Degree

Master of Science in Journalism

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Supervisor

Ms. Tehmina Qureshi, Adjunct Faculty, Department of Social Sciences, Centre for Excellence in Journalism, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi

Project Type

MSJ Capstone

Keywords

Temple, Hinduism, Karachi, Babri Masjid, Accessibility, Attacks

Abstract / Summary

This capstone highlights the accessibility issues faced by minority communities in Karachi. Although the community is gradually integrating into Pakistani society and its voice is increasingly being heard, including in Parliament, significant challenges persist. From 2010 onwards, more than five attacks on mandirs have been reported. District City has been identified as the most uncertain area for the community, where four mandirs were either attacked, sealed, or encroached upon. Vijay Maharaj, a resident of Bhimpura, explained the community’s vulnerability by saying, “We are living like a tongue between thirty-two teeth.” The project demonstrates how political and communal disputes have, at times, transformed into religious clashes, exposing the community’s helplessness. It documents cases filed against the community on political grounds, highlighting the pressures they face within broader power struggles. At the same time, the capstone also sheds light on examples of religious harmony, particularly in rural areas, where segments of the Muslim community place faith in traditional measles treatment provided by mandir maharajs. The research further notes a shift in mindset among younger members of the community, who are increasingly reconsidering how to respond to attacks and aggression. Finally, the report recommends concrete action to address encroached mandirs in District City, where mandirs and dharamshalas have been converted for other uses. Many of these religious sites have been turned into shops or godowns, underscoring the urgent need for policy intervention and protection of minority religious spaces. 55

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This research is openly accessible under CC By 4.0.

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