Team Neemopani
Hindu Pakistanis Rallying Behind the Pakistan Army: A Story of Patriotism and Identity
In a region often painted by religious divides and historical enmity, a quieter yet powerful narrative is emerging — Hindu Pakistanis voicing their support for the Pakistan Army, particularly in times of heightened tensions with neighboring India. This phenomenon challenges stereotypes and adds a complex layer to the understanding of national identity in Pakistan.
🇵🇰 The Hindu Minority in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to an estimated 4 to 5 million Hindus, most concentrated in the Sindh province, in districts like Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas. Despite being a minority in an overwhelmingly Muslim country, many Hindu Pakistanis strongly identify with their national flag, which symbolizes not just Islam but also the rights of minorities with its white stripe.
Over the years, Hindu Pakistanis have participated in politics, civil services, and even the military — though at a limited scale. Leaders like Krishna Kumari Kohli, Pakistan’s first Hindu Dalit senator, and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, an elected member of the National Assembly, have become symbols of representation and resilience.
🪖 Support During Conflicts: Real Examples
✅ Post-Balakot 2019 (India-Pakistan Air Skirmish)
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After the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot crisis, large pro-Pakistan rallies were held in Sindh’s Hindu-majority areas.
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Videos surfaced of Hindu youth in Tharparkar chanting “Pakistan Zindabad!” and waving national flags.
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Krishna Kumari Kohli publicly condemned Indian airstrikes and expressed support for Pakistan’s military response.
✅ Defense Day 2020
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In Umerkot, schoolchildren from Hindu families were filmed participating in Defense Day parades, dressed in military uniforms and chanting slogans in support of the army.
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Pakistan’s state television highlighted these displays as a symbol of “minority patriotism.”
✅ Hindu Politicians in Parliament
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Mahesh Malani made a statement in the National Assembly supporting the army’s actions in defending the border and called for unity against external aggression.
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In 2022, during another flare-up, Hindu senators and MNAs from Sindh issued joint statements backing the army’s defense posture and denouncing Indian actions in Kashmir.
🕊️ A Counter to Divisive Narratives
Their visible support serves as a counterweight to extremist narratives on both sides:
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In India, it challenges the assumption that all Hindus, regardless of nationality, align against Pakistan.
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In Pakistan, it pushes back against fringe voices that sometimes question minority patriotism, especially in times of tension.
💬 Voices from the Community
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Lachman Das, a community elder from Tharparkar, told local media in 2019: “We are Pakistanis first. In times of trouble, we stand with our army. This is our soil too.”
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Pushpa Kumari, a Hindu schoolteacher in Mirpurkhas, led her students in a flag-hoisting ceremony on Pakistan’s Independence Day, emphasizing national unity.
Social media videos of such moments frequently go viral, especially during national holidays like Pakistan Day (March 23) and Defense Day (September 6).
