,” she said.

Nazim of Peshawar Town-I Zahid Nadeem said he was happy to see the people from different faiths share joys and sorrows of each other.

He said the country’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, had also said all residents of Pakistan would be free to live life in accordance with their faiths.

Baba Gorpal Singh, a representative of Sikh community, said members of all religions should spread the message of tolerance and love.

Pandat Sham Lal highlighted the importance of Diwali in Hinduism.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2018