Criticism Grows Over Pakistan President’s Claim About Minority Acceptance

President Arif Alvi Zardari’s remarks on August 14, asserting that Pakistan’s Muslim‑majority population "tolerates" its Hindu minority, have ignited a fresh round of criticism from civil‑society leaders. Among the loudest voices is veteran human‑rights activist Meer Yar Baloch, who described the president’s comment as a dangerous revisionist narrative.

In a detailed post on a leading social network, Baloch argued that the claim ignores the decades‑long pattern of persecution faced by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains and other minorities. He pointed to documented incidents of forced conversions, employment discrimination, and legal obstacles that prevent these communities from practising their faith freely.

Baloch further contextualised the president’s statement within Pakistan’s broader history of oppression. He reminded readers of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where the Pakistani army carried out mass killings and sexual violence against Bengali civilians. According to Baloch, Zardari’s political allies were instrumental in shielding the military leadership during that period, reinforcing a legacy of impunity.

The activist also drew attention to the ongoing security operations in Balochistan, noting that the 1973 military offensive resulted in the disappearance of thousands of Baloch civilians. He warned that the current administration’s silence on these historic abuses undermines any claim of religious tolerance.