Shehbaz Sharif’s Diwali Wishes Fail to Impress Amidst Declining Hindu Population in Pakistan.

Pakistani PM’s Diwali Greetings Spark Controversy Amidst Hindu Community’s Plight.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Oct 21, 2025:: In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world. However, his gesture was met with skepticism and criticism from social media users, who pointed out the stark contrast between his words and the harsh realities faced by Hindus in Pakistan.

A Festive Message Meets Harsh Reality

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Sharif took to social media to wish the Hindu community peace, prosperity, and harmony. “As homes and hearts are illuminated with the light of Diwali, may this festival dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us all toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity,” he wrote. However, his message was quickly overshadowed by the plight of Hindus in Pakistan, who face widespread persecution, discrimination, and violence.

A Shrinking Population

Pakistan’s Hindu population has dramatically declined since the country’s creation in 1947, when they comprised about 15% of the population. Today, they account for roughly 1.63% of the population, approximately 3.8 million people out of 240 million. This decline is attributed to various factors, including forced conversions, violence, and systemic discrimination.

Social Media Backlash

Social media users were quick to point out the hypocrisy in Sharif’s message, given the dire situation faced by Hindus in Pakistan. “After killing Hindus in Pahalgam, wishing Hindus on Diwali. Shameless Pakistan. They have systematically killed and converted Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs. Ahmadis are discriminated against and killed every week,” wrote Aditya Raj Kaul, a journalist with NDTV.

Another user, Rishi Bagree, sarcastically commented, “Only 10-12 Hindus are left in Pakistan… You could have DM them directly.” These reactions highlight the widespread skepticism about Pakistan’s commitment to religious harmony and the plight of its Hindu community.

A Divided Reality

The controversy surrounding Sharif’s Diwali message highlights the deep-seated divisions within Pakistani society. While the government may extend festive greetings to minority communities, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Hindus in Pakistan face significant challenges, including forced conversions, temple demolitions, and social exclusion.

A Call for Change

As Pakistan celebrates Diwali, the question remains whether gestures like Sharif’s message can bring about meaningful change for the country’s beleaguered Hindu community. Until then, the controversy surrounding such messages will continue to highlight the gap between words and actions.

Global Leaders Extend Warm Diwali Wishes, Celebrating Hope and Light

As India and communities around the world celebrated the festival of Diwali, leaders from various nations extended warm greetings to the Indian diaspora and people of Hindu, Jain, and Sikh faiths. The festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, resonated with global leaders who highlighted themes of hope, renewal, and unity.

Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations this year lit up the night sky with over 26 lakh diyas, setting two new Guinness World Records. The records were for the largest display of oil lamps and the most people performing aarti simultaneously.

Heads of State and Government Extend Greetings

– United States: President Donald Trump wished Americans celebrating Diwali, calling it a “timeless reminder of light’s victory over darkness” and a time to bring families and friends together to celebrate community and hope.
– Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended Diwali wishes to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, emphasizing the strong partnership between Israel and India in innovation, friendship, defense, and a brighter future.
– United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer wished Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across Britain a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, highlighting the importance of building a Britain where everyone has hope for the future.
– Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney joined in the celebrations, sharing his message of hope and positivity, while former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the importance of the Indo-Canadian community.
– Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed his Diwali greetings in a video message, wishing everyone a wonderful celebration and hoping for a bright future.
– New Zealand: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared his greetings, calling Diwali a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
– Singapore: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his greetings through a video post, emphasizing the significance of lights and hope in their hearts.
– United Arab Emirates: Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wished those celebrating Diwali peace, safety, and prosperity.
– Sri Lanka: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wished Hindus in Sri Lanka and around the world, emphasizing the festival’s message of dispelling darkness and illuminating the collective path.

Diplomatic Missions Join in the Celebrations

Diplomatic missions in India, including those from Finland, Israel, Austria, Brazil, Switzerland, and the European Union, marked the occasion with joy and color, extending festive greetings to the people of India.

A Symbol of Unity and Hope

The Diwali festival has become a symbol of unity and hope, transcending borders and cultures. Global leaders’ messages reflect the growing recognition of Diwali as a celebration of light, unity, and goodwill across cultures and borders. As the festival of lights illuminates homes and hearts around the world, it serves as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and the importance of community, compassion, and shared purpose.

Media coverage and celebrities’ Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has once again captivated audiences worldwide with its vibrant colors, lights, and cultural significance. This year, international media coverage highlighted the global reach of Diwali celebrations, with countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia showcasing their unique traditions and festivities. Bollywood stars also made headlines with their Diwali posts, sharing heartfelt messages, fashion trends, and charitable initiatives that inspired millions. From James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash lighting up Indian cinema halls to global events and campaigns by top brands like Amazon, Tanishq, and Coca-Cola, Diwali 2025 was a testament to the festival’s enduring appeal and cultural relevance. With its universal themes of hope, renewal, and community, Diwali continues to bridge cultural divides, fostering greater understanding and appreciation across the globe .
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Inputs from Agencies.