Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's attempt to extend Diwali greetings has unexpectedly ignited a social media storm, with netizens sharply questioning the actual status of religious minorities in the Islamic republic.
The Controversial Diwali Message
In what was intended as a gesture of interfaith harmony, PM Sharif took to social media platform X to wish Hindus celebrating the festival of lights. "On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my warmest wishes to our Hindu community, both in Pakistan and across the world," he posted.
The Pakistani leader emphasized the significance of Diwali as "a celebration of hope, light, and renewal" and called for "peace, prosperity, and happiness for all."
Social Media Backlash Erupts
Rather than being welcomed, the Prime Minister's message triggered an avalanche of critical responses from social media users across the subcontinent and beyond.
One user pointedly responded: "Are there any Hindus left in Pakistan to wish Diwali?" - a stark reference to the dramatic decline in Pakistan's Hindu population since partition.
Another comment highlighted the irony: "You wish Diwali to Hindus but your textbooks teach hatred against them. The hypocrisy!"
Statistical Reality Check
The social media reactions reflect genuine concerns about the shrinking space for religious minorities in Pakistan:
- Hindus constituted approximately 12% of Pakistan's population at independence in 1947
- Current estimates suggest Hindus now make up less than 2% of Pakistan's population
- Multiple reports document systematic discrimination and forced conversions
- Several Hindu temples have been vandalized or destroyed in recent years
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the growing gap between official diplomatic gestures and ground realities. While Pakistani leaders occasionally make symbolic overtures toward religious inclusivity, critics argue these statements ring hollow against documented persecution of minority communities.
The social media storm surrounding PM Sharif's Diwali message demonstrates how digital platforms have become arenas for challenging official narratives and demanding accountability regarding human rights and religious freedom.
As the conversation continues to trend across platforms, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will prompt any substantive policy changes toward protecting religious minorities in Pakistan.
