PAKISTAN has once again proved inclination towards peace and co-existence! Recently, Balochistan government has declared the ancient Hinglaj Mata Temple a global tourism site.
This Hindu temple is situated in the heart of the Lasbela District of Balochistan. Being a sacred pilgrimage destination for millions of Hindu devotees, Hinglaj Mata Temple really deserved to be taken in consideration as a special heritage asset.
Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti took a special interest in elevating the status of temple to international tourism site. Being an Islamic Republic every policy of the state has to be driven with the golden principles of inclusivity especially towards non-Muslim community living in Pakistan. White portion of the national flag reflects close bond of the state with the non-Muslim citizens right from the outset. Contrary to this spirit, our neighbour in East gradually adopted religiously inspired prejudice as a policy tool. Marginalization of religious minorities under state supervision has taken deep roots during the BJP era in India.
Though the Muslim and Sikh communities are taking the maximum thrust, the plight of Christians and scheduled castes including the tribes living in backward paraphrase is no less than the worst. Ongoing unrest in Manipur is one of the many shocking disclosures of state sponsored brutal violence against the oppressed communities. Horrible tales of brutality from IIOJK and East Punjab are already known to the world.
Pakistani society deserves appreciation for not taking the inspiration from ugly religious hatred spreading like cancer in India. Recent Hinglaj Mata Temple initiative is the biggest proof that how tolerance is prevailing in Pakistan despite violent anti-muslim activism in India. Government of Pakistan has displayed tremendous religious tolerance, cultural pluralism and peace vision aligned with the concept fostered by our founding fathers. Allocation of special funds for renovation and upgradation of Hinglaj Mata Temple is sending a powerful message of tolerance and coexistence to the world.
Interestingly, it is happening in Pakistan at the time when Eastern neighbor India continues to transmit the Hindutva radiations in entire region. Rising tide of Islamophobia from Modi-led India is a point of grave concern for all those quarters which firmly believe in the fundamental human rights and religious liberties. Pakistan’s commitment to religious tolerance stands out significantly in comparison to the venomous anti-Muslim trends floating on internal front of India.
Demolition of mosques including personal and Trust attached properties through biased controversial legislation has become a new norm in India under the watch of Narendra Modi. Indian Muslims are living under the state of constant fear. Armed activists of RSS and local political leaders of BJP have marked more than 3,000 mosques, shrines and madaris for subsequent conversion in Hindu temples– following the pattern of Babri Mosque.
During such harsh times of Hindu-Muslim religious tensions in India, harmonious approach of Pakistan towards Hindu community underscores the real difference between both societies. During May military stand-off with Pakistan; BJP and RSS activists violently harassed the Indian Muslims everywhere. On the contrary, Pakistani state is treating the Hindu community with love, grace and tolerance. After Kartarpur Corridor initiative; Pakistan is once again sending a strong message of peace through Hinglaj Mata Temple upgradation.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
