Kashish Chaudhary Becomes First Hindu Woman Assistant Commissioner in Balochistan.

Breaking Barriers: Kashish Chaudhary Makes History as Balochistan’s First Hindu Woman Assistant Commissioner.

Meena  Mithani | HENB | Karachi | May 14, 2025::  In a groundbreaking achievement, Kashish Chaudhary, a 25-year-old Pakistani Hindu woman from Noshki in Balochistan’s Chagai district, has shattered glass ceilings by becoming the province’s first Hindu woman Assistant Commissioner. This milestone marks a significant step forward for minority representation in Pakistan’s civil service.

A Symbol of Pride

Chaudhary’s appointment has sent ripples of joy and pride through her community. Her father, Girdhari Lal, expressed his pride, saying, “It is a matter of great pride for me that my daughter has become an assistant commissioner due to her hard work and commitment.” Lal credited his daughter’s success to her dedication and dreams of studying and working for the empowerment of women.

Kashish Chaudhary’s achievement is a significant milestone for minority women in Pakistan, particularly in the context of the repressive challenges faced by Hindus and other minority groups in the country.

Empowering Women and Minorities

After meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Chaudhary expressed her commitment to working for the empowerment of women and minorities, as well as the overall development of the province. Chief Minister Bugti praised Chaudhary, saying, “Kashish is a symbol of pride for the nation and Balochistan.”

It is an important context to consider that The Balochistan region has a complex history and ongoing tensions with the Pakistani government, with many Baloch people seeking greater autonomy or independence due to concerns about cultural identity, economic development, and political representation.

The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement, similarly, reflects the aspirations of some Sindhi people for greater autonomy or independence. These movements highlight the diverse cultural and political landscape of Pakistan and the need for nuanced understanding and dialogue.

Paving the Way for Others

Chaudhary’s achievement is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Hindu women in Pakistan have made notable strides in male-dominated fields. Manesh Ropeta, who became the first Hindu woman Superintendent of Police in Karachi in 2022, Pushpa Kumari Kohli, a police sub-inspector, and Suman Pawan Bodani, a civil judge, are inspiring examples of women who have overcome cultural, religious, and social hurdles to reach important positions.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these successes, challenges persist. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, a politician in Sindh province, highlights the need for more educational facilities for the Hindu community to counter issues like underage abductions and forced conversions. With an estimated 75 lakh Hindus (less than 2% of total population of Pakistan) living in Pakistan, according to official estimates, and over 90 lakh according to the community, the majority settled in Sindh province, there is a growing recognition of the need to support and empower minority communities.

Before partition in 1947, there were at least 14% Hindus in  Pakistan, particularity in West Pakistan region.

A New Era of Representation

Kashish Chaudhary’s historic appointment signals a new era of representation and opportunity for minority women in Pakistan’s civil service. As she embarks on her new role, her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps.
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__Agency inputs.