NEW - Vedic/Hindu Calendar for 2013

NEW - Vedic/Hindu Calendar for 2013
Shri Ramapir Mandir/Temple in Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Future for Khalistan and emergence of Sikhism at cost of Hinduism in Pakistan

By Mukhtar Ahmad (USA)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
(Photo : 2010 A Sikh delegation comprising leaders of various jathas met Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in Lahore during the birthday anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the first spiritual leader of the community)

Amritsar : While the Sikh leadership in India, especially in Punjab, is worried over rising trend of ‘patitpuna’ (apostate), a large number of [Sindhi Sehajdharis] in Pakistan, have joined the Sikh fold by getting themselves baptised.

[At least 25 per cent ‘Sehajdhari Sikhs’ from the Sindh province have entered the Khalsa Panth, by taking Amrit, in the recent past.]

It sounds unbelievable that persons who introduced themselves as Jawahar Singh, Vijay Singh and Parkash Singh with blowing beards were Jawahar Lal, Vijay Kumar and Om Parkash, respectively, only few months ago. As compared to the Hindus, the Sikhs are considered more safe in Pakistan. Many Pakistani Hindus, who had come to India, in the past had never returned to their country, due to their continuous persecution.

Talking to The Tribune, Mr Vijay Singh said there were more than 15 lakh Hindus in Sindh province itself, who were devout Sehajdhari Sikhs. He said most of the Sindhis could easily read Sri Guru Granth Sahib in ‘Gurmukhi’ script without any problem. Mr Darshan Singh (previous name Prof Darshan Singh Ji Khalsa) said the ‘Gurmukhi’ was being taught in Hindu temples and Gurdwaras to the younger generation, so that they could remain devout Sikhs.

These temples, schools and Gurdwaras include Baba Hardass Ram School, Gurdwara Nanakwara, Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh, Guru Arjan Dev Pathshala and Baba Bhoj Ram Temple. Raja, a student of class VII from Dehrki district (Pakistan) said he would be baptised as per the wishes of his parents (Sehajdhari Sikhs) shortly.

Baba Amir Singh and Baba Amarjit Singh from Peshawar said the Pakistani Sikhs got disappointed when they saw ‘patit’ Sikhs accompanying the Indian jathas, who visited Pakistan every year, to pay their obeisance in Gurdwaras there. They said the government of India should not give visas to the ‘patit Sikhs’ to visit Pakistan as their appearance hurt the sentiments of the Sikh Sangat in Pakistan. They said the SGPC should not recommend the visas at ‘patit Sikhs'.

Baba Amarjit Singh, a Granthi of Gurdwara Joga Singh (Peshawar) said the Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan would like to meet Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar Akal Takht for seeking his guidance to maintain ‘Maryada’ in gurdwaras of Pakistan.

Though the SGPC or Akal Takht object to the performance of akhand path in temples in India, Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed in a number of temples in Pakistan. A number of Pakistani Hindus including Mr Jai Ram and Mr Jaipal said they perform path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in temples every day.

(Photo : Gurudwara Dera Sahib Panjvin Patshahi - Shrine of Guru Arjan Dev (1563- 1606 A.D) Lahore : Gurudwara Dera Sahib is situated opposite Lahore Fort near Badshahi Mosque. This is the place where Sat Gur Arjun Dev Ji was martyred in the River Ravi facing the tortures inflicted by Chandu on 30th May 1606 AD)

Introduction : Sikhism in Pakistan has an extensive heritage and history, although Sikhs form a very small community in the Islamic Republic today. Most Sikhs live in the province of Punjab, where the religion was born in the middle ages. Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is located in the Pakistani province.

Nationwide, there are no reliable numerical figures for Sikhs in the country. Estimates vary, the US Department of State estimates 20,000.The largest Sikh population in Pakistan is found in Peshawar, in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which was spared the scale of violence during partition that raged in Punjab. There are small pockets of Sikhs in Lahore and Nankana Sahib in Punjab.

The emergence of the Sikh community within Pakistan

After the creation of Pakistan the Sikh community's rights were diminished. Recently the Sikh community within Pakistan has been making every effort possible to progress in Pakistan. For example Harcharan Singh became the first Sikh to join the Pakistan army. For the first time in the 58 year history of Pakistan there has a Sikh been selected into Pakistan's army. Prior to Harcharan Singh's selection in the Pakistani army no individual person who was a member of the Hindu or the Sikh community were ever enrolled in the army, but there are reports which states that the Pakistani Christian community has served in the army and some had even reached into to the ranks of a Brigadier in the army.

 (Photo : 2008 Lt Hercharn Singh a first Sikh cadet of Pakistan's Army shakes hands with PM, Pakistan)

Moreover, members of the tiny Parsi community have some representation in the Armed Forces. First time in the history of Pakistan as well as in the history of Lahore a Sikh person has been appointed as a traffic Sub Inspector. Dr. Gulab Singh who is just 25 years old, is a practising homeopathic doctor and he is from the same place as Harcharan Singh (Nankana Sahib). Gulab Singh is fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraiki, Sindhi, and little bit of English. In yet another contribution to the Pakistani Sikh community, Pakistan Government enacted the Sikh marriage act, Anand Marriage act, in November 2007. This Sikh marriage act allows not only the Sikhs in Pakistan, but also Sikhs living in anywhere in the world to register in Pakistan with the Sikh marriage act.

After the success of Harcharan Singh in Pakistan's army and Gulab Singh as a traffic inspector, now it's the turn of Kalyan Singh Kalyan who is the first Sikh Province Assembly Member in Pakistan and Kalyan is a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).The first Sikh musician also emerged on the music industry in 2009, Jassi Lailpuria, launched his first song on independence day entitled, Sohna Pakistan. Rupinder Singh Magon (Rup) from the band JoSH is also a superstar in Pakistan and is very popular among the youth of the country although he lives in Canada but travels to Pakistan a lot for Concerts and TV engagements. He, along with his band mate Qurram Hussain, was part of Coke Studio as well which is a big achievement. 

Blames are that Pakistani Army and ISI have always Supported Khalistan Movement in Indian Punjab


 (Photo : A proposed flag for Khalistan)

Amritsar : 2010 Indian Police Chief of Indian Punjab P.S. Gill has said on this Friday in a Press Conference that Pakistani Intelligence Agency (ISI) is supporting the Khalistan Movement in Indian Punjab. While Talking to Media in Amritsar he said that ISI is helping Khalistan Movement Terrorists  to penetrate  in East of Punjab.

He also claimed that Terrorists are getting Millions of Rupees and weapons from ISI and they have also got training of making Bombs from ISI. Khalistan Movement was started in early 80's in Indian Punjab to make a separate state after Indian army done massive killings of Sikhs. Indian Army also destroyed the most sacred religious place of Sikhs the Golden temple in a operation.


Introduction to Khalistan Movement : The goal of the Khalistan movement is or was to create a Sikh homeland, often called Khālistān (Punjabi: ਖ਼ਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ, Hindi: ख़ालिस्तान "The Land of the Pure"), in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, depending on definition. Harking back to the 18th century Sikh Empire, the envisioned Sikh state would include the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi, parts of the Kashmir, parts of Rajasthan, and parts of Gujurat. There is also a demand for areas in Pakistan, including Punjab and Sindh.

for more information visit the below link -

Pakistan interior secretary visits Sikh Golden Temple, But why not any Hindu Temple

Pakistan interior secretary visits Sikh Golden Temple, But why not any Hindu Temple

By PHP Staff
Thursday, March 31, 2011
(Photo : Pakistan interior secretary Chaudhary Qamar Zaman at Golden temple in India)

India : Pakistan interior secretary Chaudhary Qamar Zaman today visited the Golden Temple here responding to a "divine call" and said he prayed for the betterment of India-Pakistan relations.

Zaman, who crossed into India through the Attari-Wagah border to attend the two-day India-Pakistan Home Secretary-level talks beginning in Delhi tomorrow, visited the holiest Sikh shrine when his flight from Amritsar to the national capital got delayed.

"It was a very unexpected opportunity we got because of the delay of the flight and that was something... 'jo hum kehte bulawa aaya tha...' (what we say a divine call)," he said on reaching the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

The Pakistan interior secretary said he prayed for better relations between India and Pakistan.

"Hum wahan behtarin taluqat ke liye dua mangey (I prayed for better ties)," Zaman, who wore a blue head gear while visiting the 16th century temple, said. He was accompanied by other Pakistani delegation members.

He told reporters here, "Pakistan Government would not allow anybody to take forcible possession of land belonging to Gurdwaras in Lahore."

He also said land belonging to Sikh religious places will not be allowed to be sold in his country.

Zaman was responding to a question on a controversy over construction of a plaza on a land belonging to 400-year-old Deewan Khana Gurudwara in Lahore.

On his visit to the temple, he said, "There was no schedule to go anywhere in India after reaching here, since I had to rush to Delhi. I am in India exclusively to attend the two-day meeting with my Indian counterpart G K Pillai.

"But, I don't know, how a miracle happened and the plan which was scheduled to take me to Delhi got late by half-an-hour and destiny brought me to the Golden Temple."

Zaman said, "My forefathers including my grandfather often told me about the spiritual significance of the Golden Temple and talked regularly about this spiritual place, which had created a strong desire in the deepest core of my heart to have a glimpse of this pious place and today I feel my spiritual mission has been accomplished."

Talking about the World Cup Cricket, he said, "Cricket fever is prevailing on both sides and people of India and Pakistan always love to watch a match between the two countries."

Christians killed, churches burned by extremists Muslims in respond to Florida Koran burning, Pakistan

By Mohammad S.Solanki (Executive Editor)
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Islamabad : Two believers killed, churches attacked, copies of the Bible burned: the Christian community in Pakistan is once again the victim of violence by Islamic fundamentalists, who have targeted places of worship in the country. The extremist violence was triggered by the insane act - repeatedly condemned by Christians in Pakistan and India – of the pastor Wayne Sapp, who last March 20, in Florida burned a Koran under the supervision of the evangelical preacher Terry Jones. The escalating violence has raised alarm over the fate of Asia Bibi, a symbol of the abuses committed in the name of the blasphemy law. The bishop of Islamabad / Rawalpindi defines the US pastor a "fanatic" who encourages followers to a "violent ideology", the consequences of which have an impact "on innocent Christians" across the world.

On March 25, a mob of Islamic extremists attacked a Pentecostal church in Hyderabad, killing two Christians and burning some copies of the Bible. Eyewitnesses said that the fundamentalists stormed the place of worship looking to set it on fire, but a group of believers defended the church. Security forces have fled the scene, leaving those present at the mercy of the crowd. The attackers hurled anti-Christian slogans and a feeling of anger toward the religious minority has spread. in the city The pastor of the church reports that "despite the condemnation of the burning of the Koran" the community "has come under attack because they think that we are linked to the Americans." He emphasizes that "we are Pakistanis, who were born in this land and we do not have any kind of relationship with the United States." "What fault did those two innocent people have – he ends - who were not Americans, but only Pakistani Christians?".

In a second incident, the Full Gospel Assembly Church, in the Badami Bagh area of Lahore, was attacked. Again fundamentalists burned the church, threw copies of the Bible into the street and accused the Christians of blasphemy, claiming they found pieces of the Koran, not far from the church. During the attack some security guards were injured.

Meanwhile, the weekend demonstrations were repeated against the burning of the Koran wanted by Pastor Terry Jones in different cities of Pakistan - among other Peshawar, Lahore and Islamabad. The demonstrators, who burned his picture and chanted slogans and chants against the United States, called for the death of U.S. preacher. Extremists also threatened reprisals and other targeted attacks against Christians, if the U.S. government fails to take action against Pastor Jones.

The Pakistani Christian community, however, in a show of support with Muslims, condemns, and demonstrates against the burning of the Koran. Catholic priest Fr. Anwar Patras, said that Christians are first of all Pakistanis, "we were born in this land and we will be buried here, we have no connection with Pastor Terry Jones and his sick ideas." Condemning the attack, the religious priest shows sympathy for the two Christians killed "and reiterates that" the community is in danger”.

Recent violence has raised the alert level around Asia Bibi, the 45 year old Christian mother of five children, sentenced to death based on the "black law" and in prison, pending appeal. The Masih Foundation reports that "despite security measures" adopted in the cell, the woman is in danger. "She cannot eat prison food - continue the activists - but ingredients are provided to cook her own food, she prays and fasts for her own sake and for the current situation in Pakistan. The Catholic Church has asked for special prayers for her.

Interviewed by AsiaNews, Mgr. Rufin Anthony, bishop of Islamabad / Rawalpindi, said that "Christian doctrine teaches tolerance and love," the U.S. minister is a "fanatic" promoting "a sick ideology." The prelate accused the American preacher of ignoring "the scope of his actions" and now Pakistani Christians "live with greater fear because his actions worsened our situation." "There are examples of threats to churches and Bibles burned in some areas - concluded Msgr. Anthony - now innocent Christians will face the consequences. "

Baloch and Sindhi in UK demand liberation of Balochistan

By Nazir S.Bhatti (PCP)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
(Photo : Baloch and Sindhis protestors in front of US embassy in London, UK)

London : The Baloch and Sindhis gathered in front of US embassy in London yesterday to demand the intervention in Balochistan from the international community. The demonstration was organized by the Baloch Human Rights Council (UK), the World Sindhi Congress and Balochistan Liberation Organisation in collaboration with Baloch Raaje Zroumbesh, Balochistan Peoples Party, Balochistan United Front Federal and International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons.

A large number of the Baloch, Sindhis and other human rights activists took part to register their protest against the illegal & forcible annexation of Balochistan by Pakistan 63 years back. Speakers highlighted the plight of the Baloch people since the occupation drawing attention to the brutal violations of human rights of the Baloch by the Pakistani military establishment. They demanded immediate intervention from the US, UN and NATO in order to end the systematic genocide against the Baloch being committed by the Pakistani State establishment.

Demonstrators demanded the establishment of an international commission to investigate the crimes against humanity being committed in Balochistan by the Pakistani security agencies and its death squads.

Speakers included Waja Rahim Bandvoi, Mir Ghulam Hussain, WajaAbdullah Seyahoi, Mansoor Baloch, Hasan Hamdam, Dr. Abdul Doshoki ,Dr. Lakhu Luhana , Even Mcmillan and Samad Baloch.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Pictures of 2011 Holi Celebration at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan

By Dr.Radhe Shyam Kumar (Executive Editor)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

 (Photo : Invitation Banner for 2011 Holi celebration at Nowshera (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa or NWFP) By Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP, Pakistan)

Namaste !

Dear Gopinathji,
Please find below pictures of 2011 Holi Celebration at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan. Holi is a spring religious festival celebrated by Hindus worldwide and Holi festival is a God gift as all the colors of life, colors of joy, colors of happiness, colors of friendship, colors of love and all other colors you want to paint in your life.

2011 Holi festival was primarily organised by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) of Pakistan and supported by Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP). We are very thankful to our all guest of honor and our Chief guest and speaker were Mr.Amarnath Randhawa a president of HHS.

Hindu Sudhar Sabha Pakistan (HSSP) is government registered organization and also has account in MCB Pakistan. HSSP start working with anomalous speed and in very short time becomes famous in almost every department of the government.

For more information write us at namastepakistan@gmail.com or call Mr.Amarnath 92-321-477-2995

Your’s faithfully,

Amarnath Randhawa
President of HSSP Lahore Pakistan

(Photo : Location of Nowshera District (highlighted in yellow) within the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan)
Nowshera (Pashto: نوشار/نوشہرہ) is a district in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan - the principal city is Nowshera. Nowshera District is divided into 47 Union Councils and 5 provincial seats.

The district was part of the Peshawar Metropolitan Region. Nowshera was the third District of Peshawar Division, which was separated from Peshawer. This District is also called the link between Central Asia and India. It is of more significance because of being situated at the riverbank of Sindh (Indus). Old Peshawar was famous due to the large industrial base of Nowshehra Tehsil.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ameet Kumar
Date: Sat, Mar 19, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Subject: Report of meating in Nowshera....
To: Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP)

Namastay and Wishing all PHP family a very Happy Holi .......

Nowshera : On 15-march we arrange the meeting with Hindu Community leader in Nowshera by Hssp .
Plan Holli Celebration in Nowshera and discussion about the Katas Raj and future plan the arrangement in katas. Meeting with Pandit Dalwar shankar , Ch Iqbal lal , Bibi  Nandni ,Amar Nath Randhawa , Dil Raj Gill , Naeem Sahotra ...

Next day meeting with Haroon Sarab Diyal...
Ameet Kumar (HHS-P)

 (Photo : Report of meating organized in Nowshera by Hindu Sudhar Sabha of Pakistan (HSS-P)
(Photo : Report of meating organized in Nowshera by Hindu Sudhar Sabha of Pakistan (HSS-P)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ameet Kumar
Date: Sun, Mar 20, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Subject: Report meeting for katas raj....
To: Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP)

Namastey

Nowshera : Hindu Sudhar Sabha of Pakistan (HSS-P) arranged the one meeting 16 march 2011 in Gill House Nowshera Cantt.

Meeting with Haroon Sarab Diyal a President of All Hindu Rights Movement of pakistan (AHRM-P), Pandit Dalwaar Shankar, Dil Raj Gill and Amarnath join this meeting.

Meeting Purpose :-

Open decision about 02 march 2011 Maha Shiv Yatri at Katas. At the time during the yatra gapps and problems we face at Katas raj.

Suggestion :_

The arrangement of katas raj for next year yatra. Firstly make the katas parbandik committee of katas and select the Hindu members of all the province of Pakistan.

One delegation meet the Chairman Vaco Trust Property Board Aqaf, Chairman Archaeology Punjab and D.C.O & D.P.O Chakwal.

Please find below pictures of meeting and In this meeting all the member have agreed for Katas Yatra 2012 arrangment.

Report by,
Ameet Kumar

 (Photo : Report on meeting for Katas Raj 2012 Yatra by Hindu Sudhar Sabha of Pakistan (HSS-P) and AHRM, Pakistan)
  (Photo : Report on meeting for Katas Raj 2012 Yatra by Hindu Sudhar Sabha of Pakistan (HSS-P) and AHRM, Pakistan)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Amar Nath 
Date: Sun, Mar 20, 2011 at 2:39 AM
Subject: Report and holi picture of nowshera
To: Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP)

Namaste

Nowshera : Hindu Sudhar Sabha of Pakistan (HSS-P) Organized Holi Celebration on 19 march 2011.

Venu : Tilgudam Mandir at Nowshera Cantt (Pakistan)


The holi function stared with prathna led by Amarnath ji and he explained attendant guests how to celebrate holi and also explain importance of Multan Prahlad temple issue. Everyone including women, man, children had participated in the that holi function in Nowshera.

We all also prayed for Peace and Stability for Pakistan and thanks to PHP support. Please find below pictures of Holi Celebration at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan.

Best Regards,
Amarnath Randhawa

 (Photo : 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
  (Photo : 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
  (Photo : Amarnath Randhawa speaking at Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
  (Photo : Local Hindus celebrating holi at Nowshera organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP, Pakistan)
 (Photo : Local Hindu womens at 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
 (Photo : 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
(Photo : 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
(Photo : 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
 (Photo : 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)
(Photo : 2011 Holi Celebration organized by Hindu Sudhar Sabha (HSS) and PHP at Nowshera (NWFP or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan)

For more information write us at namastepakistan@gmail.com or call Mr.Amarnath Randhawa 92-321-477-2995

The PHP Team

Pictures of 2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan

By Dr.Radhe Shyam Kumar (Executive Editor)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

(Photo : Invitation Banner for 2011 Holi celebration by HRF and PHP, Pakistan)

Namaste !

Dear Gopinathji,

Please find below pictures of  2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan. Holi is a spring religious festival celebrated by Hindus worldwide and Holi festival is a God gift as all the colors of life, colors of joy, colors of happiness, colors of friendship,Colors of love and all other colors you want to paint in your life.

 2011 Holi festival was primarily organised by Hare Rama Foundation (HRF) of Pakistan and supported by Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP) and Christain Study Centre (CSC). We are very thankful to our all guest of honorer and our Chief guest and speaker were Minister for Minority Affairs in Punjab Assembly , MNA Mr.Kamran Michael.

Introduction : The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli Vandana in Sanskrit,also Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion.

Ramesh Jaipal
(PHP, Pakistan)

 (Photo : Welcome area at 2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab) organized by HRF and PHP, Pakistan)
 (Photo : Chief guest Minister for Minority Affairs in Punjab Assembly , MNA Mr.Kamran Michael at 2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan)
 (Photo : Honorable guests at 2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab) organized by HRF and PHP, Pakistan)
 (Photo : MNA Mr.Kamran Michael speaking at 2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab) organized by HRF and PHP, Pakistan)
 (Photo : Mr.Ramesh Jaipal a chairman of Scheduled Caste Rights Movement (SCRM) speaking at 2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab) organized by HRF and PHP, Pakistan)
 (Photo : District Coordination Officer (DGC) speaking at 2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab) organized by HRF and PHP, Pakistan)

Rahim Yar Khan ( رحیم یار خان) is a famous city of the south Punjab, Pakistan. Rahim Yar Khan is the Biggest and Capital city of Rahim Yar Khan District as well as the tehsil of the same name.The city is one of the few cities in the world that are still at their pioneering places since the formation like London and Damascus. It has been renamed customarily amid last 5000 years, first available (on record) name was AROR or ALOR, and then it became City of Pattan, Phul Wada, Noshehra and now Rahim Yar Khan

Rahim Yar Khan is one of the modern district headquarter cities in Punjab. Although the city seems a far off place to those living in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad, but the city has very good civic facilities. It is connected with rest of Pakistan by air, rail and road and all types of telecommunication links are available. The city has good educational facilities in public and private sector and Sheikh Zayed Medical College is the latest addition to these.

To see more photos ,Please visit below link of Facebook PHL
2011 Holi Celebration at Rahimyar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan

The PHP Team

Is Pakistan a ‘jelly state'?

By Sudhir Mishra (PHP New Delhi)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011


The book seeks to build a body of knowledge that falls under the rubric of Pakistan scholarship

The publication of this book has brought some dignity to the claim that India has some serious academic expertise on Pakistan. Although more than a score of diplomats and journalists are projected by the Indian media as Pakistan experts, hardly any Indian author figures in the list of top 20 books written on Pakistan over the past two decades. This could also be said of Indian scholarship on Middle East, Latin America, and many other regions. But it becomes a bit too embarrassing in respect of Pakistan because it happens to be our most important and, at the same time, highly sensitive neighbour.

Why is that so? It has much to do with the way our research institutions are run, and the state of area studies in our universities. India's Pakistan-centred scholarship is seemingly sandwiched between biographical writings on Jinnah and accusatory references to Pakistan's role on Kashmir affairs. This research work seeks to break free from these stereotypes and build a body of knowledge that genuinely falls under the rubric of Pakistan scholarship.

Akbar's first book on Pakistan, Tinderbox is, in a sense, the culmination of some of his early research on South Asian history. It is likely to remain one of the major contributions on account of the sheer intensity of reasoning and the depth in analysis that marked the study of South Asia's convoluted history, its troubled politics, and its impact on nation states and multiculturalism. What emerges clearly from the narrative is that history matters. Akbar himself calls the book “a history of an idea as it weaved and bobbed its way through dramatic events with rare resilience, sometimes disappearing from sight, but always resurrected either by the will of proponents or the mistakes of opponents.”

Exaggerated

As the world debates the fate of Pakistan, the author says a few encouraging things about the future of Pakistani state. He asserts that “fears of Pakistan disintegration … are highly exaggerated” and is emphatic that “driven by the compulsions of an ideological strand in its DNA, damaged by the inadequacies of those who could have kept the nation loyal to Jinnah's dream of a secular Muslim-majority nation, Pakistan is in danger of turning into a toxic ‘jelly state,' a quivering country that will neither collapse nor stabilise.” The term “jelly state” is a new addition to the vocabulary related to state studies. Used as an ideologically loaded term, it has provoked massive research among major social scientists for generations.

Those who are familiar with the works of Max Weber, Theda Skocpol, Charles Tilly, Jurgen Habermas or Anthony Giddens are likely to hesitate to embrace the idea of jelly state. Akbar does not use the word “state” with the same connotation as political sociologists often do. For him, it represents governmental infrastructure, and hence his argument that it would never disintegrate. It is also the reason why questions about its legitimacy or potential for responding to the developmental requirements are not raised. Instead, the concept recognises its minimal role as a government, with a power to coerce and thus govern or misgovern.

Some may note that questions regarding Pakistan's future have arisen prominently in recent years. But such questions are as old as its birth. It was Tariq Ali, who wrote a book titled, Can Pakistan Survive? (1984), with the similar objective of dealing with questions that Akbar raises. Two chapters in the book stand out as most original in their narratives. One is A Theory of Distance, which analyses the theology and politics of Shah Walliullha, and how his idea of “Islamic purity” for Indian Muslims was threatened by the Hindu infidel's cultural and military power. The other is God's General in which General Zia's role and contribution is discussed.

Party politics

Akbar contends that General Zia's decision in 1976 to change the motto of Pakistan army to Jihad fi Sabil Allah, in the belief that Islam alone could confront Hindu India, was a conscious strategic move, not a populist one as often argued. While the competing Islamic ideologies and their implications for Pakistan get adequate attention, one felt the author could, perhaps, have done better justice to the subject by examining party politics. After all, its impact on domestic politics — and by extension on the current mess that we see in Pakistan — has been quite significant. Overall, it's an outstanding work, which those pursuing Pakistan studies and students of Islamic politics will find very useful.

 (Photo : MJ-Akbar or Mobashar Jawed Akbar in India)

Introduction : Mobashar Jawed "M.J." Akbar (born 11 January 1951) is a leading Indian journalist and author. He has recently taken charge as Editorial Director of India Today, India's leading weekly English news magazine published by the Living Media group. He has also been given the additional responsibility of overseeing the media conglomerate's English news channel, Headlines Today.

He has written several non-fiction books, including Byline (New Delhi: Chronicle Books, 2003), a biography of Jawaharlal Nehru titled Nehru: The Making of India, a book on Kashmir titled Kashmir: Behind the Vale, Riot After Riot and India: The Siege Within. He also authored The Shade of Swords, a cohesive history of jihad. Akbar's recent published book is Blood Brothers, a skillfully crafted family saga covering three generations and packed with information of events in India and the world, particularly the changing Hindu-Muslim relations.

To know more about Mr.Akbar, check below website -
http://www.mjakbar.org/

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Pakistani Sikhs, Hindus pray for Green Shirts victory or Pak Cricket team

By Mohammad S.Solanki (Executive Editor)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
(Photo : Nankana Sahib, earlier known as Rai-Bhoi-Di-Talwandi, is a city in the Pakistani province of Punjab. It is named after the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev, the central figure in Sikhism who was born here, so it is a city of high historic and religious value and is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs from all over the world)

Lahore : A large number of Sikh men and women took part in the prayers.

Pakistani Sikhs and Hindus offered special prayers on Satureday for Green Shirts victory in the semi-final match against India in Mohali on March 30. Sikh in Nankana Sahib made special arrangements to offer prayers for the Pakistani team’s victory.

On this occasion, Sardar Janam Singh said that Pakistani Sikhs wanted to see Pakistan as the world champion for the second time.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Abducted Hindu leader released in Kalat of Balochistan, Pakistan

By Gopinath Kumar (editor-in-chief)
Friday, March 25, 2011
(Photo : Maharaj Garji (82), the abducted Hindu spiritual leader in Balochistan, Pakistan now has been released)

QUETTA : Hindu religious leader Maharaj Lakshmi Chand Garji (82) and his companion Venud Kumar were released in the early hours of Friday near Surab area of Kalat district. Maharaj of had been kidnapped, along with his four companions, on December 21, 2010, near Surab.

The abductors had released three people within hours while continued to detain Maharaj and Venud Kumar, son of a well-known trader based in Quetta. Talking to Daily Times, relatives of Maharaj said that the recovery took place without paying any ransom to the kidnappers. “We were locked in a small dark room. Our hands were tied with rope and we were blindfolded for 95 days. They did not even talk to me despite my frequent attempts,” Kumar told this scribe.

The release of Maharaj made the Hindu community in Kalat jubilant. He was brought to Kali Mandir, which was thronged by hundreds of people, who asked about his health. Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said that the kidnappers had freed Maharaj and denied that any sort of money had been paid to kidnappers. “Maharaj and Venud Kumar were released at a desolate place near Surab at 2:00am,” he added. He said that kidnappers had been identified and efforts were underway to book them.

There was no confirmation of whether Garji was released after the payment of ransom or through the efforts of tribal elders of the area.

Relatives of the religious leader too confirmed his release but did not give details.

The fate of the man who was in captivity with Garji could not immediately be ascertained.

Garji is a leading spiritual leader of the minority Hindu community in Balochistan.

His abduction sparked protests in several parts of the province.

Chief minister Nawab Aslam Raisani had directed authorities to ensure the safe recovery of the spiritual leader.

Dozens of Hindus have been kidnapped for ransom in Balochistan over the past few months.

Reports from provincial capital Quetta said that over 20 Hindu familie from Balochistan had sent applications to the Indian high commission seeking asylum in India.

Note by Editorial : On January 2011 Mr. Ansar Burney who is the United Nations Expert Advisor on Human Rights, Pakistan's former Federal Minister for Human Rights and Chairman of the Ansar Burney Trust International issued a official statement on Hindus persecution in Baluchistan and he also visited Kalat Kali Mata Mandir in Baluchistan state of Pakistan.

No one safe in Balochistan: Ansar Burney

Quetta (Balochistan) : Chairman of the Ansar Burney Trust International and former Federal Minister for human rights, Ansar Burney has said that hundreds of Punjabi speaking families, Muslims from Shia sect and more than hundred Hindu families of Baluchistan province are making efforts to migrate to some safe place in other provinces after becoming the target of extremist and fundamentalist groups who kidnap them for ransom or brutally murdering them.

In a statement, Burney said thousands of Punjabi and Shia sect families have already been left Baluchistan after being targeted, brutally murdered or kidnapped for ransom. "They can not go out for their jobs or bussiness or their children can not go out for education even they can not travell with their family members and are living worst like in jail." Ansar Burney added.

These startling revelations were made by International Ambassador for Peace and human rights, Ansar Burney while talking to media in Quetta.

During his stay in Balochistan, Ansar Burney who is also the United Nations Expert Advisor on Human Rights had visited several Baloch dominated districts including and territories inhabited by Marri and Bugti tribes where Punjabi speaking, Shia sect Muslims and Hindus have been living for centuries - following the kidnapping of Maharaj Lakhim Chand Garji (82) by extremist and fundamentalist groups from Kali Mata Mandir in Qalat on December 21.

Criticizing the Baluchistan provincial government he said, "Government has failed to protect the lives and properties of Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and different sects of Muslims including Punjabi speaking community as the incidents of kidnapping for ransom have become common. Several people have been kidnapped for ransom and government has not been able to trace or recover them. In many cases family of victims had paid huge ransom for their release."

He urged upon the Federal as well as Baluchistan government to take stern action against the fundamentalists and extremist elements those involved in kidnapping and killing of innocent Hindus, Sikhs and Christians in Pakistan and harassing them in the name of blasphemy act.

Please find below pictures of Mr.Ansar Burney visit to Kali Mata mandir in Kalat, Baluchistan :-

 (Photo : Kalat, Baluchistan: The Provincial Minister for Minorities, Government of Baluchistan, Mr. Jai Parkash Seetlani, met with the United Nations Expert Advisor on human rights, Mr. Ansar Burney and discussed with him the illegal and dishonest treatment (Kidnapping for Ransom) and other human rights violations with Minorities especially with Hindu religion families in Baluchistan)
 (Photo : Kalat, Baluchistan: The United Nations Expert Advisor on human rights and Pakistan's former Federal Minister for human rights, Mr. Ansar Burney along with the Provincial Minister for Minorities, Government of Baluchistan, Mr. Jai Parkash Seetlani, visited Kali Mai Mandir (Hindu religions famous religious Temple in Kalat) from where Hindu religions religious leader 'Saint' Maharaj Lakme Kir (82), was kidnapped)
 (Photo : Historical Kali Mai Mandir (Hindu Religion Temple) in Kalat, Baluchistan (Pakistan)
 (Photo : Mr. Ansar Burney with local Baloch Hindus at Kali Mata Mandir in Kalat of Balochistan,Pakistan)
 (Photo : Mr. Ansar Burney with local Baloch Hindus at Kali Mata Mandir in Kalat of Balochistan,Pakistan)
(Photo : Mr. Ansar Burney with local Baloch Hindus at Kali Mata Mandir in Kalat of Balochistan,Pakistan)

The PHP Team

On one is safe in Pakistan say Hindu Jatha

By Gopinath Kumar (editor-in-chief)
Friday, March 25, 2011

AMRITSAR (India) : Personal reasons and circumstances make some Hindu and Sikh families migrate from Pakistan to India, and being a minority community, the media quickly highlights such incidents, whereas the situation for everyone in Pakistan was almost the same. Even Muslims were getting abducted and they also live under shadow of terrorism.

These views were expressed by members of the 350 strong Hindu Jatha that arrived in India on Wednesday to participate in a religious function being held at Shadani Darbar, Raipur.

While talking to TOI Dr Haresh Kumar, member national assembly, Pakistan said that, "We discourage Hindus and Sikhs of Pakistan to migrate to India but a few of them have their own personal reasons and concerns."

There were militancy hit areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balauchistan where not only minority communities but influential Muslims too fall prey to terrorist activities. "Terrorism is at a peak in these areas and every one gets affected by it irrespective of their religion," he said, while adding that since Hindus and Sikhs were in a minority so they were easily noticed and therefore caught media attention. He said a few Hindu and Sikh family members consider themselves to be in a weak position, so they decide to bid adieu to Pakistan.

Pardeep Kumar, a devotee, said that many a times incidents of terrorism and selective abduction and killing of members of the minority community makes them feel insecure in Pakistan. "But then how can a government that is not safe itself can provide safety and security to its citizens," he questioned. He agreed that many Hindu and Sikh families in Pakistan make up their mind to migrate but eventually drop their plans, when they face visa problems.

"The Pakistan government didn't discriminate against minorities but the incidents of terrorism have spread fear," said Parkash Batra, another devotee. He said the Pakistan government appears to be helpless in protecting the minorities and Muslims as well. "I wonder why incidents of abduction of Muslims don't become media highlights, while anything going wrong with a member of the minority community can become a breaking news," he said.

Many Pakistani Hindus who made an emotional decision to come to India were now willing to go back since they didn't have much financial means to settle themselves and their children, he said quoting one of his relatives, who had migrated to India about two years ago.

Daily Inspiration from Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP)

By PHP Staff
Friday, March 25, 2011


The world, indeed, is like a dream and the treasures of the world are an alluring mirage. Like the apparent distances in a picture, things have no reality in themselves but are like the haze of heat.
-- Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha (563-483bce)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

No place for Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan

By Rajan Khanna
Thursday, March 24, 2011
(Photo : The Islamic State of Pakistan)

Islamabad : The assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, minister for minority affairs of Pakistan, has posed a few questions for the world community. The persecution of minorities in that country is unabated and calls for immediate intervention from the world powers. A couple of months ago, Salman Taseer, governor of the Pakistani Punjab State was also murdered - for his liberal views against the stringent blasphemy law - in broad daylight. More unfortunate aspect of Salman’s murder is: his bodyguard, who killed him, is showered with flower petals by the onlookers, whenever he is brought to the court for hearings.

The draconian blasphemy law has been invariably being used to suppress and blackmail the minorities in Pakistan. Shahbaz Bhatti, who was a Christian and one of the most vocal critics of the said law, had been receiving threats from the ultras for quite some time but valiantly kept on defying the diktats of the extremists; but eventually, he had to pay the price of his fighting for the rights of the minorities of his country, with his life.

The suppression of minorities in Pakistan is not a new phenomenon; it started immediately after the state of Pakistan was created. Although, the creator of that country, Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared in the first session of the Constituent Assembly that he wanted the country to become a secular state, yet, the successive military and civilian regimes of that country could not give secular character to the political system.

(Photo : Mostly unknown to the outside world, Pakistan is home to Four million Hindus)

Hindus in the states of Sindh and Balochistan are incessantly being persecuted and their lives, property and dignity are constantly threatened by the zealots.

 (Photo : Inside Sadh Belo a prominent Hindu temple in Sindh, Pakistan)

The state of Sindh, in the aftermath of the partition of the country, used to have a sizeable population of Hindus, but due to the religious persecution, the community has been reduced to very small numbers in the said state; most of it has been migrating either to India or has been forcibly converted. Every now and then, the community faces the attacks of the religious bigots and lives under the constant threat of terror.

 (Photo : BBC NEWS  In pictures  Hindus in Balochistan state of Pakistan)

Recently, a group of Hindus coming back from the famous historical shrine of Hinglaj Devi in Balochistan, was waylaid and murdered. The unfortunate fact is, the authorities remain mute spectators and as the reports trickle in, many a times tacitly support the attacks on the community.

The intolerance of the Pakistani state is not restricted to the minorities belonging to the other faiths only; even the Ahamadiyas - actually a sect belonging to the majority community of Pakistan - are not allowed to live in peace and are constantly being harassed. Their story of woes started with General Zia ul Haq - the erstwhile military dictator of Pakistan - declaring them non-Muslims, in the decade of seventies. Intermittent attacks by the armed extremist groups on the hapless Ahamadiyas keep on taking place in that country and the successive governments have miserably failed in providing any protection to the said community.

The ugly face of the religious persecution was seen again in the Ourkazai tribal agency of the NWFP of Pakistan. The members of the Sikh community were issued notices to pay Zaziya or face death by the Talibani militia. Although, the threats were coming thick and large for quite some time, yet, the government did nothing to save the lives and the property of those Sikh masses, who opted to stay back - at the soil of their birth and their forefathers - in the aftermath of the partition of the country. Many innocent Sikh lives were taken by the religious zealots and the rest of Pakistan and the world community kept on watching the massacre as mute spectators.

The Christian minority, which is largely scattered in the Punjab province of Pakistan, is on the receiving end of the constant attacks by the extremist groups. Whenever any incident which is considered to be provocative - by the fundamentalists of Pakistan - occurs in any western country, the Churches and the houses of the Christian minority become targets of the radical forces.

Late Shahbaz Bhatti, who was a vociferous critic of some of the provisions of the Blasphemy law, was a dominant voice of the Christian community of Pakistan; his assassination should not only be condemned unequivocally by the world leaders, pressure should be brought on the Pakistani regime to protect the lives, property, dignity and the institutions of various minorities living in that country.

(Photo : Hindu migrants from Pakistan in Jalandhar (India) show their Pakistani passports)

The complicity of the government of Pakistan and its agencies like ISI - in attacks on the minorities - is glaringly evident, therefore, trade embargoes against the state which has been sponsoring terrorism from the very first day of its creation, should be brought and the UN should depute the emissaries of UNHRC in Pakistan to safeguard the lives and the properties of the terrorised minorities.

300 Pakistani Hindus in India on pilgrimage tour

By PHP Staff
Thursday, March 24, 2011
( Photo : Map of India )

New Delhi : About 300 Pakistani Hindus from the Shadani Darbar crossed the Wagah border checkpost into India on Wednesday to undertake a tour of various Hindu shrines in the country.

Dr. Haresh Kumar, a member of the Pakistan Parliament, said that the delegation was looking forward to the tour. But he also highlighted the problems faced by minority communities in Pakistan, saying that they had been consistently demanding adequate security for themselves and protection of their places of worship.

"Insecurity prevails among minorities, but they showed their intention to come over to India. The Government of Pakistan discourages migration," he claimed.

Admitting that shrine land had been encroached upon, Dr. Kumar said that it was the duty of the Pakistan Evacuee Property Board (PETPB) to protect the shrines belonging to Hindu and Sikhs in Pakistan.

He said that the issue has been raised in the Parliament and the government has ordered an inquiry.

Pardeep Kumar, a devotee, described the situation in Pakistan as worrisome. He claimed that a number of Hindu families wanted to migrate to India, but strict visa rules prevented such a move.

Sikhs protest against plaza construction on gurdwara land in Pakistan

By Dr.radhe Shyam Kumar (Executive Editor)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
(Photo : Map of Lahore city in Punjab state in Pakistan)

Lahore, Mar 24 : Sikhs in Pakistan will stage a protest in Lahore on Friday over the construction of a plaza on gurdwara land.

They will stage a sit-in in front of the Punjab Assembly for two hours against the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) administration, Sikh leaders told The Express Tribune.

Former Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Perbandhak Committee (PSGPC) President Sardar Bishon Singh said that if the government failed to stop the construction of a plaza over Gurdwara Deewan Khana, Indian Sikhs would join their protest and send delegations to Pakistan to record their disapproval.

He said that Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had met an Indian Sikh delegation led by Shiromani Gurdwara Perbandhak Committee (SGPC) representative Sardar Swinder Singh Doblia on November 27, 2010, and then told the ETPB to stop the construction of the plaza on the land.

The EPTB had complied with the order at that time, but a part of the gurdwara was demolished and the construction was resumed on March 19, he added.

Singh pointed out that if religious sites were not protected in the country, it would be a violation of the Constitution besides being an international embarrassment for Pakistan.

Meanwhile, EPTB chairman Asif Hashmi said that the deal to build a plaza on the gurdwara land had been struck with the nine tenants, who had temporary shops near the gurdwara for many years, before he took office.

He admitted that the site had religious significance for the Sikh community, adding that he would cancel the deal between the tenants and his department and return the amounts paid by the tenants as part of the deal.