In solidarity: Promises renewed as Diwali comes to an end

Hindus of twin cities gathered at Chaklala Temple in Gracey Lines to celebrate festival

RAWALPINDI: Diwali came to an end with countless promises from different quarters of life assuring Hindus their support in the fight for their due rights.

Hindus of the twin cities gathered at Chaklala Temple, in Gracey Lines to celebrate Diwali, arranged by Sudhar Young Hindu Welfare Society (SYHWS) on Saturday.



Vice-chairman of the All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement Ashok Chand told The Express Tribune that even the festival’s celebrations were organised on self-help basis. “We had to arrange Rs1,000 from every member (of SYHWS) and Rs300 from every Hindu family of the area,” he confided.

Akash Raj, a Hindu resident of the area, said that all political leaders only make promises and do nothing practically. “We are Pakistanis but we cannot serve on executive posts which is lamentable,” he remarked.

“Majority of our brothers are jobless and are forced to do odd jobs,” he said, adding that, “We cannot even choose our own representatives and our so-called representatives, who are selected on reserved seats, never try to solve our issues,” he added.

Other prominent political personalities, including secretary information Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Shireen Mazari and social activists and writers were present on the occasion.

Speaking to the participants Mazari said she was there as a Pakistani and not as a representative of some political party so Hindus could feel that they are not alone.

“Until and unless justice is given to minorities and women, Pakistan cannot progress,” she stated. “Every Pakistani including minorities should have access to justice otherwise people should stand up against the system of injustice,” she added.

Baitul Maal Managing Director Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh said that in an unprecedented move, the government had decided to give Hindus more than their five per cent share in official quota.

“We do not discriminate on the basis of religion as funds are released for the poor, whichever religion they belong to,” he added.

Sarwar Bari, a social activist, said there was no need for Hindus to adopt an apologetic approach. He demanded the government to exclude the clause from the Constitution according to which no non-Muslim can become prime minister or president because it is discriminatory.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2014.