President Zardari Hosts PPP Leaders, Cuts Diwali Cake in Gesture of Unity

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: President Asif Ali Zardari met with senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Kaka Kishanchand Advani and Dr. Sham Sundar K. Advani, celebrating Diwali by cutting a ceremonial cake and extending warm greetings to Pakistan's Hindu community on the festival of lights.

The meeting at the Presidency saw Kaka Kishanchand Advani, a prominent PPP figure, express deep gratitude to President Zardari for appointing his son to a key position. "This trust is a great honor for our family, and we pledge to uphold it," he said, highlighting the party's inclusive ethos.

Dr. Sham Sundar K. Advani, a Member of the Sindh Assembly and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs, thanked the President and reaffirmed his dedication to minority welfare, drawing inspiration from the founders of the PPP, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He briefed Zardari on the Minority Affairs Department's initiatives, including the distribution of Diwali cheques to needy Hindu families, underscoring efforts to promote equality and prosperity.

PPP leader Rais Ghulam Qadir Mari was also present. The gathering concluded with the trio jointly slicing the Diwali cake, symbolizing harmony and shared joy. "May the light of Diwali illuminate our nation with peace and progress for all," President Zardari said, echoing his earlier official message on the festival's triumph of good over evil.

This heartfelt interaction reinforces Pakistan's commitment to religious tolerance, as temples across Karachi and beyond glow with lamps and festivities. With a public holiday declared, leaders like PM Shehbaz Sharif have joined in wishing joy and unity to Hindus, fostering interfaith bonds in line with Quaid-e-Azam's vision.