Following the recent controversial remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding Sindh, the Pakistan Hindu Council started a three-day protest across Sindh and other major cities to register strong objection. To understand the emotions, concerns, and stance of Pakistan’s Hindu community, we held an exclusive interview with Mr. Parshotam Ramani, President of the Pakistan Hindu Council.
In this exclusive conversation with the Press Network of Pakistan (PNP), he categorically rejected the Indian narrative and clarified the position of Pakistani Hindus regarding Sindh, identity, and Pakistan.
Q: Mr. Ramani, Pakistan Hindu Council held a 3-day protest against Rajnath Singh’s statement. Why did you feel it was necessary?
Parshotam Ramani:
Because this was not just a political statement, it was an attack on our identity, our homeland, and our loyalty.
On the instructions of Patron-in-chief Pakistan Hindu Council, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, we decided to record our protest. Our protest was peaceful and constitutional. We wanted to send a clear message: Pakistan’s Hindus reject any foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Sindh is an integral part of Pakistan.
Its people are loyal to Pakistan.
No leader sitting across the border has any right to question that.
Q: How did your community react to his claim that Sindh has historically been part of India?
Parshotam Ramani:
Our community was shocked and hurt.
Such statements create unnecessary tensions among people.
Historically and politically, Sindh has its own unique identity. Even before the creation of Pakistan, Sindh was separated from the Bombay Presidency to become a separate province in 1936. That proves its distinct existence.
Then in 1943, the Sindh Assembly became the first to pass the resolution in favor of Pakistan. So tell me – how can someone now claim Sindh belongs elsewhere?
Q: Some Indian leaders insist that Pakistani Hindus are not treated fairly in Pakistan. What is the reality?
Parshotam Ramani:
Let me say this clearly and without hesitation: We are living in Pakistan with dignity and freedom. We perform our religious rituals openly.
We celebrate Holi, Diwali and other festivals freely. No one stops us.
The Sindh government and administration have always supported us. Yes, like every society, isolated incidents happen sometimes. But that does not represent the overall system.
The propaganda spread against Pakistan is far from the ground reality.
Q: During your protest, what message did you want to give to the international community?
Parshotam Ramani:
Our message was very clear: Do not believe biased narratives without listening to those who actually live here.
We wanted the world to know that Pakistani Hindus:
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Reject Indian propaganda
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Stand with Pakistan’s sovereignty
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Believe in interfaith harmony
We do not want to be used as a political tool by anyone.
Q: There is also a narrative that Pakistani Hindus spiritually or emotionally connect more with India. How do you respond?
Parshotam Ramani:
This is completely misleading.
If that were true, we would have migrated in 1947. But we stayed. We built our lives here. Our ancestors are buried here. Our spiritual values may be similar, but our national identity is Pakistani.
In my view, religion and nationality are two different things.
Q: Some Pakistani Hindus move to India. People use this as proof of dissatisfaction. What is the real situation?
Parshotam Ramani:
Migration happens everywhere for economic or personal reasons.
But not everyone who goes stays there happily.
Many people return because they face:
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Social discrimination
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Economic struggles
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Lack of equal opportunities
Some families have recently returned due to these challenges. That tells you a lot.
We are not running away from Pakistan.
We are staying by choice.
Q: How would you describe Hindu-Muslim relations in Sindh today?
Parshotam Ramani:
Very positive and peaceful.
In Sindh, you will see Muslims celebrating Holi with us.
We attend their Eid events.
We participate in community functions together.
This is the real Sindh:
A land of Sufis, tolerance, and brotherhood.
Our Pakistan Hindu Council regularly organizes interfaith programs where Muslims, Sikhs and Christians join us happily.
Q: Today, you also condemned “foreign political manipulation”. Can you explain?
Parshotam Ramani:
Yes.
We strongly condemn any attempt by foreign leaders to create unrest inside Pakistan.
Such statements are not about concern for minorities.
They are about creating political instability.
We reject this completely.
Our community does not need any foreign guardian.
The Constitution of Pakistan protects us.
The people of Pakistan stand with us.
Q: Some critics say Pakistan uses minorities for image-building only. Do you agree?
Parshotam Ramani:
No, I don’t agree with that.
Pakistan is among those few countries that provide reserved seats to minorities in Parliament and provincial assemblies.
We have representation. We have courageous and intellectual leaders, such as Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, in the Parliament. We have a voice. Our issues are discussed at national forums.
There is always room to improve, but the direction is positive.
Q: Finally, what is your message to Indian leaders and the international community?
Parshotam Ramani:
Our message is very simple: Do not speak on behalf of Pakistani Hindus without listening to Pakistani Hindus.
Indian leadership must know that:
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We, the Hindu community of Pakistan, stands with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a democratic and inclusive Pakistan.
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We reject all Indian propaganda against Pakistan and its institutions.
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We reaffirm that minorities in Pakistan enjoy full religious and social freedom under the Constitution.
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We demand that the international community take notice of India’s own human rights violations instead of believing its false narrative.
This protest being organized by Pakistan Hindu Council is not against any religion or community; it is against misinformation and political exploitation. We demand the Indian Foreign Minister to withdraw the controversial statement about Sindh within next three days.
Our protest is a symbolic and peaceful way of expressing our national unity and loyalty to Pakistan. Through this three-day demonstration, we want the world to know that Pakistan’s minorities are not oppressed, as often portrayed by India.
At the same time, we want to highlight that the Indian government should first focus on its own treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, who are facing serious human rights issues in India.
As far as Sindhi Hindus are concerned, we know better where we belong. We know what our homeland is.
Sindh is part of Pakistan. We are Pakistani.
Our loyalty is with Pakistan.
To international community, I would like to say that please come to Pakistan, see the reality yourself, visit Hindu temples, schools, and neighborhoods, and meet our people. Pakistan belongs to all its citizens, and we are proud to be part of this beautiful country.
Thank you very much!
