“We are not Muslim, we are not Hindu, but first and foremost, we are Sindhi. There is a conspiracy to force Sindhi Hindus to leave Sindh, but we will not allow nefarious elements to succeed,” a political activist was sloganeering in English outside the Hyderabad Press Club.
Like most nationalists, he was hoping his message would be heard not only everywhere in Pakistan but also all across the world.
But the sad reality is, all these protests are of no use; the messages all fruitless. Despite their community's strong resistance, the situation is very much the same as it was yesterday. Hindu girls were converted in the past, are being converted today, and I’m sure, will be converted down to the very last Hindu remaining on the soil of Sindh.
It is true that whenever a Hindu girl in Sindh is kidnapped or converted, a large number of Sindhi Hindus – in the face of fear and hopelessness – are forced to migrate to India.
Also read: Footprints: Hindus in no man's land
After the alleged kidnapping of Anjali Bai Meghwar from Daharki, Kajul Bheel from Matiari district and Karin from Nawabshah (most people not aware of these names), many people including my dear friend Ajeet Kumar are forced to consider the idea of migration.
“As a last resort we have decided to migrate to India," Ajeet told me a few days ago.
"We are completely insecure here. We are looted but our voice is not heard by the people in the saddle, our temples are attacked in broad daylight but no one takes action, our girls are kidnapped and forcibly converted only to hear more empty promises of justice.
"Nothing happened in the last 65 years and we don’t expect any improvement in future. Things will only become wore.”
All the political parties have condemned and protested the forced conversion of 12 year-old Anjali and subsequent marriage to a young man. But while Bilawal Bhutto, the ruling party’s chairman, has taken cognizance of it, most PPP leaders have kept mum as they know there is no way to turn the situation around. Intolerance of faith differentials has gone so far in this country that not only Hindus but Christians, Ahmadis and Shias are equally targeted every now and then.
The situation is chilling.
Also read: 1,000 minority girls forced in marriage every year: report
In a place where Khursheed Shah was recently charged with religious contempt just because of his usage of the word “Muhajir”; where naming a road after Bhagat Singh, a true Pakistani, can cause so much trouble; where murderers, like Mumtaz Qadri, are welcomed with roses; people being forced to leave their faith and embrace the dominating one does not look odd at all.
“In the coming few months we will leave our motherland," said Ajeet. "See, they have brought conditions to this point; they want us to give up the faith or leave the country."
What can one do in these circumstances? Every new incident of forced conversion increases the feeling of trepidation and insecurity, and the desperateness to flee this land. Even well-heeled families are migrating as they think there is no other option left.
Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, member of PML-N told National Assembly that over 5,000 Hindus are migrating from Sindh to India every year.
Hindus constitute five per cent of Sindh's population. Vankwani's figure suggests that 22.22 per cent of the total Hindu community of the province migrate to India every year.
How many years before Sindhi Hindus are completely expelled?
Everyone knows that the Sindh government passed a law last year which criminalised underage marriages.
But has the government taken any action against those who have converted Anjali? Or even just against those who forced an underage Anjali to marry someone?
Also read: Hindu council urges PM to prevent atrocities against minorities
Anjali Meghwar’s father Kundan Lal has presented her NADRA and school documents in the court before the authorities. These documents certify her age as 12.
But much like the inertia of previous PPP governments, I think this incident will lead to zero action as well. I mean, PPP has not even managed to oust people like Mian Mithu (allegedly involved in Rinkle Kumari and Anjali Meghwar's cases) from its ranks.
Everyone and everything from the police, the courts and the elected assembly members can be controlled with astonishing ease, as it happened in the case of Rinkle Kumari – a girl from the same district converted by the same people last year. A video was released showing assailants brandishing weapons inside the court. Back then, MPAs and MNAs from the district did not utter a single word in support of the victims. Nor have they done so now.
So when people like Ajeet give up all hopes of improvement, they are very much in the right; because when a state cannot even pass the Hindu Marriage Act, how can it protect them and their assets? How can it prevent their girls from being forcibly converted? It can’t. This is the sorriest state for a state.
"It is indeed difficult to leave Sindh. It is our homeland, it has borne us. But we also can’t stop subscribing to our faith. So leaving is the only option left."
Good bye, Ajeet.
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Comments (199) Closed
Very sad to hear this. Sindhi Hindus coming to India are welcome. Honestly, we are not a rich country. But whatever we have, is yours. We are happy to share whatever little we have, with you. Welcome to India
While India has Muslim Personal Law Board, Pakistan is strangulating minorities in several ways. Even then people have audacity to blame India for unfair treatment of minorities.
Why your forefathers decided to stay in Pakistan , i don't understand.
Jinnah's Pakistan?
@Pole Vaulter This is not Jinnah's Pakistan... It NS's Pakistan... he owns the entire institutions of our country... we are really ashamed to call us as Pakistanis... it is an ill wind, it blows no one no good...
Please come to India, you are most welcome here. We will try to make you feel at home as much we can. :)
Hi Gaurav,
I am saddend to hear that you sympathies with only SINDHI HINDUS? I though India was a secular country. You should offer the same to other minorities
Action speaks louder than words, We hear only words from altaf hussain, bilwal bhutton and nawaz sharif
Humanity, love, emotions for others is on the verge of finish, just because of difference in beliefs, culture.
Can someone explain: Is this headline "Leave your faith or leave your country" supposed to be a warning to minorities?
Not only Hindus, but other minorities of Pakisitan, are welcome to India. But, the same numbers of anti-social or anti-India muslims of India have to go to Pakistan, simultaneously.
how can there be place for Hindus in Islamic republic I wonder..! !
@Adeel
That is because Sindhi Hindus are being forced out of Pakistan.
My dear Manish,you are so right about the plight of minorities in Pakistan.When there is decline in societies,most of the frustration is directed towards the minorities.People who commit these crimes should get an exemplary punishment
Is there no age limit to get them married and subsequent religion change?.. I see lot of report but no one has courage to take action, political parties and police alike. If anything like this or anything remotely like this happens in India, see the reaction in Pakistan media, like in case of Shahrukh statement, Shabana Azmi apartment etc. but they will be silent against atrocities in their own country.
Please mention here minorities having tough time finding apartments in India, then at least Pakistani's will take notice of this news article.
You cannot possibly accumulate this much bad Karma and think you will get out unscathed.
Forced conversions, blasphemy laws, religion based lynchings etc. continue to take place because they have widespread support among the common public. Every time an incident takes place that is particularly brutal there are the usual media articles which disappear within a week and there is no follow up by the government. Politics after all is just a reflection of the common man's thinking.
Allama Iqbals dream of pakistan the land of the pure. Please pass on all that is impure to India, rather then burning it in brick klins. In lieu take all the pure that is there in India, let us impure live in peace
What inhuman country shame!!!
@Insaan YOu stole thoughts from my mind. Infact, even I have been thinking for quite some time now- let all rationale humans - irrespective of religion- come to India and let all orthodox religionist shift to Pakistan. India needs more people with open mind and liberal ideas to evolve further while Pakistan still needs more religious folks to protect Islam/Ummah etc
@Insaan Good suggestion that completes the partition.
Better late than never. Pl. leave that place and move to india. Things are not rosy there either but you can get your space in the society and live and die with dignity.
Strange... every body is allowed to practice their faith in Pakistan... we have forgot this, unfortunately.
as staunch hindu this pains my heart....hindus will have their revenge...remember it...karma does not spares anyone....
As indian i welcome this hindus to please come and live with us....life will be difficult initially but atleast u will have peace of mind and safety of your family and bright future of your childrens...indian govt gives long term visas to pakistani hindus and citizenship too in few years....padharo mare desh....
@Adeel india is secular in way that constitution protects your right to practice your religion....but we cannot change ground realities that pakistan and bangladesh were created for muslims of subcontinent...so if hindus feel persecuted in this countries then india is their natural home...where else will they go?
@Insaan agree...those muslims who love pakistan more than india should not hide their affiliation...there is nothing wrong in it...but they should migrate to pakistan rather than living in india and chanting pakistan zindabad....
Pakistan is simply a jungle country. Well isn't there anyone to do anything about the plight of some of their citizens who are born, bred and raised there. How callous can one get to see such a thing happening unabated in front of your eyes?
Yet the same Muslims who are culprits when they go to Europe or US seek each and every bit of assistance and sympathy as if the world owes them everything. Come on, a God-sent calamity is overdue now to teach them a lesson.
Manish - the writing was on the wall with the invasion of Qasim, when Hindu temples, societies, settlements, were all uprooted all along the banks of the Indus. Ghazni only accelerated the pace. Following that, the blood-soaked land that is Sindh is surely cursed with the lamentations of millions of Hindus who were murdered, and their women raped and sold in slave-markets all the way from Sindh to Baghdad, to live a life of untold horrors. That your ancestors survived this genocide is a testament to their bravery and resilience. The community should not tarry even a moment in the cursed land of the Hindu holocaust. Hindus should migrate immediately to India.
As a Pakistani, I hang my head in shame. Pakistan belongs to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jews, Atheists, as much as it belongs to Muslims. I hope that authorities wake up and make changes. I also hope people wake up and become more tolerant in this place.
If things don't change soon, I advise all minorities to join forces and form militias. Good honest Pakistani muslims should join them. Then take the battle to those who are causing minorities so much pain and suffering.
@Insaan Indian government does not welcome and/or make it easy for ven Hindus to get legal residency in India. They should learn from Israel who welcomes every jew in the world i to Israel
Malala should be given Indian Citizenship
It is easy to say - migrate to India - But when migrants arrive in India they are not given any respect and seen with disgust - Indians call them muhajirs and curse them all the time - I have seen many families come to Pakistan due to such behaviour. Govt takes very long to give nationality to those people - I believe on purpose or because of its partial policies
sorry state of affairs wen the people from kpk and punjab come to sindh and do buissiness here without any fear and state protection,but the aboriginal people are being forced to live .shame
@Adeel
What are you talking about Adeel? Are you saying that India should take all minorities; Hindus, Sikhs, Ahmedias, Shia, Hazara etc. etc. In return will you take equal amount of Sunnis?
Did someone cry over Human rights violation in Kashmir ?
Thanks to Gandhi and Nehru these people have become destitutes in their own homeland.
People who follow the custom and culture of the land are been driven out.
Bravo. Battle away in the face of adversity. There are right minded in the silent Muslim majority of the country who will awaken one day, see the light and support you in your just cause and quest. I'd like to quote the Irish born philosopher, politician and parliamentarian Edmund Burke: "when bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle."
Please come back to India immediately.
I am a hindu from Pakistan; our entire extended family moved to other parts of the world. As doctors, engineers, businessmen, we could have contributed millions to Pakistan's economy......too bad too sad.
Munesh this nice write up Its very alarming situation for sindh and sindh people. The force conversion is a crime and our state seems silent. But we should not call them sindhi Hindus.
@Seedoo "Pakistan belongs to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jews, Atheists"
If thats true, why is Pakistan called as "Islamic Republic of Pakistan"? Are non-islamic people second class citizens?
There should be a immediate population exchange between India and Pakistan. Partition should be completed.
Hindu & Sikh brothers and sisters, please come to India any time you want. We wish we could protect you in Pakistan but you know its impossible ..
Pakistani brothers & sisters, stop blaming NS for everything wrong in Pakistan .. For a change blame yourself, you voted him to power.
Looks like that there is a movement to eliminate Hindu religion from Pakistan and drive Hindus to India. Does anybody thinks for a second that the Hindu family ( who moved to India against their will ) will ever be friendly with a Muslim or will have any thing to say nice about us. Shame on the Islamic parties in Pakistan and the politicians who are the worst kind of Muslims themselves by not defending the constitutional l right of their citizens. The time is now for the sons and the daughters of Jinnah's Pakistan to rise up and say " enough is enough " against this atrocity and injustices. People of other faith has the same right as Pakistani.
@Adeel If you are in the same state of fear as hindus in your home land, you are welcome too!!!
A good article, but the sad and bitter truth
@Ravi Forget about Malala, we could not even host our own famous citizen Salman Rushdie, we are so afraid of our minority vote bank.
@Adeel we welcome all non muslims ..
its is painful to read how can one be kicked out from the place where ones ancestor have lived died
And you worry about Palestinians, Kashmiris and any other place where muslims are perceived as being oppressed by non muslims. If these things are done by "others" it is perceived as a systemic genocidal masterminded operation like in gujrat where muslims are in perennial danger. However if it is done by muslims, it is seen as an aberration and not reflective of the general society and religious values. The fact is that both are same and all of us have to look at our own countries and fix social ills before going too overboard in support of people in distant lands.
@Ratan yes, previous govt led by Congress could be doing that. New govt has declared to welcome all migrating Hindus because India is their natural homeland. Migration causes hardship because our country itself is not very rich but we Indian have always given shelter to all persecuted people.
Nation mandated minority prosecution. Way to go Pakistan !!!
I am glad that Dawn published such an article throwing light on sad state of affairs. Leave alone forcible conversion.. ow can anyone marry of a twelve year old girl? Unthinkable. Have they gone mad? Will the Pakistani Government act or succumb to the pressures
@Adeel By inviting religiously prosecuted Hindus to India, India is no less secular. You must understand this !!!
@Rakesh Ramnani "its is painful to read how can one be kicked out from the place where ones ancestor have lived died"
Now you know how the Palestinians feel or Rohynga Muslims feel.
@Gaurav Arya Thanks for your support to Sindhi Hindus. Will you also openly welcome persecuted Rohyngia Muslims fleeing Burma? Will you please also petition the Indian govt to investigate 1000's of unmarked graves in IOK?
@Seedoo It is already too late dude.
Yesterday it was their turn, today it is someone else's turn and tomorrow when no one is left, surely it is going to be my turn... and then silence... of graveyards!
@kumar - No. We welcome everyone who are oppressed and want to live in a secular democracy, that provides justice and equality to its people.
The writer has used his pen in an artistic manner only, the reality is opposite, Apart from isolated cases the Hindu community in Pakistan are living in peace. This seems a media campaign to malign Pakistan especially after the recent killing & burning issue hot in the media.
I have many Hindu friends living in Sindhi and living happily with their families. There are definitely few cases of force conversion and lynching of Christian couple which are most unfortunate and condemnable and the culprits must be punished. I have read all the comments and what I have read is that our Indian friends make hate comments forgetting the ram mandir, Gujarat and Gurgaon events to name a few. Let's move on to these 65 yes of blame game by admitting that extremists mindsets are on both sides and cooperate and support each other in stemming out the roots of extremism and terrorism. Remember you cannot change your neighbors so y fight. Let's live in peace by moving together.
@Masoud You should salute Dawn for having the courage to tell the truth. It is a truth that everybody needs to face.
@Fawad well said Fawad!
This is so very sad and people of Pakistan know this. For reasons known to more and more people of the world Pakistan is allowing this to happen maybe in the false belief that they will be rewarded in afterlife and that it is their duty. This to is happening in a country that is supposed to be the first model Islamic state that would set an example for others to follow. God bless the honest and humane people of Pakistan because there will be payback for generations to come.
Look what we have become! Quaid dreams are down to drain. Sad, very sad.
One may think this is Isis in the making, but isis had always existed in Pakistan.
@rahul1 No! The answer is not geographic segregation. The answer is attitudinal change, to bring about acceptance and tolerance of those who are different to us.
@Dr. Ramchandran , Shame on you. Indian Muslims are part and parcel of India.
Religion is a noose one will never wriggle out of. Maybe a little less of it and a little more of humanity might be the answer perhaps?
@Laddoo - No. I will not welcome Palestinians or Rohyingya muslims to India. There are more than 50 Muslim countries in the world. They can go anywhere. But India is the natural home of Hindus. India is to Hindus what Saudi is to Muslims. Sindh Hindus have no other place to go.
One day there will be no minorities left in Pakistan. We will only read about Hindus, Christians, Sikhs in books. Pakistan se Jinda Bhag.
Every pakistani should be ashamed of the treatments with minorities.. For how long minorities will suffer here.. Only GOD knows...
Sinking ship, leave Pakistan ASAP
Shame on Pakistan..
Please come to India..Sindhis are hardworking business minded people...I am sure you will contribute to our economy and be an asset to our nation..
Dont worry about your citizens...keep crying for Gaza...
What a sad state and horrible people we have !
@Weird ..."and then silence... of graveyards!".....the story doesn't end there....even graveyards of minorities are descrated in the land of pure.
Who's going to dig out that what has really happening in these areas and why? who is going to get the benefits, because once the Hindu leave the area who will get the benefits?
There is lots of hatred inside Sindh, because of few political groups are in power for their personal gain and they do everything, see Thar situation. The chief taints are so much corrupt and brutal one can't imagine, because due to brutality they protecting their areas and public and no one dare to talk against them.
@khanm O common , this is what was Jinnah's Pakistan... a Muslim country
@Adeel You faail to realize that when these Hindutvavadis harm Indian minorities , it is fought against by Leftists & Liberals , most of them Hindus again on the contrary you brush everything under the mat . There is a lot of difference between Indian Liberals & Pakistani Liberals. See here , the entire article was about the extinction of Pakistani Hindus & you tried to divert attention from it . India is no paradise for sure but certainly way above you in nurturing a liberal section that can fight Rightists.
Extremism is main culprit for such type of crimes in ay religion. Unfortunately in Pakistan Extremists are may be less in numbers but have large impact on Pakistan Society. So Good persons from majority in their societies should take initiatives to save minority rather than any political solution.They should come forward to save Minorities and at least to earn some respect for Pakistan in World community. Pakistanis should follow international media reports about situations in Pakistan for reality check.
@Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali Except for 11 August speech , Jinnah barely proved himself to be beyond being a Muslim leader . So what else do you expect when Pakistani Liberals like you yourself so condesendingly say that Jinnah gave 1/4th part of Pakistani flag to all minorities (Hindus , Christians , Sikhs , Parsis) .
Do you forget the other part of the argument that Jinnah gave 3/4th part to just the Majority community : Muslims . Is this equality or his secularism ??
@Imran Why people are passing the buck on NS ?? Was the situation any contrast at anypoint ,even during Liaqat Ali's time??
@Laddoo India already has a lot of Rohingayas for your information . go & just google it .
at the time of partition there was 22% hindus in pak. and 5% muslims in india.....and in todays time there are 22% muslims in india and just 2 to 3% hindus in pak. so anybody see that who safe in india or pak..........
@Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali
Sir there is these reason why it is wrong to ask for vote in KASHMIR as there there are no indeginious originals. there to vote correctly.........................
@Indian Because Sindh (land of the river Sindhu and its people, Hindus) is their ancestral homeland for thousands of years?
@Adeel Y'all, come on down! Our major minority is ever growing and exercising its democratic rights with their fellow countrymen,
@Rashid Sultan Partition of India should have happened but based on those who were peaceful and moderate and those who were violent and extremist regardless of their religious affiliations. The latter would have solved their own problem by now. :-)
@krishan gopal Sindhis and Punjabis moved to India at Partition with very little of their wealth they left behind. They were called "refugees" in India and I remember "refugee colon ies" while growing up in post-Partition India. These people worked hard and dedicated themselves to contributing to the building of the New India. Fast forward, 68 years! Today India would not be where it is without these invaluable citizens and their progeny. (Urdu-speaking Mohajirs - those who went to Pakistan from UP and Bihar and other places - are like second class citizens still even though among them were the educated and skilled professionals to run Pakistani industry and government departments. I know of a few who have moved on to the Western countries.) It is very telling the quality of leadership and the mindset of its people the two countries have had. India had Nehru. You had - who?
There is not religion of islamic follwings Our forefathers had bad tests from Indian Hundu followings it doesn't mean that we reserved right to do what is against Islamic following. Our beloved prophet teaches us example after example forgiveness poise way to acquire His Blessings. Two wrong would not make one right
@rasheed socially allowed and legally allowed are two different things ! What law says is not followed , infact what what people say is followed in country .
@Rakesh Ramnani Look at Islamic history from around the world. Muslim begin to dominate countries - today's Muslim majority countries - by destroying older ancestral people and their culture. It is done by converting, by subjugating and killing, by dhimmifying, or driving people who can afford it out of their own homelands. Look at Iraq and Syria - thousand of Christians have left. Saudi Arabia is 100% Muslims (and Sunni Muslim mostly). Except for Indonesia and Malaysia, most of the Ummah countries are becoming Muslim only countries. Turkey in a few years will go from 99% Muslim to 100% as it makes life uncomfortable for the Eastern Orthodox Pope and his Christian community (which was the last home of the Holy Roman Empire and called Byzantium. And Turkey is seen as a "liberal" democracy in the Muslim world. You should read Naipaul's 1980 book, "Among the Believers" following the Iranian Revolution. It will open your eyes. The West ought to sit up and take notice!
Brother we are with you and i am with you if someone mistreat you or your family or your people and i will fight for you all till my last breath
when they didn't like their own muslim brothers then how they like Hindu people imposible
You are not going anywhere my brother. We Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and other minorities are living together, and will leave as single Pakistanis. So just wish to God we will defeat such anti state elements. May God bless you all safety and prosperity. Ameen
You are not going anywhere my brother. We Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and other minorities are living together, and will leave as single Pakistanis. So just wish to God we will defeat such anti state elements. May God bless you all safety and prosperity. Ameen
Such news makes me sad. I am a student of NIT Patna. Seeing the plight of Hindus who are coming to India, I commit to do some innovation which can create a huge job market for them in India.
We as Indian welcomed to our Hindu brothers in India, Many already arrived near to my place in Delhi....and I am glad to see that many NGO and other Hindu communities are taking care of them......I have also contributed a bit and will do lot more for them....Plz leave the Pakistan asap and come here in India.
Is this called ethnic cleansing..
First kill Hindus and when there will be no Hindus left, then kill each other. Pakistan is a failed state and still has the audacity to give India lecture on human rights violation and minority rights when India has more Muslims than Pakistan and they live more better life than those in Pakistan.
@Gaurav Arya Mr. Hero do you even know the ground realities of India? They will try for more than 20-25 years and there will be no hope for Indian Citizenship. There are a lot of Rohingya Refugees around NCR, Millions of Illegal Bangladeshi but when you are talking about Pakistani(No matter Hindu, Christian or Muslim) there is almost no hope, The only chance they have is to marry an Indian National. Sad but truth so you can not say "YOU ARE WELCOME MY PAKISTANI BROTHERS"
@Adeel
Don't you have any shame? You are commenting about India, when the shameful act is happening in Paki. Focus on the shame, and put your comment on whether you support the shame in your country or not. Later you can comment about IMPERFECTION in another country.
welcome to India my Sindhi brothers and sister. At last but still on time. Der se aye magar durust aye :) See you guys in india. Indian people will love to help our brothers in need.
@habibullah: "Our forefathers had bad tests from Indian Hundu." Could you please explain what these bad tests were.
@Pak Passion . I would like to believe you, yet I doubt you have good Hindu friends. Hindus do not make friendship with people with hypocritical views.
And who says India is an open house for everybody ??! It's a secular country and just being Hindu does not entitle u to get residency here This is not like Israel so get your expectations right buddy !
@Dr Ramcharan
Spot on Ram, no better statement then this for those who are Pure....
@Laddoo Why should India be worried about every other people. There are some 30+ Muslim countries in the world which can take care about prosecuted Muslims(Rare combo). We hindus have only one country to go back to. Hope you understand this
To the brothers and sisters of my faith in Pakistan....God will bring you justice....the people driving you out of their land will have no land in future.....places of their worship will be destroyed....and their girls will will be saved from their burqas to freedom and equality and the men, who are the oppressors will be thought a good lesson.
@Fawad if minorities are not getting apartments in India, How many Muslims request to migrate to pakistan, while your newspaper is saying every year about 5000 Hindus are migrated to India. We have Muslim personal Law Board, do you have even Hindu Marriage Act. We have 5 National holiday on Muslims festival, do you have even singal Holiday on Hindu festival. So don't compare with us, we are secular by nature. If any thing happens with minority it become a big issue while nothing happens when same thing happens with Hindus.
Religion is such a personal thing. I am born Hindu, but I do not know my roots except may be three or four generations ago. This alone is certainly not sufficient to establish my true religion, also more importantly it is not absolutely necessary. Unfortunately Religion has become a plank for our Leaders to sell their own ideas. All Government schemes and benefits go to specific sections of Society. As some people have commented, It is not so easy for another country to accept a foreign national as its citizen without proper procedures, only on the basis of Religion. However harsh the reality around us may be, it is best to hold on and try to convince circles around you one by one, Sadly sometimes even one lifetime is not enough for this. But eventually sincerity and sense will prevail. It is not wise to dislodge a fully grown tree. Pakistan Zindabad, Jai Hind.
@Abbas very good duwa.
@Insaan MODI is now talking
As promised by our prime minister- ANY Hindu who is being harassed in his or her country - is welcomed to India. Sindhis have made lot of contributions to India. you will flourish in India!
Quite strange the sad story is on both side of borders. Muslims in India and Hindus in Pakistan suffer same fate. At least Pakistani paper is bringing it out thanks Dawn. What about Indian papers???
@Abhai Theres a difference between human rights being abused because of a states neglect (Hindus in Sindh), and human rights abuses perpetrated by armed forces of a state (India in Kashmir)
You know, 5,000 Hindus a year migrating to India from a population of a few million in Sindh really isn't that big of a number.
@Fawad Haha
I invite you to take a small tour of any Indian city for 2 days. I guarentee you will have a better view. You may choose any city you like... I can be your host. What say?
@Adeel We could have taken the whole lot but we are already over populated...When we can open our arms to Tibetans, we can do the same for the rest but we are already too many.
And they talk about Human Rights violation in Kashmir !!
@Sultan It would be interesting ..Who will be targeted when there are no non muslims?
If the same would have happened in India to a muslims (not any other minority), Pak would have gone till UN complaining and shouting on this.
@khanm Thanks a lot for your feelings brother, You have nothing to feel shame off for things out of our reach. Things will change for the better once we notice they are wrong, wish the pains of the minorities are understood by the leaders of the Pakistan and they will do something to sort them out.
Many hindus are leaving Pakistan not only for India but lately also to Australia and UK. My parent live in Karachi and I live in London. I feel sad to be away from them but living in Pakistan is a problem at so many levels not the least: Targeted law and order problems for minorities Unfair laws General law and order breakdown Corruption in public and private sector which forces one to be corrupt just to survive Basic utilities problems Common people being rough treated by privileged, feudals, army, bureaucrats Treated as third grade citizen due to being Hindu and Sindhi. And this is just a short list.
@sharabi But they will be alive and no forced marriage or conversion to the purest faith
@Indian It is not easy to leave your livelihood, your friends, your profession. My uncle did. He was an extremely successful doctor in Pakistan and remained unemployed in India for 25 years. Not India's fault but leaving your country after 40 is really really tough. Any hindu kid with half decent education is leaving for Australia or Canada. One of my friend who was a high grade entrepreneur and made 10 Crores in 5 years also left Karachi for India an year back.
Leave the country. Simple.
Faithless people to deal wih.
@Rizwan The Hindu Sindhis have lived on this land forever. This is their homeland.They are the rightful owners of this land. Even if one Hindu Sindhi feels compelled to leave, it is outrageous and an abomination.
@Pak Passion. the article in question mentions only sides only one side what the pakistani citizen is confronted with. I dont know how India comes into this.
@Somroo From where did you get the idea that muslims in India are suffering?. find out how many are willing to relocate to pakistan.
If all minorites leave,WHERE ARE WE GOING TO PUT THE "DANDA" IN OUR FLAG. Currently it is hoisted with pole in the white (minority) part of green and white. Total and utter failed experiemnt by the muslims of India. Muslims should stay well clear of experiments. Science is certainly not for us.
Very sad to read this, I truly understand the desperation and anguish of my Pakistani Hindu brothers who have been let down by the very State that was created on the idea for equality and justice. The religious lunatics have made it unbearable for minorities (Hindus, Ahmedies, Shias etc.) to survive in Pakistan anymore. Today as a Muslim I am ashamed on all that has been done in the name of Islam in my country and ask for forgiveness from all the minorities including the writer of this article for being too weak, indifferent and unconcerned about their situation. May God open our eyes soon......
Can Pakistan survive as a nation with this type of mindset? Forget about Hindus, fellow muslim Bengalis could not stay with them. There is no security for Shias, Ahmadias and christians.
Unless some body takes bold initiative and creates a sense of security among all people and change the mindset of hatred towards others, it will be difficult for Pakistan to survive as a nation. It may break again due to these internal rifts and hate mindset.
A sad situation, honestly I feel for the minorities in our country, the way they are treated is totally unacceptable BUT even the majority which is MUSLIMS are treated bitter as well. Even they are forced to think of leaving Pakistan and go some where else. So why to have this article in the first place?
Forcibly converting people to Islam was not a part of it's ideology.But as a larger plan of clerics,it had been mis-interpreted hundred of years as it is today,as such people have lost the idea of the original version of the ideology. These fools are just increasing the acrimony among the people,and when something happens in India they shout at the top of their voices accusing India of human rights violation. India is such a beautiful country, that we have the capacity to absorb people of all faiths.
The news and the pictures (burning of a temple) fan hatred but responsibility of a media is to publish news as it is and to provide solutions for issues. I am not telling that absolutely there is no issue for minorities in India or any other country. But media should present problem and solution to accomplish it.
@Insaan so much for protecting minority when you welcome the minority of a different country to your country at the expense of the minorities in your own country
Why did u stay back in Pak? Welcome to India.. As Gaurav said, India is poor, but lets manage with whatever we have.
@Adeel Yea - Sikhs/ Kalash/ Buddhists/ Parsis/ Bahais are also welcome..
@Seedoo Bomb se uda denge woh log tumhe.. U think its that easy?
@Laddoo No - Rohingyas are Bangladesh's & Malayasia's responsibility. Pakistan can also offer assistance.. Indians dont have anything in common with them.. Instead, we are willing to take in persecuted Sikhs/Buddhists/Parsis/Animists like Kalasha/ Bahais/Jews/Yazidis. See we still have a bigger heart..
@Nasir Yes - I think, its time to dismember & de-weaponize your country (you do it yourself though). Sindh & Punjab to India; KP, NWFP & GB to Afghan; Independant Balochistan
@Seedoo IT shows frustration because we do not have a voice or the ones who have the power are deaf and dumb. Just remember this frustration up to the day the same deaf and dumb come to ask for your support. Make sure they do not get elected. Things are bad , really so bad, that they can only get better
@Abbas Just empty sloganeering , if so first declare all equal before a Secular Constitution.Will you agitate for that ??
@Mansoor: you know what? If you are a Muslim, you have said a very brave thing.. We need such self-introspecting people & hopefully we will out of this mess, we are currently in.
@Laddoo Like he said, we are not a rich country, India is natural home for hindus, just Israel is for jews, christians and muslims have many countries for themselves... they can choose where then want to go...
@Insaan well said
Is it not right to give option to Hindus in Pakistan to migrate to India and Muslims to migrate to Pakistan if they desire? If that option is given than Jawed Naqwi will take that opportunity to migrate to Pakistan and similarly people like Ajeet in Sindh will migrate to India.
After migrating to india they were treated 3rd class citizen, without basic needs, kept isolated from the rest of the society and soon they returned back to Pakistan. so leave this discussion, its our internal problem , keep your mouth shut, Govt is trying to do whatever it can.
@khanm is NS rulling your country for last 65 years ? what rubbish excuse to run away from the treatment of your country to non-muslims...
@Laddoo We have 100s of rohingya muslims living in Hyderabad...we will write petition for Kashmir if you write one simultaneously for balochistan....
Sad and heart breaking grievances. Pak govt must do more to protect minorities.
My dear Indian friends, you should place ur house in order before raising helping hand to minorities of pakistan. Muslims, low cast hindus in india are also oppressed same way.That is the reason minorities in delhi, UP banaglore or even in mumbai are living in closely populated places together and within their circles. Have you heard how many Masjid were demolished in last few years across India. My well educated hindu friends are still reluctant to share table with low cast hindus. Ironly is that indian news papers like TIO does not have appetite to publish such news in front page like Dawn did. Indian media has done wonderful job for India by not highlighting Moists problems, domestic violence problem etc. Zarb Izb like operation is happening in east india since ages but no one has heard not even Indians. In short when people will come out of OURS, YOURS, MINE etc then people in these two countries will prosper. Stop showing I am good and your bad. Both countries have problems and you should unite to root out these problems rather than scoring points by comparing with each other.
@Vicky who is the head of your govt? Do you have any government system?
Advise to all minorities in Pakistan. Align themselves to one party in Pakistan. Start their protest and take part in elections by supporting that particular party. Vote is a force right now every party needs for next election. You can make a change for Pakistan and for your own rights by staying united and fight for your rights.. All Pakistanis can win our Pakistan from these cheats.
@sam: Kya bol rahe ho bhai? Even India, Muslims are more aggressive than Hindus.. Infact women fear going to Muslim localities.. Unlike what you think, Muslims in India are an extremely strong & united community, who are often feared..
But I agree, Dalits (mainly SCs) groups are in bad shape.. But OBCs (other backward castes) are doing pretty well, due to their large numbers (almost 55% of the population).. STs are tribals, who have historically been away from civilization, have not had much of a chance to be discriminated against..
@sam My well educated hindu friends are still reluctant to share table with low cast hindus: You're lying.. U don't have any well educated Hindu friends.. I have lived in India all my life & am yet to see such a well educated Hindu friend.. Haha... good try..
I admire Dawn News paper for its courage to publish stories like this.Pakistan needs more dawns and i am sure by and large people in Pakistan as well in India realize they are one blood, one people,despite of their faiths.
Totally rubbish, in every small town of rural Sindh you will find Hindu banyans controlling economy and businesses
@Gaurav Arya - Honestly Gaurav, We are a very rich country. Rich with culture, tolerance and brotherhood. Rich with values deep rooted in the culture of the sub-continent. Rich with a desire to become better and take everyone along with us.
Mehmaan jo hamara hota hai ..Wo jaan se pyara hota hai. Jyada ka nahi laalach humko....thode me guzara hota hai.
@Fawad Why is sharukh or shabana silent on this they too can and should protest as well?
@Niraj Hindus, Muslims & Christians were living together for centuries but now Pakistan has been hijacked by bunch of mullahs and so called Taliban who want to change the country to their line of thinking. It is a shame that being Muslims, they are going against the Islamic rules which were demonstrated in the State of Medina 1400 years ago.
If not anything, at least, as a souvenir of their own past, which was Hindu; Pakistan should respect, retain and protect the HIndus of Pakistan. Like most of the old tribes are protected in most of the countries. But it is difficult to comprehend for them who consider Gori and Gazni as their heroes, who actually were plunderers for the land of Pakistan, rather than Puru or Chach or Dahir who were actually their ancestors and heroes.
@LATIF Do you think merely living , is enough??
Pakistanis are quick to accuse India of not protecting minorities,, even though they have more facilities and governmental support than Hindus here. so many political parties attend to their every whim. but what is the condition of Hindus there? who is there to help them? Hindus are perhaps the only people being persecuted all over the world and even in their own country
@Masoud Did u know the % of Hindus in Pakistan in 1950.
Compare it with the present % of Hindus.
U will get the answer.
@Pole Vaulter No not Jinnah's Pakistan, but consequence of 'Indian atrocities in Indian occupied Kashmir' Pakistan'. Simmering cruelty and continued occupation of the nation of Kashmir has turned certain cadre extremists and the results are being borne by Pakistan for the misdeeds of others. Until, the west and UN do not resolve the Kashmir issue, the trend will not stop but may get worse.
@Rizwan: Why can't minorities in Pakistan create their own political party like MIM in India and bargain with party in power for better life. Is it really possible with 5% scattered all over the country?
It is duty of international community to offer asylum to minorities of pakistan.
Pakistan should bear the cost of resetting these people since it has failed to protect them.
@Rashid Sultan agreeeeeeeeeeee in totality..people like you is the only hope 4 pak..or it will dooooomed soon..
@Laddoo Take care of your own country first, Sir.
@Seedoo Good positive and practical comments! Someone still feels for Pakistan. The fact is that it is a minority that due to illiteracy and hatred are being used as tools by the middle east power who claims to have total custody of the religion of Islam. This is a consequence to the petro-dollar effects!! The great majority of Pakistani's are peace loving people who would love to live peacefully with within their communities and would prefer to celebrate the diversity that all religions and communities bring to the fabric of a society!
@Rahul Perhaps you are right. However, at the back of every muslim mind lingers a thought; where are all these loving humans of india and west and other civilisations when muslims are being slaughtered by these very people and their vested interests, we are not blind and are a witness to this slaughter of our brothers from Libya to Pakistan. India has almost admitted its complicity in Baluchistan unrest and to top it all its done with the help of zionists.
We are Muslims first, no country no borders have any meaning if our fellow muslim are murdered, our slave governments and some confused so called liberal muslims can do whatever they want but it will not help, the fact IS is taking root in Pakistan and India as well as many places in Europe is a testimony to how widespread the resentment is against forces who want to malign and dominate Muslim lands.
@Pak Passion Agree whole heatedly!! well said. This behavior is neither Islamic nor that it represents any religion---- it is the mind set that is the main issue. Everyone should have the choice and freedom to practice their believes and practices, be it cultural or religious. Pakistan (like other saner countries) should rise up as a nation and protect every citizen from this mind set.
@Masoud What would be your reaction if a muslim girl, minor or otherwise, is forcibly converted and married off in India?
@SA narrow thinking with no worldly vision..............................
@Saurabh Couldn't agree more.
@tiger Any country that accepts people who are persecuted- the US for example
@Pooja Desai Prosecuted is not the same as persecuted. Why are hate-mongers bad at grammar and spelling, I wonder? India is not the land of Hindus alone. Wake up and read the Constitution.
@zak So true, especially since Pakistan occupied Kashmir is such a lovely place and Pakistan in general is so peaceful. I tell ya we Indians are positively jealous
We need to put the self serving mullahism Zia unleashed on this country behind us.
I want to tell my Pakistani hindu compatriots to please stand firm.
We are with you.
This period of Nizam e Jahaliat will pass.
Pakistan Zindabad
Rajnath Singh is already facilitating life time Visa for Pak Hindus. So you can join us..No issues..
@Laddoo Dont advise us what to do...See what you can do from your side apart from shameless silence and inaction
Suggest that all minorities in Pakistan apply for Indian citizenship http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=111341
@Seedoo As an indian i am confident that those hindus who leave pakistan to come to india will never have to face the situation the muslims who left india to to pakistan during partition are facing. It is also a shame that these muslims are mocked and called as mohajirs in sindh. Come on pakistan come to your senses.
There is an acute problem with law and order in the country. Not just with the persecution of Hindus and no help coming from the law. Until Pakistan can sort that out and bring justice to all this problem will not go away.
@Fawad They have money to buy/Rent apartments and exclusive muslim apartments do exist and in Pak Hindus don't have land either to live or bury the dead ones. Don't be taken by Shabana Azmi, She a president appointed MP. Adnan sami has houses in Mumbai, though Pakistanis can't own assets in india. Shabana was not as smart as Adnan.
I wonder of such a hypocrisy in the society, where a mob burns alive a pregnant lady and her husband in the name of religion and kidnaps force and rape small teenage girls to get converted. I wonder if Allah by himself comes down to the so called PAK world and teach you about ISLAM. I guess that wont be futile for a sick society.
May Allah give enough enlightenment to sick minds. I hope i dont get arrested in name of socalled "Blasphemy law"..pity this nation!!!!
what if christians countries follow the same pattern to muslims in their country? christians faith teaches tolerance
@zak You Muslims only love secularism & equality when you are in minority As soon as you are in majority its Shariah & getting rid of infidels Shame on the lot of you & your mentality
As a Human, Pakistani and a Muslim Im ashamed and saddened by this. Indeed very sad and highlights the double standards of common Pakistani's and our leaders without any exceptions.
It's sad ppl r being pushed out of Pakistan coz of their Religion there is not a single country in the world where there r ppl of the same Faith leave ppl in peace just coz someone is not a Muslim doesn't mean that they can b oppressed.
@SA Where has India accepted its role in Balochistan unrest . Maybe u can send me some link , where some authentic person in India has accepted it , please do send it