AMRITSAR: Yoga is generally considered a Hindu practice, but despite resistance from fundamentalists and the government’s stubborn stance against it, the number of dedicated practitioners and certified “yogis” in Pakistan has been steadily growing due to yoga’s perceived health benefits and promotion of well-being. Islamabad-based yoga guru Sumaira Servat points out that there has been a significant increase of over 100 percent in Pakistanis practicing yoga in recent years. They are inspired by the immense benefits yoga offers to health and well-being. However, Sumaira laments the lack of government recognition and support for yoga institutes and certified yoga gurus in Pakistan. Sumaira has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and conducts classes in various formats including kids yoga, diplomat yoga, maternity yoga and weightless yoga. She said yoga sessions are conducted across Pakistan. “In cosmopolitan cities like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, the number of courses was more due to the large number of qualified yogis and yoga enthusiasts, besides yoga courses by various TV channels,” Sumaira said. Asked about the potential threat yoga teachers face from hardline Islamic groups, she said, “Yoga is often only perceived as a Hindu practice and anything related to Hinduism, which is often associated with India, does not match fundamentalist ideology, including the government’s view.” According to her, Imran Khan’s government has a more tolerant attitude towards yoga gurus compared to Sharif’s government. “Due to the stubbornness of fundamentalist groups and the government, yoga ashrams in Pakistan are often referred to as holistic awareness centres, wellness centres, health centres etc,” Sumaira said. The name change is aimed at avoiding controversy and opposition regarding the Hindu connotations that often accompany traditional yoga practices. She said she recently had a yoga session with Chargé d’Affairs Geetika Srivastava at the Indian Embassy in Islamabad.
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