Manipulation of religion for social and political purposes is not a novelty in our part of the world, neither is the oppression faced by religious minorities. However, the complicity of authorities is yet another issue because of which many communities continue to suffer every day. The Hindu community, comprising 1.5 million people in Karachi alone, have been on the receiving end of this in Lyari.

The Pawandaas compound, which once belonged to the Hindus and was used as their congregation and prayer ground, has now been transformed into a slaughter house by the butchers residing in the same area.

Hindus living in the compound have been putting up with the nuisance of the butcher community for many years. The butchers had forcibly evicted thirty-five Hindu families and they continue to harass the remaining eleven families to vacate the compound by making them sign residential documents in exchange for a very small amount of money. This is happening despite official allotment of the compound to Hindu families by the Sindh government under the Evacuee Property Act 1957.

The second atrocity inflicted upon the community is the conversion of a century old Hindu Shiv Mandir into an abode of Pir Syed Hussain Mian Bukhari. When the outraged Hindu community raised a hue and cry to express their anger, a small room measuring 8 feet by 6 feet was allotted to them as a substitute.

Buddhiyaram Maheshwary, a local resident, says, "It is impossible to perform pooja (prayers) in a congregation in such a small temple, which is why we are limited to saying our daily prayers at home." For grand religious festivals like Diwali and Holi the Hindus have to resort to mandirs situated in other parts of the city.

According to Lawyer Amarnath Motumal, who is also the President of Hindu Panchayat Karachi Division, the caste of the Hindu community in question is too scared to take a stance against the perpetrators and take the matter to court for the fear of being falsely convicted.

But Bobby Maheshwary, a local Union Council member with a minority seat, says that despite all this, several complaints have been filed with concerned officials but they have not yet paid heed to the issue. They instead accuse the Baghdadi Police of being involved in the act.

Seventy year old Dawood, who runs a decoration business in the area, says he has been witness to the situation for the past 32 years and blames the authorities for encouraging encroachment in the compound. "The Baghdadi police themselves help the Muslim land grabbers by forcing Hindu residents to sign on the residential document in exchange for a very little amount, which subsequently gives them (Muslims) the right to use the land."

Moreover, the butchers continue to slaughter cows in front of Hindus, arousing their religious sentiments and with a blind eye to the hygiene of the area. "We have to walk over the exposed internal organs of the slaughtered animals," they say.

On the other hand, followers of Pir Syed Hussain Mian Bukhari claim that the temple has been a Muslim worship place for over 50 years. "Pir Sahab has been practicing religion for decades now and is the descendant of (late) Syed Abbas Mian Bukhari who was quite well known."

However, as Kolachi investigated it discovered that the scraped paint on one of the inside walls of the worship place had a different story to tell. Those walls revealed paintings of Hindu gods proving that the place was indeed a temple, as claimed by the residing Hindus. And the irony of ironies is that this was testified by the Pir Sahib himself.

While being interviewed, Pir Syed Hussain testified to the fact that the large room was a temple which was taken over by Muslims after claiming to take permission from the Evacuee Board and that he would "only vacate the area when the government guarantees our habitation elsewhere." So clearly, it is a matter of illegal occupancy and blackmailing the authorities for personal gain.

Revealing the history, Buddhiyaram told Kolachi that before partition the compound consisted of several small houses that were used as ashrams (resting place) by different Hindu voyagers. "After Pakistan became independent, around 100 Hindu families who resided in the compound migrated to India, but most of them returned to Pakistan shortly because they were unable to settle there. My family was one of the 50 families who returned," he said. "Even today I do not want to leave this country for I am a Pakistani first and a Hindu later. All we are asking for is our due right to practice our religion and faith that even the constitution guarantees."

Lawyer Amarnath Motumal, who is also the president of Hindu Panchayat Karachi Division and a council member of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, said that cows were tied and slaughtered in the open - an act that frustrates the entire adjacent neighbourhood. "Even as a slaughterhouse, it has some rules to follow to maintain a hygienic atmosphere. They are not only insulting the minority settlements but are also violating government rules," he complains.

He further adds, "This community is very scared of fighting for their rights and the butchers have been taking advantage of their vulnerability."

Using his rights as a council member, Bobby said that he has made several complaints to higher authorities including the local area police, Town Nazim and Chief Minister of Sindh about the unauthorized construction of houses and forced eviction of his community members. He has also filed a complaint to the Ministry of Health regarding the butchers but no action has been taken to date. "Each official blames the other official to brush responsibility off his own shoulders. I don't know where to go, I feel really hopeless."

"Moreover," adds Bobby, "recently my wife and I were verbally and physically abused by some members of the butcher clan, as we are leading the resistance... My wife who is pregnant these days was totally shaken. I cannot afford to risk her or my child's life at the moment so to avoid further complications I will not pursue the case until my wife delivers."

This attitude of animosity and harassment extends to children as well. It was learned during the visit that Hindus refrain from sending their children outside to play as they are harassed by Muslim children. "They [i.e. the Muslim children] use swear words and they abuse our entire caste, which is quite offending." While most were forcefully asked to vacate the compound, some families willingly left to avoid further harassment.

Harassment by the butchers reached its limit after one of them raped a Hindu priest's daughter in the compound, who was later humiliated by the butcher's wives and daughters in front of the entire community. This incident flared up the sensitivities of the Hindus and led them to take action against the butchers.

According to the HRCP Press Release: "The Baghdadi police showed no willingness to register several rape cases of Hindu girls within the compound... In April 2006, Baghdadi police received a complaint regarding the kidnapping and rape of a Hindu girl by an alleged Muslim rapist named Javed Qasai. However, instead of arresting him, the police allowed him to leave the compound freely."

Motumal said that the matter should be solved at a national level and the rights of the minorities as guaranteed under the state constitution should not be denied otherwise the community would be forced to seek international help. Residents are however fearful that they would not be able to restore their property through the court and an unnecessary delay in the court proceedings would only worsen matters.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan further adds: "Serious forms of discrimination and attacks against religious minorities would continue to take place until direct collaboration of the police and local administration with the alleged perpetrators is discouraged."

The issue in question is one which can neither be delayed nor ignored: it requires immediate attention, as it is not only a violation of basic ethical rights of communities but it violates the constitutional protections extended to Pakistani citizens on more than one accounts. It is a matter of disgrace and a failure of provision of fundamental rights on part of the state to residents of the country.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal, literally meaning 'Garden of Iqbal', takes its name from the national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Most people do not appreciate the length and breadth of the town. The most common error is to confuse Gulshan-e- Iqbal I and II with Gulshan-e-Iqbal as a whole. A huge town, it stretches from Baloch Colony on Sharah-e-Faisal at one end towards South, Teen Hatti towards West along with Lyari River, up to Super Highway towards North and up to Malir Cantt towards East.

A few names that come to mind when we hear about Gulshan are Civic Center, Hasan Square, the newly constructed Expo Centre, PIA Planetarium, Urdu University (formerly Urdu Science College), Sir Syed University, Safari Park, NED University and Karachi University. Other famous landmarks include Moti Mahal, KDA Market and the bizzarely named Disco Bakery. For Gulshan residents, there are many other places besides the obviously famous ones that highlight their lives.

In this piece the focus is on the days and happenings of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Blocks 3 and 4 of UC-9, Gulshan-e-Iqbal II.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal 3 is a densely populated area that is home to mostly upper middle and middle-income groups. What makes this block a happening place is the KDA market, which has, in recent years, developed into a favourite destination for the shopping-eager women. This market place is best known for its bangles and hand-embroidered suits.

The presence of two well-known beauty salons, Rose and Mahrose, makes this marketplace even better for the ladies. "I have recently opened my shop in this market before that it was in Rabi Center (Tariq Road) but there is not much difference, and I must say I am receiving a good response here," says a salesperson in the market. Though not very large, this market nonetheless features a number of shops and services. Some of these shops are somewhat on the expensive side. Shahab's and La Regalos are stores offering items ranging from crockery to cosmetics under one roof.

Mrs. Alia Iqbal, a housewife said, "In KDA market we can get every thing very conveniently and the best part is its locations that is in the middle of the residential area." On the roadside one finds couple of gift and stationery shops. And if you feel hungry while shopping, a number of eating outlets selling burgers, chaat and crunchy gol gappas can take care of those needs.

Further ahead from KDA market, is the famous Disco Bakery and Sohni Sweets. The area is often referred to as 'Disco Bakery ka ilaqa', not that the bakery has anything in common with a disco other than the name. However, people flock here as they would to discos. During the busiest hours, there is such a rush of people that double parking becomes the norm.

A modish gaming zone Playdium.net has come up right in the hub of Gulshan II, attracting the young and the energetic in droves. However the most recent attraction is a mall specializing in cell-phone sales, Saima Mobile Mall, which has been inaugurated recently.

The area right before the Karachi University, Block 4 is also densely populated. The most popular eating outlet here is the Spicy Broast, a low budget gastronomic treat where people help themselves to delicious food till late at night.

New Discovery Medicos is another store at the service of people every hour. Patel Hospital, on the other hand, fulfills the medical necessities of the people in the nearest blocks, providing round the clock services.

But perhaps one of the best amenities in Block 4 is the local park, which is without doubt, one of the best in the whole town. It is used primarily for jogging and exercising. This part of Gulshan also has a women sports complex.

These days, Gulshan residents are facing many problems because of the dug-up roads and the resulting traffic congestion. It is especially a matter of grave concern for pedestrians and those who commute by public transport. "It is a real pain for us personally, besides, we are also enduring losses as people now avoid coming to our shops because of the on going work," says a shopkeeper. Recent rains have worsened the situation. Uninsulated electricity lines and mud deposits are not only dangerous for those who walk but also contribute to air pollution. The lesson for the concerned authorities in all this is that construction work should be planned and must take into account factors like the anticipated rain season, so that the inconvenience cause to residents is minimal.

Every part of the city has its own character, and Gulshan's character undoubtedly is a hospitable one. It is a small well knit community with its own hot spots and shopping areas. To people living in the more affluent areas of Karachi it may not seem like much, but it does have a charm all its own.

After the implementation of the Police Order 2002, some critics of the police were appeased and considered the situation improved. It was foreseen by many that the performance of the primary law-enforcers would be enhanced and the police would become more diligent in safeguarding the interests of the citizens. However, after almost four years, it is safe to conclude that it was just wishful thinking.

This time knowingly or unknowingly, and preposterous as it sounds, the Hyderabad police has booked a four year old child, Jibran in a robbery case. They have further implicated his two brothers and put them in prison. The case erupted out of a domestic dispute in a Latifabad neighbourhood, as a result of differences between a brother and a sister.

The investigation police officer not only booked the minor in the robbery and attempted murder case but also implicated the child before the court and declared him an absconder.

The tale that made the child a victim of police brutality cropped up when Sharafat Hussain, a resident of Jinnah colony, Latifabad, lodged a complaint against the children of his sister, Firdous, who is an occupant of the same house for many years. Sharafat Hussain actually wanted to get complete possession of her sisters' portion which comprises a single room and a lounge. There were frequent disputes and verbal confrontations between the brother and sister, which often led to scuffles. Finally on June 14, Sharafat lodged a case against his sister's children Jibran alias Bhora, Imran and Aijaz, alleging attempted murder and robbery.

However, the police had booked two of the children, Imran and Ayaz, before the formal complaint had been registered. Reacting on their obvious blunder the District Police ordered immediate release of the children on June 13 and an FIR was registered a day later.

The police registered another case in August, again on the complaint of Sharafat Hussain against his sister Firdous and two more children Shabeena and Riaz. The police continued in their efficient manner and produced Ayaz and Imran in court despite the fact that Ayaz wasn't nominated in either of the two cases. The children were put behind bars and were only released after their mother moved the district and sessions judge court. The sessions judge is also director of the human rights board.

It was a pitiful sight when a four year old child was produced in court by the police. As the cameras clicked away, the child looked visibly harassed. Hyderabad Police never looked this bad before, and that's saying a lot. As a result of the shocking footage and the media uproar reports were called from the local police, judiciary and home ministry. Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan directed action against the investigation police officer and ordered his suspension.

Firdous told Kolachi that she has been living in a nightmare since her brother lodged the case, running from pillar to post to get justice. "It was only after the media took up the case and the matter was raised at a higher level that action was initiated against those responsible for booking my four year old child." With Jibran's school certificate in her hand, she expressed sadness that her brother was only doing this to get possession of single room.

According to Firdous' counsel Advocate Munnawar Shah, the court has issued notices to senior police officers. They have been asked to provide details to the court as to why the police lodged a case against a minor.

To give a new twist to the bizarre saga, Firdous' brother Sharafat Hussain in a press conference claimed that the four year old child produced before the court was not the Jibran he nominated in the case. According to Sharafat Hussain, the Jibran nominated in the case was the elder son of his sister. He alleged that his sister is trying to turn the case against him and has changed the four year old's name. He further claimed that he was physically attacked and was continuously being pressurised. Whether Sharafat's allegations are true or not is for the court to decide, but in any case, a four year old child was arrested and put through an ordeal that any adult would fear. It is irrelevant if the child is Jibran or not or whether he was named in the FIR. Arresting a minor is a criminal offence in itself.

The dispute between Sharafat and Firdous is purely and simply a domestic affair. But the police's actions should come under strict public scrutiny. Arresting a four year old child is condemnable. Suspending the concerned police officials is not enough and exemplary punishment should be awarded. It is about time our police realise that their inhuman attitude will not be tolerated anymore and that they will be held accountable for their actions.

The role of the judiciary and police should be redefined and public safety commissions should be made functional to address public grievances. Established under the Local Government Ordinance to provide justice to citizens, these commissions have been dormant for many months. Arresting a four year old is ludicrous. The time to question our out of control police is nigh.

Saifullah, 27, works at a bakery in the residential outskirts of North Karachi. Saif always has a broad smile on his face behind which he hides the miseries and difficulties that life has to offer. The kind of work he does requires tremendous effort and hard work.

Saif lives in Karachi with his wife and a four year-old daughter. He dreams of providing his daughter all the luxuries in life, he wants her to study as much as she can. He believes nothing can be achieved in this world without hard work and tireless effort.

Kolachi: Saifullah are you a Karachiite?

Saif: Well, I would say I am a Karachiite. I was born in the district of Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab. But, since I have been living here for so many years now, I think I am quite a Karachiite!

Kolachi: How long have you been here in Karachi?

Saif: I came here when I was ten years old. So, you can say that I've been living here for around 17 years.

Kolachi: Tell us about your family.

Saif: We are three brothers and seven sisters; my whole family lives in Rahim Yar Khan. I was married five years ago in Karachi and now I live with my wife and my four-year-old daughter. My daughter studies in a school here.

Kolachi: Why did you move to Karachi?

Saif: Actually, one of my elder sisters moved to Karachi after getting married. And since things were bad in my household, I moved here with her in order to earn some money. My family's financial position wasn't satisfactory at all. Income was low as compared to the expenditures and my father was the sole earner so life was really tough.

After coming to Karachi in fact even before coming to Karachi I had just one thing in my mind and that was to earn a respectable living here and support my family back in Punjab.

Kolachi: So, you think you made the right decision by moving to Karachi?

Saif: Initially it became really difficult for me to find any kind of work here. So, I went back to Rahim Yar Khan and then decided to return a few months later. This time also the situation was not that different and I went back, again! The third time I decided to come here and stay no matter what and here I am today.

Kolachi: Did your parents support your decision of moving to Karachi?

Saif: No, they always wanted me to stay there with them, but I thought otherwise. I would have loved to stay with them, but circumstances forced me to leave my home town and come to Karachi.

Kolachi: What about your schooling?

Saif: I have studied till fifth grade in Rahim Yar Khan. But, I couldn't continue my studies in Karachi for obvious reasons.

Kolachi: How long have you been working as a cook?

Saif: I have been doing this job or the past 14 years. Before that, I tried my luck at a hotel and as a vegetable monger, but in the end this job suited me and by the grace of Allah I am quite satisfied with it. The thirst, of getting better is always there of course.

Kolachi: How much do you earn here? And is it enough for you?

Saif: Well, I earn a reasonable living here 6000 rupees per month to be exact. Something is better than nothing, but, yes I am satisfied with the salary I am getting, although the going gets really tough sometimes.

Kolachi: You said you came here with your sister; do you still live with her?

Saif: My sister still lives in Karachi but I don't live with her anymore. I have rented a house near my workplace where I live with my wife and daughter.

Kolachi: Do you find it difficult to run a family now that you have a school going kid at home?

Saif: As I said before you have to cut down the expenditures as much as you possibly can. Life is tough without a doubt but then again you have to cope with it in the best possible manner.

Kolachi: How do you rate the city of lights?

Saif: Karachi is a wonderful city. Regardless of the hardships that I had to face here, my experience here has been really good. It is true when they say that 'no one goes to bed hungry in Karachi!' It's a heaven for low earners particularly. As compared to the cities of Punjab, Karachi has a lot more to offer low earners.

Kolachi: What about the people?

Saif: You find all kinds of people in every city. So Karachi is no different. But, I have found that there are many people who are greedy and they have lost self respect. But, then there are those who you can trust and they will never turn their back on you.

Kolachi: You think majority of the people here are greedy?

Saif: No not the majority, actually almost all of my employers were really very strict. They didn't think of us as human beings. My current employers are good people, but still the job is really tough.

Kolachi: What are your working hours and what do you do on weekends?

Saif: Actually there are no off days for me so no such concept of weekends, it's a 365 day job. Timings are 9-7 but during Ramzaan the routine was just excruciating. We worked for around 17 hours sometimes!

Kolachi: Have you ever asked your siblings to come to Karachi?

Saif: I have asked them many a time, but they are comfortable living there. Actually the situation back home has also improved. In fact they have often tried to persuade me to return to Rahim Yar Khan.

Kolachi: How often do you go to Rahim Yar Khan? Are you planning to permanently shift there?

Saif: I go to Rahim Yar Khan once a year. And, I have even planned to go back permanently but that's not an easy job especially now that I have a family here in Karachi.

Saifullah lives his life with a set of beliefs; one of them is that if you look at people who are better-off than him, he will never succeed. This makes him a humble God fearing fellow, who is thankful for everything he has.

Beginning from scratch, Saifullah, has carved out a happy life for himself and for his family. If he has any troubles, he doesn't show them. Smiling in the face of adversity and taking one day at a time, such is Karachi's character.