- विज्ञापन -
Karachi: Dawood University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi has faced backlash after issuing a notice to students who celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi on campus. This incident has ignited significant controversy, with reports indicating that cases have been filed against several Hindu students for allegedly chanting anti-state slogans during the celebration.
National attention was drawn to the issue when Lal Malhi, a former member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, took to social media to express concern over the increasing criminalization of minority religious practices in the country. He posed the question, “Has celebrating Holi now become a crime? Is it considered an act against the state to celebrate Holi at a university?” His remarks resonated with many, highlighting the broader challenges of intolerance and discrimination faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Hindus.
A viral video of the Holi celebrations and the administration’s notice have triggered public debate. The notice accuses the students of engaging in state-offensive activities, a claim that critics see as indicative of the growing marginalization of religious minorities. The Hindu community in Pakistan, though a small segment of the population, has long endured systemic neglect, violence, and social exclusion.
Many Hindus, especially in rural regions, suffer from poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to healthcare. Urban Hindus face challenges such as limited employment opportunities and social discrimination. Religious intolerance is common, with frequent accounts of forced conversions, abductions, and violence, particularly targeting women and children. The legal protections for minorities are minimal, making it difficult for Hindus to obtain justice due to biases in the system. Additionally, the misuse of blasphemy laws adds to their struggles, as accusations can be made without evidence or due process.
The situation at Dawood University highlights the broader issues of religious intolerance and the challenges faced by Pakistan’s Hindu community, emphasizing the urgent need for increased tolerance, equality, and protection for minorities in the country.
