The Pakistan Army is often seen as the most powerful institution in the country—controlling not just defense, but also politics, business, and governance. Yet unlike the indian Army, which is celebrated for its secular fabric, the pakistan Army has historically been perceived as a largely Islamic force.
Still, despite decades of discrimination, Hindus do serve in the pakistan Army—though in numbers far below their population share. Here are seven important facts that reveal both the progress and the challenges for Hindus in Pakistan’s military:
1. Only 200+ Hindus Serve in a Force of Over Half a Million
As per Pakistan’s Defense minister Khawaja Asif’s statement in 2022, there are just 200+ Hindus in the pakistan Army across various ranks. Compare this with Pakistan’s 5.2 million Hindus (2.17% of the total population), and the underrepresentation becomes stark.
2. Hindus Were Barred From Joining Until 2000
For more than five decades after Pakistan’s creation, Hindus weren’t even allowed to join the armed forces. It was only after reforms in the year 2000 that they were formally granted this right—decades later than they should have been.
3. Captain Danish: pakistan Army’s First Hindu Officer
History was made in 2006, when Captain Danish became the first Hindu officer in Pakistan’s military. His promotion was symbolic, coming nearly six years after minorities were officially permitted into the force.
4. Hindus Have Slowly Climbed the Ranks
While numbers are small, some Hindus have risen to notable positions. In 2022, Major Dr. Kailash Kumar and Major Dr. Anil Kumar were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, marking milestones in minority representation.
5. Religious Discrimination Limits Participation
The low Hindu presence isn’t just about numbers—it reflects systemic barriers. Reports highlight religious discrimination, bias in recruitment, and limited opportunities for minority candidates within Pakistan’s military ecosystem.
6. Population vs. Representation: A Stark Contrast
With Hindus making up 2.17% of Pakistan’s population, one would expect thousands in the armed forces. Instead, just a couple of hundred serve, showing how representation is nowhere near proportional to their demographic share.
7. Symbolism vs. Reality
Though promotions of Hindu officers are often publicised as examples of inclusivity, the overall structure remains tilted against minorities. The progress is slow, symbolic at best, and far from reflecting real equality within Pakistan’s armed forces.
💡 Final Word:
The story of Hindus in the pakistan Army is one of late entry, slow progress, and systemic barriers. While their presence is proof of resilience and incremental reform, the overwhelming underrepresentation shows how far pakistan still has to go in building a truly secular and inclusive military institution.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel