President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the Hindu community in Pakistan to “celebrate the festival of Holi in a simple and restrained manner” this year, in view of the prevailing situation on the country’s western border and the wider regional tensions.

“While Pakistan takes pride in its religious and cultural diversity, the current circumstances call for moderation and reflection,” he said in a statement by the President’s Secretariat.

He appealed that “public festivities and large gatherings be toned down”, keeping in mind the security environment and the “need for national cohesion”.