Pakistan’s Hindu body seeks implementation of constitutional safeguards for minorities
PESHAWAR, AUGUST: A Hindu rights organisation in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has announced a statewide outreach campaign to press for the implementation of constitutional guarantees aimed at protecting minority communities and ensuring equal rights.
The announcement was made after Haroon Sarab Dayal was unanimously elected president of the All Balmik Hindu Community Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (ABHCKP) during the organisation’s provincial consultative meeting held in Kohat.
Addressing the gathering, Dayal said the Balmik Hindu community continued to face challenges related to legal protection, civil registration, education and equal opportunities. He urged the provincial government to strengthen mechanisms for safeguarding minority rights.
The meeting brought together community elders, religious leaders, lawyers, social activists, government officials, educationists, businesspersons and youth representatives from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss constitutional safeguards, legal reforms, social inclusion and the future welfare of the community.
Dayal announced the formation of a provincial cabinet and outlined priorities including promoting youth and women’s leadership, improving access to birth and marriage registration, national identity cards and inheritance rights, strengthening policy advocacy and encouraging interfaith harmony through education and media.
He called upon the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to fully implement constitutional provisions relating to fundamental rights and minority protection, including Articles 9, 10, 20, 25, 27 and 36 of Pakistan’s Constitution.
He also appealed to the federal government and Parliament to expedite minority personal laws and strengthen legal protection mechanisms. In addition, he urged international human rights organisations, United Nations agencies, diplomatic missions and civil society groups to support vulnerable minority communities in Pakistan.
During the ceremony, community elders honoured Dayal with a traditional tilak, flower garlands and a Pashtun turban, while prayers were offered for peace, equality and prosperity.
According to Pakistan’s 2023 Digital Population and Housing Census, the Hindu population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands at about 5,090. Small Hindu communities are primarily concentrated in Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and parts of the Hazara region.
(Agencies)
