Shehbaz Sharif’s Diwali greeting sparks backlash; netizens ask, “Are there any Hindus left in Pakistan?”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Diwali greeting to the Hindu community has drawn sharp reactions online, with many social media users accusing him of hypocrisy and questioning the treatment of minorities in the country.

On Sunday, Sharif posted a message on social media extending greetings on Diwali, saying the festival symbolises light over darkness and good over evil. “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.

“The spirit of Diwali that embodies light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair inspires our collective resolve to overcome the challenges confronting our societies, from intolerance to inequality,” he added.

However, Sharif’s post quickly drew criticism from netizens, many of whom questioned whether his message held any meaning in a country where Hindus continue to face persecution. One user mocked the statement, asking, “Are there any Hindus left in Pakistan?”