Islamabad, Nov 1 : Away from home and loved ones, members of the small Indian community in Pakistan celebrated the festival of light -- Diwali, in all its glory at the High Commission here.
The festival was celebrated last evening with cultural programmes at the auditorium within the High Commission. "We are like a small family here. Everyone in the Mission is closely-knit," Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan T C A Raghavan said, who earlier served in Pakistan as the Deputy High Commissioner.
"The Holi celebrations here is real fun too," he said. Starting with a small skit parodying life, officials' children showcased their skills who later had a blast with 'fuljhadis', 'anars' and 'chakras'. As soon as the music was switched on, the whole Mission, situated in the high-security Diplomatic Enclave, reverberated with latest film songs. For children, Diwali celebrations at the High Commission were a dream come true. "Back in India, we use to celebrate Diwali with all our friends and relatives. I am so glad that there were fuljhadis," a young boy said.
Besides, the Indian families, Hindu minority community in Pakistan also celebrate the festival of lights. Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nadeem Baloch had this week directed the police to make extra-ordinary security arrangements for Diwali falling on November 3.
According to media reports, he asked the authorities to prepare a security plan for the safety of the temples as well as the worshippers and VIPs at the provincial, districts and zone levels. He has ordered strict vigil on borders with Sindh especially tri-junction of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan by setting up check posts and blockades.
He also appealed to the people to immediately inform the police if they spot any suspected material and objects in the proximity of the temples and other public places. Sindh is home to most of Pakistan's small Hindu community, which numbers about 2 million among a population of roughly 180 million.
PTI
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