News Detail
Event Title: Senator Danesh Kumar, Convener Parliamentary Committee on Minority CAUCUS Presiding over a Meeting of the Committee at Parliament House Islamabad.
Event Date: 2026-03-12
A meeting of the Parliamentary Minority Caucus was held at Parliament House in Islamabad under the Convenership of Senator Danesh Kumar. The meeting reviewed matters related to minority places of worship across the country and implementation of the minority quota in recruitment within Islamabad Police.
While receiving briefing by the DG, Culture, Tourism, Archaeology & Museum Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of Gorakhnath Temple. The committee was briefed on the rehabilitation work. The DG further said that a budget of 300 million by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should be recommended so that we release funds for conservation and reservation of these heritage places. The convener committee directed to recommend budget for the same and expedite the work required for rehabilitation
Officials of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) briefed the committee on the current situation of minority places of worship in Pakistan. During the discussion, members of the caucus emphasized the need for stronger community involvement in the management and preservation of religious sites belonging to minority communities. Mr. Nelson Azeem, MNA briefed the committee on facilitating current and ex-Members of Parliament and their families visiting Nankana Sahib. Minister of State Mr. Kesoo Mal Kheal Das assured the issue would be resolved and directed the Evacuee Trust Chairman to look into it.
Member of the National Assembly Ramesh Kumar Vankwani stated that the management of temples and gurdwaras should be entrusted to the respective religious communities. He said, “If the arrangements in the temple are entrusted to the Hindu community, the environment can improve.” He further added, “Handing over the matters of gurdwaras and temples to the concerned community will reduce problems.”
MNA Ramesh Lal stressed the importance of consultation with minority communities in matters related to their religious places. He said, “Consultation with the community is necessary in matters of minority places of worship.” He added that community participation significantly increases when events are planned through consultation. “If Eid or festival programs are held in consultation with the community, more people participate,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of religious festivals, Ramesh Lal informed the committee that more than one lakh people from across Pakistan participate in the annual festival held in Nankana Sahib. He said that better scheduling of such events could further increase participation. “If the festival programs are held at the appropriate time, the participation can increase,” he added.
Senator Danesh Kumar informed the meeting that the Government of Balochistan has decided to appoint a caretaker for the Hinglaj Mata Temple from within the relevant religious community. He said, “If there cannot be a non-Muslim caretaker in mosques, then there should be a relevant community in temples and gurdwaras as well.” He emphasized that priority should be given to members of the respective religious communities in managing their places of worship.
Ramesh Kumar informed the committee that the Evacuee Trust Property Board is responsible for the security of places of worship. He also revealed that a Hindu temple in Rahim Yar Khan remains closed to date. He further pointed out that the Prahalad Temple, from where the festival of Holi traditionally begins, is currently in poor condition. According to him, despite orders from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the temple has not been fully restored. He also informed the committee that threats had been received during efforts for the restoration of the temple.
Addressing the meeting, Senator Danesh Kumar said the religious significance of minority places of worship will 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 on the matter. He said the committee would formally bind the concerned officials to ensure implementation of decisions.
The committee also received a briefing from police officials regarding the recruitment of minorities in Islamabad Police. Officials informed the caucus that 97 minority officials joined the police force during the last recruitment drive conducted in 2023.
According to the briefing, the total sanctioned strength of Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs) in Islamabad Police stands at 1058. The committee noted that under the minority quota, the number of ASIs should be at least 60. Police officials explained that some ASI officers had reached the position through promotions from lower ranks.
Officials further informed the committee that new recruitment in Islamabad Police has been put on hold due to a court order. The Deputy Inspector General of Police told the meeting that the Islamabad High Court has issued a stay order in connection with a quota review case, which has halted the recruitment process. Police officials stated that the recruitment process had been completed but implementation was delayed due to the court’s stay order.
They expressed hope that the minority quota would be fulfilled once the new recruitment process resumes and is completed. The committee sought detailed clarification from the police authorities regarding full implementation of the minority quota and emphasized the need for strict compliance with the policy in future recruitments.
The Additional Director of the Establishment Division briefed the Minority Caucus Committee on the total number of employees and minority representation at both officer and official levels across all government offices, including autonomous bodies, semi-government, and attached departments. He assured the committee that a detailed, department-wise briefing on minority quota and employees would be provided in the next meeting. The Establishment Division has written to all departments to ensure fulfillment of quota requirements.
The meeting was attended by
Senator Danesh Kumar, Convenor of Committee,
Mr. Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, Minister of State
Mr. Nelson Azeem, MNA
Mr. Isphanyar M. Bhandara, MNA
Mr Ramesh Lal, MNA
Mr. Naveed Amir, MNA
Ms. Neelam, MNA
Mr. James Iqbal. MNA
Mr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, MNA
Mr. Sanjay Perwani.