President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to the Hindu community around the world, particularly in Pakistan, on the occasion of Diwali.

In their separate messages, they said Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair and the festival of lights also conveys a profound message of promoting peaceful coexistence in human relations and social life.

President Asif Ali Zardari said it should be clear to all of us that protecting the rights of religious minorities is our shared responsibility.

The President termed Pakistan's Hindu community as an integral part of national life and said its contributions to education, healthcare, business, public service, social welfare and arts and culture have enriched the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Hindu community as an integral part of national fabric.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed government's commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and religious freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, colour or ethnicity.