Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Diwali greetings to the country’s Hindu community have sparked significant controversy, with critics highlighting the dramatic decline in the minority population and ongoing issues of discrimination. The Prime Minister extended “heartfelt greetings” for Diwali, hoping the festival would “dispel darkness, foster harmony, and guide us all toward a future of peace, compassion, and shared prosperity.”
This official message has been widely criticized online as hypocritical, particularly in light of the dwindling numbers of Hindus in Pakistan. Since the 1947 Partition, when Hindus comprised about 15% of the population, their numbers have significantly decreased. Current estimates suggest they now make up only 1.63% of Pakistan’s 240 million population, approximately 3.8 million individuals.
Commentators on social media questioned the authenticity of Sharif’s message, with some suggesting it was a superficial attempt to address systemic issues. Accusations surfaced that such gestures were used to “whitewash genocide” while religious minorities, including Hindus, reportedly suffer “systematic persecution.”
The precarious situation of the Hindu community is further illustrated by recent incidents of religious site destruction and targeted violence. The Mari Mata Temple in Karachi, an ancient structure, was demolished in July 2023. The sacred Hinglaj Mata Mandir has also faced repeated extremist threats.
Reported violence against Hindus has seen fluctuations, with 241 cases recorded in 2022, followed by 103 in 2023, and a slight increase to 112 as of October 2024. These statistics underscore the challenges faced by the community.
Adding to the controversy, Sharif’s conciliatory tone contrasts with remarks made earlier by Army Chief General Asim Munir, who reiterated the “two-nation theory” and emphasized distinct identities, stating, “Our religions are different… We are two nations, we are not one nation.”