Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:46am on 16 Aug 2026,Sunday International
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said on Independence Day that the country “tolerates” its Hindu population, which he claimed is 3–4%. He also said Hindus are free in Pakistan and referred to India’s belief in “Akhand Bharat”. However, Pakistan’s 2023 census records about 5.2 million Hindus, or 2.17% of the population. Zardari’s remarks have drawn attention to Pakistan’s treatment of religious minorities. Rights groups have documented cases involving forced conversions, abductions, discrimination and violence against minorities. Pakistan’s Constitution formally guarantees religious freedom, but critics say its record raises questions about whether minorities receive equal rights and protection. (PC: Indian Today)
