Diwali Celebrated with Great Devotion Across Pakistan Under ETPB Administration

Evacuee Trust Property Board Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
Lahore ( Nazrana Times)  Ali Imran Chattha 

The festival of lights, Diwali, was celebrated in temples across Lahore and throughout the country under the administration of the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). Diwali celebrations were held in functional temples located in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security arrangements were made to ensure the safety of Hindu citizens and their property.
Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq extended warm greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali. Special prasad (holy offering) and Eid gifts were distributed among members of the Hindu community.
 

The central ceremony took place at the Krishna Mandir on Ravi Road in Lahore, which was beautifully decorated with electric lights, colorful garlands, and flowers, resembling a bride. Traditional illumination and lighting of lamps were also carried out. Under the supervision of Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq, comprehensive arrangements were made for security, cleanliness, lighting, parking, clean drinking water, and seating.
The event was attended not only by Hindu religious leaders but also by a large number of Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and other community members. The participants offered special prayers for peace, harmony, interfaith unity, and prosperity in the country. Nasir Mushtaq, along with members of the Hindu community, cut a Diwali cake, distributed prasad and gifts, and hosted a lavish dinner for the guests.
 

Addressing the ceremony, Nasir Mushtaq said that the celebration of Diwali in Pakistan is a practical example of interfaith harmony and religious tolerance. Like in India and other parts of the world, the Hindu community in Pakistan celebrated their traditional festival with devotion and respect.
He added that Diwali marks the joyous return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. According to the Hindu calendar, the New Year also begins on this day.