Hyderabad: The Hindu community gathered at Abdul Wali Khan’s Circuit House Temple for a nightlong Navratri ritual, joined by Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Khel Das Kohistani. During his address, he challenged outside critiques about religious freedom in Pakistan.
A large turnout of devotees underscored the community’s commitment to tradition and faith. Minister Kohistani used the gathering to defend Pakistan’s record on religious tolerance amid mounting international scrutiny.
“Propagandists say that the Hindu community does not enjoy religious freedom in Pakistan. I ask them to come and see for themselves how freely we celebrated Navratri today,” the minister said.
“Let it be known: all religions are honored in Pakistan,” he added, emphasizing government support for minority communities.
Addressing cross-border tensions, he declared: “India is a terrorist state, and it is our enemy.” He claimed Pakistan’s measured responses to aggression preserved civilian safety, contrasting with alleged hostile acts by the neighbor.
While conceding that Pakistan’s Hindu community faces challenges, Kohistani rejected external narratives about repression. He pointed to the open observance of Navratri as proof of religious liberty in practice.
On geopolitical issues, he accused the neighboring country of persistent interference and aggression, asserting that Pakistan acted responsibly even under provocation. He maintained that no civilian casualties occurred in retaliatory measures a narrative intended to project moral superiority.
The Hyderabad event thus combined religious observance with political signaling affirming Pakistan’s commitment to pluralism while confronting critics and rival states head-on.
