QUETTA, Oct 22 (APP): Pakistan’s religious harmony, respect for diversity, and support for minority communities have found powerful expression in the Hindu celebrations at the historical Hinglaj Mata Temple in Balochistan.
Nearly 300,000 pilgrims had attended the April 2026 festival, fully supported by state-provided security and relief supplies, alongside community-organized food and refreshments. Keeping up this spirit of interfaith harmony, thousands of devotees—many traveling long distances on foot—reached the shrine to observe October’s Navratri and Durga Ashtami celebrations.
Highlighting the province’s focus on smooth arrangements, Senator Danesh Kumar extended his gratitude to Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and the provincial government for their facilitation.
He also recognized Jam Kamal for his continued support and praised Kashish Chaudhary, Balochistan’s first Hindu woman assistant commissioner, for her dedicated service as the focal person supervising the arrangements, showcasing meaningful minority representation in public service.
This facilitation strengthens Pakistan’s positive international image through practical inclusion, demonstrating how religious freedom is upheld through actionable protection, dignified facilitation, and equal treatment.
In stark contrast to Pakistan’s efforts at promoting peaceful worship, severe concerns remain regarding the state of Muslim places of worship in India. Beyond the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, official reports reveal that 861 Muslim religious sites have been demolished over a three-year period in India, including 57 mosques, 563 mazars, 6 dargahs, 226 madrasas, 6 Eidgahs, and 1 graveyard.
The practical protection and support provided to Hindu devotees at Hinglaj Mata underscore Pakistan’s commitment to enabling minority communities to celebrate their faith with dignity, safety, and respect for religious diversity.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
