Pakistan - Thousands of miles still to go

• Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - Thousands of miles still to go

  tags: no_tag

  • by Amar Guriro
  • KARACHI
  • Following the recent announcements from the Indian government, regarding the issuance of visas to the Hindus of Karachi so that they may take the ashes of their loved ones to India, the local Hindus have started preparing for the trip in full swing. They have shifted the ashes into transparent jars and have put these jars into large parachute bags.
  • Majority of Pakistani Hindus, especially those who live in Sindh, bury their loved ones, but a few cremate their deceased and believe that for the eternal transformation these ashes must be immersed in holy water. Some Hindus are content with immersing the ashes in River Indus, as this river also holds some importance in Hinduism and is considered holy by some, while others prefer to make the tedious journey to India so that they can immerse the ashes in the River Ganges.
  • “The decision to issue visas to the Hindus of Karachi is a good one and we welcome it,” said Pakistan Hindu Foundation D M Maharaj, adding that Karachi only includes four districts of Sindh while Hindus live in 19 districts of Sindh. He went on to add that although he is happy with the decision it is unjust to the Hindus living in other parts of the province. “We demand the government of Pakistan to talk to India so that the visas are extended to other cities too,” Maharaj said.