Pakistani Students in Karachi Form Human Shield for Holi Celebrations

Pakistan's National Student's Federation (NSF) formed a human shield at Swami Narayan Temple in Karachi in order to ensure that the Hindus could celebrate the festival of colours - Holi - amidst complete safety and happiness.

This has been looked at as a step towards solidarity to promote interfaith co-existence and collaboration of people from all religions in Pakistan.

As per Dawn reports, the NSF used the social media to spread awareness about the event and gather participation of people in great number with the help of e-invitations.

"When we showed solidarity with Shias at the Imambargah, Jaipaal Chhabria a doctor by profession joined us and stood alongside us so it's only fair that as a group, we extend the same courtesy to all Hindus in Pakistan who face a lot of prosecution of different kinds," Fawwad Hasan NSF General Secretary of Karachi wing was quoted as saying.

Hassan said the violation of rights of other religions like vandalism of Hindu temples, religious conversions and containment of other cultures and faith were the reasons behind organising the event.

"Society as a whole has to show change and be a part of that change. If you don't stand up for someone else's rights today, tomorrow you will also be targeted and there will be no one to stand up for your rights," Hassan added.