LAHORE, November 8, 2026: The Punjab government, in collaboration with BARGAD Organization for Youth Development, organised a Diwali celebration in Lahore on Sunday, bringing together representatives of different religious communities to promote interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora attended the event as chief guest, alongside representatives of the Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Muslim communities, students from Punjab University and members of civil society.
Addressing the gathering, Arora extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protecting minority rights and promoting religious freedom.
He said the Punjab government was taking measures in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to ensure equal rights and opportunities for religious minorities.
The minister emphasised that tolerance, acceptance and mutual respect were essential for building a peaceful society. He appreciated BARGAD’s efforts to strengthen understanding among different faith communities through grassroots initiatives.
The celebration began with the traditional lighting of diyas, followed by a special Diwali prayer and reflections on the festival’s significance.
Professor Ashok Kumar described the lighting of diyas as a symbol of hope, positivity and happiness. He also acknowledged BARGAD’s 12 years of work promoting interfaith harmony.
BARGAD Chief Executive Sabiha Shaheen said the joint celebration reflected Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of an inclusive Pakistan where people of all religions could observe their traditions with dignity and mutual respect.
Hindu community representative Amar Nath welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of religious freedom and collective celebrations in strengthening national unity.
Jaspreet Singh appreciated the participation of different religious communities and the organisers’ decision to arrange a vegetarian dinner to accommodate participants.
Farzana Kousar from JWS said interfaith gatherings helped address misconceptions, strengthen social connections and encourage understanding among communities.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by Minister Ramesh Singh Arora and members of the Hindu community, followed by the distribution of sweets and fruits and a vegetarian dinner.
BARGAD Programme Coordinator Rabia Dar thanked participants and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting inclusive community engagement and interfaith cooperation.