ISLAMABAD: Acknowledging Prime Minister Imran Khan’s peace gesture to defuse tension with India and release of an IAF pilot after he was captured by the country’s ground forces last month, Pakistan’s Hindu Council, a representative body of the Hindus community of the country has announced to dedicate Holy festivities to the Pakistan Day — March 23.

As per lunar calendar, in 2019 Holi festival is being celebrated on March 20 and like every year this year too, Hindus will play holi and celebrate the day with great fervour.

According to Chairman of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, the council has passed a resolution against Indian aggression and vowed to support Pak Army for defending motherland.

The council also reposes its confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan who has recently sacked a firebrand provincial minister in the Punjab for making a statement that hurt feelings of the Hindu citizens of the country.

Around four million Hindus are living in almost all the provinces of the country.

“Every year the Holi festival reminds us of the victory of the good over evil. Also known as the festival of colours, it is celebrated all across the world and with every passing year, it is increasing popularity among all faiths,” the resolution said.

Pakistan Hindu Council, in connection with Holi festival and Pakistan Day, will hold a colourful mega event on March 20 at the Sri Panchumukhi Hanuman Temple, Soldier Bazar, Karachi.

On the occasion, a large number of Pakistani Hindu families, holding national flags, will be present to demonstrate their love for beloved Pakistan.

Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who is also patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hindu Council, while talking to media, expressed that patriotic Pakistani Hindu community has decided to celebrate the Holi in a very unique way. He said that this year’s Holi festival will acknowledge the noble achievements of Quaid-e-Azam and our elders to organise historic Lahore Jalsa on March 23, 1940 for passing Pakistan Resolution.

He also appealed to all segments of society to actively participate in Holi celebrations, emphasising that their presence would deliver a positive message to show solidarity with Non-Muslim minorities, promote interfaith harmony, strengthen patriotic zeal and represent diverse Pakistani society, according to the country’s founding father Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision.