Islamabad, March 12, 2026: A meeting of the Parliamentary Minority Caucus was held at Parliament House under the convenership of Senator Danesh Kumar to review issues concerning minority places of worship across the country and the implementation of the minority quota in recruitment within Islamabad Police.
The caucus received a briefing from the Directorate General of Culture, Tourism, Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding the restoration and preservation of the historic Gorakhnath Temple. Officials informed the committee about ongoing rehabilitation work and suggested that the provincial government allocate a budget of Rs300 million for the conservation and preservation of heritage sites. The convener directed that the recommended budget be forwarded and rehabilitation work expedited.
Officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) also briefed the committee on the current situation of minority places of worship in Pakistan. During the discussion, members emphasized stronger community involvement in the management and preservation of religious sites belonging to minority communities.
MNA Nelson Azeem briefed the caucus about facilitating current and former members of parliament and their families visiting Nankana Sahib. Minister of State Kesoo Mal Kheal Das assured the issue would be resolved and directed the ETPB chairman to examine the matter.
MNA Ramesh Kumar Vankwani stressed that the management of temples and gurdwaras should be entrusted to their respective religious communities, noting that such arrangements could help improve the environment and address administrative issues.
Similarly, MNA Ramesh Lal highlighted the importance of consultation with minority communities in matters related to their places of worship. He noted that greater participation is witnessed when religious festivals and events are organized in consultation with the community.
Ramesh Lal informed the committee that more than 100,000 people from across Pakistan participate annually in religious events held in Nankana Sahib and said improved scheduling of such festivals could further increase participation.
Senator Danesh Kumar told the meeting that the Government of Balochistan has decided to appoint a caretaker for the Hinglaj Mata Temple from within the relevant religious community, emphasizing that members of respective communities should be given priority in managing their places of worship.
The caucus was also informed that a Hindu temple in Rahim Yar Khan remains closed, while the historic Prahalad Temple — traditionally associated with the start of the festival of Holi — is in poor condition despite restoration orders issued earlier by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Senator Danesh Kumar said the religious significance of minority worship places would be highlighted to ensure their protection and proper maintenance. He announced that officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board would be summoned again in the next meeting for further discussion.
The committee also received a briefing from police officials regarding minority recruitment in Islamabad Police. Officials informed the caucus that 97 minority personnel joined the force during the last recruitment drive conducted in 2023.
According to the briefing, the sanctioned strength of Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) in Islamabad Police stands at 1,058, while under the minority quota the number should be at least 60. Police officials explained that some ASIs had reached the rank through promotions from lower ranks.
Officials further said that new recruitment has been put on hold following a stay order issued by the Islamabad High Court in connection with a quota review case. They added that the recruitment process had been completed but its implementation was delayed due to the court order.
The caucus sought detailed clarification from police authorities on full implementation of the minority quota and emphasized strict compliance with the policy in future recruitments.
The Additional Director of the Establishment Division of Pakistan also briefed the committee on the number of employees and minority representation at officer and staff levels across government departments, including autonomous and semi-government bodies. He assured the caucus that a detailed department-wise briefing would be presented in the next meeting.
The meeting was attended by Senator Danesh Kumar, Minister of State Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, MNAs Nelson Azeem, Isphanyar M. Bhandara, Ramesh Lal, Naveed Amir, James Iqbal, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, and Sanjay Perwani, among others.
