Hinduism is the indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent, including Pakistan. However since the independence of Pakistan in 1947 as a Muslim majority nation, Hindus have had a much smaller numerical presence there. Nonetheless Hindus have played a major role in the history, culture and politics of the country.
The term Hindu is etymologically derived from the Sindhu (Indus River) of ancient India. The Sindhu is one of the holy rivers of Hinduism. Thus, in many ways, the land which is today’s predominantly Muslim was an important part in the original Hindustan. In terms of population, Pakistan now has the fifth largest population of Hindus.
Today, the Hindu population of Pakistan is in great perils. On an average, 25-35 reports of kidnappings of young Hindu girls on religious grounds are filed in Pakistan. Only 26 out of the 428 temples are functional now. The last crematorium of Sindh was broken down in Rawalpindi on 19 July, 2010 to make homes for the locals.[3] Baniya is used as a perjorative term in Pakistan and is similar in contextual use to niggers.
