“PTI believes in forming relationships with all the religious parties on the basis of equality and every citizen should be treated equally despite their ethnic or lingual origin” said a statement issued from the PTI central secretariat.
The statement also said that PTI will put these norms in practice when it enters the power corridors.
Hindus, along with their friends from other faiths, are all set to celebrate Diwali today (Wednesday). The festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for five days.
The main pooja will be held at Krishna Temple, Ravi Road and Balmiki Temple, Anarkali in Lahore.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board will distribute sweets and fruit among the participants at Krishna temple.
COMMENTS (85)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1714024018-0/ModiLara-(1)1714024018-0-270x192.webp)
Incredible!!!...........We as Indo-Canadian feel proud of such leaders who has the guts to wish "hindus" in Pakistan. Has heard all negative treatment towards minorities and forcefully conversion of hindus to accept Islam. If Pakistan accepts "multiculturalism" nothing like it.
What's wrong with Imran Khan? Has he gone senile?
Pakistan Army is behind Imran Khan. He will be the next Prime Minister.
It is extremely wonderful to greet other religions on their days of celebrations. Islam teaches to care and love for all mankind and Allah is for every human beings. If any Indians say Eid Mubarak we feel happy and the same is true for other side too.We must respect other religions after all Muslims are living not only in Pakistan alone but many of the Muslims lives in non Muslim countries. I salute Imran Khan to say happy Diwali to Hindus.It shows his tolerance to other religions.
That is the way our Imran Khan is ,minorities should be respected and given rights open heartedly.@Rasheed how narrow minded u r,i think u have forgotten comments of our PATRIOTIC leader Nawaz Sharif in favour of India a month earlier.
Imran Khan is an able & honest man. I see good leadership qualities in Imran Khan. Wish him all the best in his political career. Let the almight guide him to take back Pakistan from the present crisis it face so that India & Pakistan can become friendly nations.
The only person who can save Pakistan is Imran Khan, we are waiting impatiently to see him on the big seat...
@Asad: Truth is NOT. Christians and Hindus faces persecution and the Hindu group who migrated from Sindh,Pakistan to India are openly telling they faced huge discrimination and their businesses were running in lose due to looting from the radical muslims who incidently are their villagers only. frequently they faced threatening from the village Muslims. the Mandir(temple), they as a last resort shifted inside to their House in order to save from Muslims vandalizing it. this is told to Me in person. whether to believe it or not is reader's wish. I know Christians are considered the lowest strata people in Pakistan. sad! Be Open to this: Yours is a Islamic Republic of Sunni Muslims. You made this Nation for Islam and Muslims only. Those Non Muslims living in Pakistan are directly enjoying the Mercy of being allowed to Live there; leave alone any "rights". Even the Kitabiya are not spared - the Christians they and Quadiyanis face more discrimination is a open truth. what to Hide when the nation built for Muslims naturally cares for Muslims only.
Imran was a great cricketeer. He can and should rise above petty and divisive politics, and wisely become a leader. A great leader, that we can leave to history to decide. Pakistan does not need the sharif and zardaris who are incapable of standing upto the generals.
@Rasheed: you have got to be joking!! Mian sahab? a true leader? ha
open your mind my brother and smell the revolution....its your demise.
well done Imran Khan.
Happy Diwali, everyone. Now will ET also write an article about me?
Thank you so much Khan.... we hope only from you for coming election and you will be valuable for society and being a good example for economic improvement ...
Thank you so much Khan... i hope you will be valuable for society. .....
Happy Deepawali to all our brothern both side, for we this Deepawali gift is F1 which is helding on 30th at NOIDA, Delhi National Capital Region.
There is nothin like IMRAN KHAN in Pakistan
@Rasheed:
U cant b serious
@Falcon Just repeat a sigle word he said when nealy 100 Ahmadis were massacred in Lahore last year.Imran saheb, the day i met you couple of years ago when you came to Delhi to attend the Hindustan Times summit, i was pretty sure that here is a man who can lead Pakistan to another level. He is a statesman, who can make Pakistan of the dreams of Mr.M.A.Jinnah. And i am proud of him beacuse like me he has Jalandhar connections. His mother was a Jalandhar girl. His Nana ji established Islamia College there in good old days of pre-partition. Hail Imran.
@Amjad: We celebrate Eidu Fitr and eid ul Adha. Jalsa Salana is our annual congregation for spiritual growth and development. It should not be considered as a festive occasion. I dont know what made you say Jalsa Salana mubarak, correct me if I have misunderstood, it seems to have a connotation that it is a celebration of Ahmadiyya community. The successful happening of the event is a matter of pride we do extend mubarakbad to each other, but it cannot be seen as festive celebration. We fast in Ramadan and celebrate Eidul Ftr and sacrifice animal in Eid ul Adha.
@Rasheed:
GROW UP. We have been doing this last 50+ years and nothing good happened. It is time to check reality and prepare yourself accordingly. The time has come when we should open our arms for everyone or any religion.
@Asad: Could you please not mention Ahmadies with other faiths, If nothing else, please consider that Hindus, christains and Sikhs are polytheist and Ahmedies are certainly not. Please understand that anybody who claims to be a muslim should be considered a muslim. It is by no means a societal or state responsibility to identify an individual’s faith. It is important for muslims to make an effort and explore and not depend on religious cleric on matters of faith.
Let me try to comprehend. A Pakistani leader wishes Happy Diwali to Hindus and it becomes a national news! Wow!
My conclusion from this is, Pakistan has a long way to go when it comes to the rights and welfare of its vastly depleted minority.
PTI & Imran Khan respect all religions & their religous festivals. Happy Dewali to all hindu brothers.
Yes indeedi, hope Lakshmi devi visits and graces the land with blessings and smiles! Light it up!
Imran Khan Hope you meant it, a visit would be even better !!!!! A good step
@Rasheed: Imran Khan is right to wish Happy Diawali to the Hindu community and he is just as correct when he wishes Christians Merry Christmas, Ahmadis Jalsa Salana Mubarak, and celebrations to the Ismailis. All the minority citizens of Pakistan deserve the respect and love of the majority. Imran Khan is a true patriot and he deserves to be elected in the next elections as Prime Minister of the state. The Quaid promised to defend all the citizens of Pakistan equally and Imran Khan is a statesman who understand the message of the Quaid.
@Asad How do u know minorities are in good positions in Pakistan? You know it’s even hard to get average job if your name is John, David or Ram :-)…its even worse if you are Ahamdi.
@Faraz depicted true picture of minorities situation in Pakistan.
imran khan was always a play boy .Dont forget his affair with Zeenat Aman.he is almost 60s and now he is playing in the hands of Mr zardari.PTI young supporter(immature) have a very short memory
In India and also in many western countries, non muslim polticians arrange Iftar parties and Eid Milan gatherings at their residences. I will be very pleased if Imran arranges Diwali Function at his home. It will clear all doubts and people like me will shut their mouths for ever.
How can Imran Khan do this? Is it acceptable to his allies & the islamic parties? What are his views on Blasphemy laws? Imran khan should have the guts to clarify his take on minorities!
A true, sincere, honest & visionary leader of pakistan. We all PTI workers wish a "Happy Diwali" to our Hindu brothers.
While I am generally skeptical of Imran Khan due to his inability to stand up to the Deep State (GHQ + ISI) complex, this is a good gesture on his behalf and should not be overlooked. With that in mind, if Imran Khan really wants to be Pakistan's savior, he should think about how he is going to create peace in Pakistan and end the amount of intolerance and hatred towards minority groups (Shias, Ahmaddiyas, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, etc.).
Imran Khan seems to be different from rest of the political breed.
How many people would like to see Imran Khan as next Prime Minister of Pakistan?
I want your vote.
Thanks a lot! Wish you good luck in your career.
@Ch Allah Daad: He always speaks against brutalities committed against minorities and you can find the evidence on PTI website. In this case too, IK actually said it yesterday and ET published today. So it is the media that chooses whether to give his statement coverage or not. Anyone who has followed IK closely knows that he is very consistent in core values.
I can see a similarity between quaid e azam and Imran khan....:)
@ Allah Daad That tells you the truth inside Or I should say THE POLITICSImran Khan is one of the greatest leader we have seen. His chrismatic personality and imense leadership quality is a proven aspect when he has THE most successful tenure as the Captain of Pakistan cricket Team. We in India wish him to be equally successful leader of Pakistan Politics as well. We in India are also looking forward to see Mr. Amitabh Bachhan as our nest President
Sad that this is seen as big 'unexpected' news in Pak, but that's where the current situation and climate is, as virtually all political parties had ignored their Hindu Pakistani population as well as other minorities, and allowed religious intolerance to fester for so long.
Good, I'll give credit where it's due...
But while he's at it, perhaps later he can come around and condemn the criminal Taliban Kharjites, whose fanaticism have no issue in wiping out Hindu Pakistanis and other Muslim and non-Muslim Pakistanis, instead of holding contradictory and hypocritical views of being an apologist for their atrocities. Instead of deflecting it all on the US (as if Pakistani bigots, extremists and terrorist militants didn't exist pre-2001) own up to it as a Pakistani problem that needs to be addressed, especially for Pakistani minorities.
Otherwise, minorities will just see it as an empty gesture of political pandering.
Very well said Asad & Rashid... We being the Muslims respect the minorities in Pakistan..United we stand.. Happy Diwali to all the Hindu community in Pakistan
@rashid:
While you're correct that the majority now face much violence from the militant blowback and other motives due to lack of law enforcement, it does not hide the fact that your chances of being caught up and problems being compounded with the state worsens as a minority, making the environment slightly more hostile due to lack of protection or rights, targeted persecution, discrimination and violence at a higher rate, despite having a population percentage that's incredibly regressed since partition.
KING KHAN is in the HOUSEEEEEEE people
The entire Hierarchy of PTI and myself will be joining our Hindu Pakistanis in Lahore for DIWALI Celebrations
Imran Khan your the man
@Rasheed: Next you will have objection to his saying Good Morning
he is a great man. i wish him all the success in his life and career. all said and done a national leader has to rise above the religion and caste.
@imme: "btw aga khanies are muslims not minorities .." I think he was referring to AHmadis not Agha Khanis when he referred to the only Nobel prize winner - which is Absus Salaam
This guy just earned my vote :) and by the way i dont belong to any relogious minority.
Very Good Step, Our society needs this religious tolerance, and shame on those fake liberals who called him Taliban Khan
Kudos Imran Khan :)
Imran khan rocks as always!! =D
@Asad May be you wrote all this with very honest, sincere and caring aspect, but while i was reading all this only one word was pounding in my head.. SARCASM... it got to be sarcasm... May be its because I, myself, belong to a religious minority in Pakistan! Anyhow, its a nice gesture from Imran Khan.
Khair Mubarak Khan Sahab.
@Rasheed dont always find conspiracies, IK is one of very few leaders in PK who still has the street power and need not to compromise with International power houses....
Do you still think pti is a good look jamaat-e-islami? Never was, dnt get it confused, standing up f.or your country is not pro taliban.
Imran Khan geo hazaar saal, PTI is the only party where there is no minority wing becuase PTI believe in equality of all citizens without caring their race, origin or faith.
@faraz:
aren't hundreds of "muslim" girls abducted in Interior Sindh and forcibly married in fact in other regions of pakistan too. how many mosques and Mazars are attacked? , and open death fatwas are issued even for muslims. How many people are killed in Karachi for political violence? We are facing this problem in general I guess it has nothing to do with minorities only...
He is a true hero in every sphere of life. Welldone Imran Khan
@asad
know well before you write about anything .. there are injustices with minorities and i think faraz has rightly pointed out as what the real pakistan is for these people .. n btw aga khanies are muslims not minorities ..
@Asad: It was emotionally overwhelming to know that there will be pooja in the temple in lahore and sweets will be distributed in anarkali lahore . My mom who lived in gwal mandi and modeltown lahore before partition would be happy to hear this . Hope and wish one day all asian countries can be as close and successful as Europe and be an example as to how to live united in diversity . We are all human beings . we should learn something from each faith i.e be a good human. Best wishes to all .
I pray he leads Pakistan to a bigger victory - he will be the leader that makes peace with India
Thanks for the Diwali greetings. Wishing you the very best in your political career.
I hope he speaks out that if he wins he will keep politics and religion separateWishing Happy Diwali to my Hindu,Jain and Sikh brothers.
@Asad
The minister of minorities, the chief representative of minorities in Pakistan, was shot down just because he called for reforms in a law. Hundreds of Hindu girls are abducted in Interior Sindh and forcibly married. Gogra and Santnagar massacres of Christians occurred and the culprits are roaming free. Ahmadi mosque was attacked, and open death fatwas are issued by mullahs. We even disowned a Nobel Laureate because he wasnt a Muslim. Sikhs in tribal areas pay jizya to Taliban. Which Pakistan are you living in.
And then they ask what's so good about him and why we like him... :)
WISHING ALL PAKISTANI BRETHREN HAPPY DIWALI!!
@Salman Qureshi:
Why prime minister say N-league disturb by Denue and Imran Khan??
that is just magnificent.
Respecting religions and being happy for the fact that other religions are celebrating their religious events is a trait we all Muslims should have!
thanks to the fanaticism we have all started hating each other rather than being happy of other's achievements and the happiness of others.
I hope all the supporters of Imran Khan also endorse this certain trait of Imran Khan. This was also a trait of our Quaid.
Let's start cooperating with each other rather than competing at all fronts.
That is how a true national leader should be....He is the ray of light at the end of the tunnel for Pakistanis including all faiths..sects..ethnicity....trust him guys..He will turn the tables for Pakistan...We just need a honest..passionate and patriotic leadership at the top...once we will get it...there is no one in this world to top Pakistan become a great nation..
Woohoo!! Go Imran Khan! :P
Dear Khan saheb, thanks.
Such gestures are extremely important to counter the hate mongering prevalent in our society. A good act indeed. More political leaders need to follow suit.
Imran Khan..you are just too good
Good sign...
Thanks Imran
And where are the people claiming Imran is taliban khan?
That is the truth, that non muslims in Pakistan have full religious freedom and openly celebrate their festivals just as muslims do. The problem with the media is that it takes some isolated incidents involving non muslims and demonizes Pakistan as being a place which persecutes non muslims. This propaganda by the liberal fascists is totally false. In fact most of the top positions at corporates in Pakistan are held by hindus, christians, ahmedis, aga khanis, parsis, etc It high time the media reported the truth that the non muslims have as much freedom in Pakistan to practice their religion as the muslims have to practice Islam. Happy Diwali to all Hindu friends.