QUETTA: Special prayers were held for Durga Ashtami at the historic Hinglaj Mata Shrine in the Hub district of Balochistan on Monday. The event was largely attended by Hindu pilgrims who reached the shrine from across the country on foot to celebrate the Navratri festival.

The Balochistan government provided security and made special arrangements for the pilgrims.

A notable feature of this year’s celebrations was the Balochistan government’s appointment of Kashish Chaudhry, the province’s first Hindu woman assistant commissioner, as a focal person.

Hindu pilgrims reach shrine from across country on foot to mark Navratri festival

She played a vital role in supervising arrangements and providing facilities for pilgrims.

Senator Danesh Kumar praised the cooperation of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the provincial government, stating that the excellent arrangements for the religious ceremonies at Hinglaj Mata Asthan serve as an exemplary model of interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, and the protection of minority religious rights.

Pilgrims also acknowledged the efforts of the provincial government, district administration and relevant institutions in facilitating the celebrations.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2026