‘Pakistan’s Hindus Would Rather Stay With Us Than India’: Zardari’s Big Remark on Minorities

Islamabad: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has given a statement regarding the relations between India and Pakistan, on which controversy may arise. In a programme organised on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day, Zardari linked India's thinking with 'Akhand Bharat' and described Pakistan as different from it. He also claimed about the Hindu community living in Pakistan that they would prefer to live in Pakistan rather than go to India.

Zardari said that there is a difference in the thinking of the people of India and Pakistan. According to him, Hindus in Pakistan have the freedom to practice their religion and are living freely in the country. Referring to the Hindu population of Pakistan, he said that the people of Hindu community living there would prefer to live in Pakistan.

What did Zardari say about India's thinking?

In his speech, the Pakistani president linked India with the ideology of 'United India' and said that there is a fundamental difference in the viewpoints of the two countries. He associated himself with the ideology of Pakistan, which he described as tolerant towards other religions.

This statement of Zardari has come at a time when relations between India and Pakistan are already tense. There have been long-standing differences between the two countries on issues like Kashmir, terrorism and border security.

What claim did you make regarding Hindus in Pakistan?

Referring to the Hindu population living in Pakistan, Zardari said that Hindus there are free to practice their religion and traditions. He claimed that Hindus of Pakistan would prefer to stay in Pakistan rather than go to India.

He presented Pakistan as a Muslim society that accepts people of other religions. However, this is a political claim of Zardari and many questions have been raised at different times regarding the status of minorities in Pakistan.

Have questions been raised on the status of minorities in Pakistan?

The government of Pakistan has been officially claiming protection of minority rights and religious freedom. The President's Office had also recently said that under the country's Constitution, it is the responsibility of the government to provide equal rights and protection to minorities.

On the other hand, organisations associated with Hindu and other minority communities have been raising concerns from time to time regarding forced conversions, kidnappings and cases related to religious places. Therefore, this claim of Zardari can become a subject of debate.

Why is this statement important in India-Pakistan relations?

Zardari's statement has come at a time when there is political and diplomatic tension between the two countries. The mention of 'Akhand Bharat' and the claim made regarding the status of Hindus in Pakistan are directly related to the ideological tussle between India and Pakistan.

After this statement, once again the discussion regarding relations between the two countries, status of minorities and political statements is likely to intensify.