Holi, Diwali and Easter to be public holidays in Pakistan

Islamabad - Government had no objection over holidays being observed on religious festivals of minorities, says Information Minister.

Minority communities in Pakistan will have public holidays on Holi, Diwali and Easter festivals after the country's parliament on Tuesday adopted a resolution to this effect
The resolution was moved by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani that, "This house is of the opinion that government should take steps to declare Holi , Diwali and Easter as closed holidays for minorities."
State Minister for Religious Affairs, Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah speaking in the house said that Interior Ministry has already given permission to heads of the organisations/departments/institutions to grant leave to minorities on their religious festivals.
Federal Minister for Laws and Justice said that all Pakistanis equally share each others joy and sorrow.
He said that there is no discrimination on basis of religion and faith, adding every citizen is enjoying religious freedom. He said that number of holidays in Pakistan are more than any other country and they should reconsider it. He said that he is not opposing the resolution.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf and Parliamentary Secretary of Interior Minister Maryum Aurangzeb also did not oppose the resolution.
Government had no objection over holidays being observed on religious festivals of minorities, says Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid.

• Pakistan