Who is Kashish Chaudhary, Balochistan’s first Hindu woman assistant commissioner?
In a historic milestone, 25-year-old Kashish Chaudhary has become the first Hindu woman to be appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in Balochistan, Pakistan. Hailing from the remote town of Noshki in Chagai district, Chaudhary secured the prestigious position by passing the rigorous Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, marking a significant achievement for minority representation in the province.
On May 12, 2025, Chaudhary, accompanied by her father, Girdhari Lal, met with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in Quetta. During the meeting, she outlined her commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, supporting minority communities, and contributing to the province’s development. “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, a mid-level trader, told reporters. He noted that Chaudhary had long aspired to pursue education and uplift women in her community.
Chief Minister Bugti praised Chaudhary’s accomplishment, calling it a proud moment for both Balochistan and Pakistan. “Kashish is a symbol of pride for the nation and Balochistan,” he said, emphasizing the importance of minority community members achieving key roles through dedication.
Chaudhary’s appointment adds to a growing list of Hindu women in Pakistan breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. In July 2022, Manisha Ropeta became the first Hindu woman appointed as Superintendent of Police in Karachi, where she continues to serve. Similarly, Pushpa Kumari Kohli, a 35-year-old sub-inspector in Karachi, highlighted the potential of Hindu women, stating, “I also passed the Sindh police Public Services Examination. There are many more Hindu girls out there waiting to educate themselves and become something. Kohli, from a scheduled caste, underscored the determination of women in her community. Another example is Suman Pawan Bodani, who has served as a civil judge in Hyderabad since her appointment in Shahdadkot, Sindh, in 2019.
Chaudhary’s journey to this historic role was marked by three years of disciplined study, dedicating at least eight hours daily to prepare for the BPSC exam. “Discipline, hard work, and the desire to contribute to society have driven me throughout this journey,” she said. Her achievement is celebrated as a beacon of hope for women and minorities in Balochistan, a province often grappling with social and political challenges.