[Reader-list] Hindus in Pakistan – A People Without a Voice

[Pawan Durani]

http://www.chakranews.com/hindus-in-pakistan-a-people-without-a-voice/672

Hindus in Pakistan – A People Without a Voice
By Linda Brock

The Islamic State of Pakistan (Flag)

Lahore, Pakistan (CHAKRA) - Not only are Pakistani Hindus a people
without a voice but also a people without an identity or existence to
the outside world.  Most people are not even aware of the fact that
about 2.5 million Hindus (about 2% of the total population according
to the last census but this number is decreasing rapidly due to fear
and is soon expected to be less than 1% ) exist in the Muslim majority
Pakistan. The dwindling numbers of Pakistani Hindus are the result of
a quiet and steady cultural genocide in a state that has little
’Separation of Church and State’ .
Just before the end of colonial rule and independence in 1947, the
land, which is now Pakistan comprised of about 26% Hindus out of its
total population.  However, after the partition of India, the largest
forced migration in human history resulted, during which large scale
massacres took place.  Unfortunately, the 26% had dropped down to only
15% Hindus in Pakistan.
With such a high death toll and even greater rate of forced
resettlements, many Hindus still chose to remain in their ancestral
homeland and were promised protection by the Pakistani government.
Needless to say, the Hindu population of Pakistan, got no such
protection, but instead were subject to persecution and had to live a
daily life in fear—something they live with even to this very day.
The constitution and legal system created for Pakistan, openly
discriminated against Hindus with a high level of crime and harassment
against them.  Moreover, periods of tension between India and Pakistan
were the worst times for Hindus in Pakistan, during which large
numbers were killed and expelled by the Pakistani people, who were
supported by the government.  Furthermore, in 1965 a law (The Enemy
Property Act) was passed, which openly legitimized the confiscation of
the property of Hindus whether it was their homes or temples that were
destroyed. This also resulted in a great drop of the Hindu population.
During 1970 and 1971, a huge undocumented number of Hindus were
massacred by the Pakistani army in which the estimated death toll was
up to 3 million.  However, an actual study has never been done to
determine the casualty figures.  In addition, during this time,
millions of Hindu women were raped and killed.  It was not only one of
the largest but also one the most ignored massacres in human history.
In 1977, Islamic Law was introduced by General Zia ul-Haq, who led a
military coup in Pakistan.  This further excluded the Hindu minority
in Pakistan creating an arena of open discrimination and hatred
against people in their ancestral homes.
According to the facts of history, one would assume that there no
longer remains a Hindu population in Pakistan.  Surprisingly, Hindus
still exist in Pakistan, most of whom reside in the province of Sindh.
 The Hindus of Pakistan, still today are threatened by constant
discrimination and fear of the Pakistani people and their government.
Their security, property and lives are at risk on a day to day basis.
Hindus in Pakistan are forced to live in a state in which they cannot
openly identify themselves as Hindus.  Their low profile existence,
not only affects their self-identity but also, results in a
misrepresentation of the number of actual Hindus in Pakistan, hence
there is no exact percentage that is completely accurate.  They have
become a people without a true identity.  Without an identity there
exists no real voice.  Hindus in Pakistan are a people without a
voice.  Unfortunately, human rights groups around the world and the
international community takes no interest in helping these Hindus
without a say.  Due to this, the Hindus of Pakistan remain a forgotten
people for whom no help is available to voice their views and fears.
If the outside community does not raise awareness and concern for the
Hindus of Pakistan, they will remain a voiceless people and eventually
cease to exist within the Pakistani population.  We must come together
and help these Hindus without a voice.