Pakistan Hindu Panchayat
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The Pakistan Hindu Panchayat is the leading socio-political representative organization of the Hindu community in heavily Muslim Pakistan.
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[edit] Hindus of Pakistan
After the Partition of India, in which some argue Hindus were religiously cleansed, Hindus in Pakistan make barely 2% of the total population, roughly 3 million people, giving them little influence or particular participation in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Hindu minority is reserved seats in the National Assembly and now can also vote for their local candidate.
Hindus are mainly concentrated in the province of Sindh where they form around 8% of the population.
[edit] Mission and Organization
The PHP represents the Hindu community on social and political issues, bringing them together to protect their interests, advance education and opportunity and protect the basic rights and freedoms, especially of worship and assembly, of Hindus all over Pakistan. The task of the PHP has become more difficult in face of increasing Islamization since the 1980s in Pakistan, especially the rise of global Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism and increased tensions with archrival neighbor, India.
[edit] Representation with Government
The PHP organizes support for the Hindu candidates in Hindu electorates, and lobbies the Government of Pakistan on issues important to Hindus, such as the security of temples, and contentious issues like protests against the abduction of Hindus for ransoms and forcible conversions.
The PHP holds an annual national conference, and has branches in all Pakistani provinces. Another important and linked organization is the Pakistani Hindu Welfare Association.
