President Asif Ali Zardari has extended Holi greetings to the Hindu community and appealed to them to observe the festival in a simple manner keeping in view the situation on Pakistan’s western border and the tensions in the region.

The president said Pakistan values its religious and cultural diversity and directed caution in public gatherings, adding that, however, moderation is necessary under current circumstances.

Following President Zardari’s appeal, the Pakistan Hindu Council said the festival would be celebrated with simplicity. Its patron, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, stated that Hindus across the country would observe Holi on March 2 and 3 with devotion and respect, and without public events. 

While Senator Krishna Kumari echoed the call for a restrained celebration, framing it as an act of solidarity and peace, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thanked the Hindu community for supporting the appeal, framing it as a gesture of national solidarity. 

“Our joys and sorrows are shared; festivals are observed together,” he said, also extending advance Holi greetings.

The appeal, however, did not sit well with netizens who appeared divided over it. While several users expressed support for the restrained celebration as a sign of solidarity with Iran, others framed the appeal as inconsistent or unfair.

“I wouldn’t be celebrating the Holi festival this year to show my solidarity and mourn for the people of Iran. May world peace prevail,” wrote one Hindu community member. 

Some questioned why Hindu celebrations should be affected by tragedies elsewhere, asking if similar restrictions applied to Eid or Ramzan. Comments such as, “Respect goes both ways. But why must one faith’s festival be paused for another’s tragedy?” and “I was wondering if they asked Muslims too to celebrate Ramadan simply” indicated a perception of double standards.

Criticism also highlighted broader concerns about the treatment of minorities in Pakistan. Netizens noted a pattern where Hindus, Sikhs and Christians have faced restrictions or social pressure in celebrating festivals. 

“This is the condition of minorities in Pakistan, which obviously no minority rights activist will talk about,” wrote one while another said, “Asking Hindus to show restraint in celebrating their festival shows the mindset of Islamic Pakistan where Muslims are openly celebrating Ramzan.” 

A smaller number of responses were sarcastic or critical of the linkage between Holi celebrations and national security, highlighting the perceived disconnect between a cultural festival and border tensions.

“How does playing Holi with colours affect a war?” asked one user.