What does it look like when a nation consciously attempts to nurture its diverse religious fabric? In Pakistan, recent events and ongoing initiatives provide glimpses into this complex journey, prompting reflection on how commitments to religious freedom are translating into lived experiences.

Consider the scene in Balochistan in early May 2025. An unprecedented gathering of over 200,000 Hindu pilgrims converged on the ancient Hinglaj Mata Mandir. This sacred cave shrine, revered as a crucial Shakti Peetha, nestled within Hingol National Park, witnessed its largest-ever pilgrimage. Looking at the faces in that vast sea of humanity, one couldn’t help but wonder: Was this surge merely about numbers, or did it represent something deeper – perhaps a burgeoning sense of confidence, a hope long held finally finding expression?

Facilitating such a massive, peaceful three-day gathering naturally required significant effort. The presence of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, and local levies ensured the pilgrims’ safety across rugged terrain. But wasn’t this more than just logistics? Doesn’t the sight of Coast Guard medical teams attending to needs, alongside Muslim volunteer groups providing round-the-clock bhandara (

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