On Dec 11, 2016, the Hindu American Foundation hosted a talk by the members of the Pakistan Hindu Seva Welfare Trust at the Dwarkamai Temple in Billerica. The organization works to uplift the deprived communities in Pakistan and provide legal support to victims of human rights violations. 

What is the plight of Hindus in Pakistan, which is an Islamic state? 

The Hindus in Pakistan can be divided into two groups, the successful business people who have a good life and the underprivileged that really suffer. In many parts of Sindh province there are many Hindu communities who have little or no access to religiously unbiased education. The education is made available only through those that make religious conversion a requirement for getting services.  Women are particularly affected. For the poor Hindus life is a challenge.  The members of the trust work hard to bring services to these underserved communities. 

Pakistan is home to several very important Hindu places of worship.  Of the 428 places of Hindu worship only 20 are operational and the remaining have been leased for commercial and residential purposes.  Temples like the famous Khatas Raj temple have now been converted to historical monuments. Since independence Hindus continue to migrate out of Pakistan reducing the number of Hindus in Pakistan significantly. 

The organization hopes to work to alleviate the sufferings of the Hindus and allow them to live good lives while continuing to practice their religion. To learn more about the organization please check out their website at www.phseva.org