KARACHI / ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hindu Council has decided to associate Diwali, the festival of lights, to highlight the importance of ending ongoing tensions in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire there on humanitarian grounds. Patron-in-chief Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, in a video statement, while offering advance Diwali greetings to the peace-loving Hindu community living in Pakistan and around the world, said that the festival of Diwali is of great significance in Hindu religion, as the festival provides opportunity to welcome the new year with lights. “Diwali is the day of victory of light against darkness,” he said, emphasizing “the festival delivers a message of peace, harmony and prosperity.”

During a meeting chaired by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani at PHC Secretariat, the participants reviewed the final preparations to celebrate Diwali in different parts of the country. They regretted that the heartbreaking scenes of horrific destruction seen on the media and social media have saddened everyone who cares for humanity. On the occasion, it was proposed that this year special prayers would be arranged for highlighting the protection of human life, with a call to an immediate ceasefire in the Middle Eastern region.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar further stated that the brutal use of force is complicating the sustainable solution to the long-standing issue in the Middle East, adding that the holy land of Jerusalem is sacred in the eyes of every religion. Pakistan Hindu Council called upon the international community, including the United Nations, to take necessary steps to safeground the masses from the ravages of possible world war III. -Agencies