Title: Reports of Atrocities Against Minority Communities in Pakistan Acknowledged by Indian Government
Location: New Delhi: On Thursday, the Union government informed Parliament about the ongoing reports of violence against minority communities in Pakistan, including the Hindu population. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, provided this information in a written answer during a session of the Rajya Sabha.
The Ministry of External Affairs was queried about the awareness of the government regarding the migration of Hindu community members from Sindh province due to violence and discrimination. Singh stated, “There have been reports of atrocities against minority communities in Pakistan, notably those concerning the Hindu community. Incidents of intimidation, abduction, persecution, forced conversions, and forced marriages, which drive individuals to migrate, have been reported over time.”
Further, the minister was questioned on whether there exists any data regarding Hindus migrating from Pakistan to India. In response, Singh noted that many individuals from the Hindu community in Pakistan apply for Indian visas at the High Commission of India in Islamabad. “These applications are processed according to existing regulations. Some individuals who have entered India on valid visas remain here, citing religious persecution as the reason,” he mentioned.
Additionally, he pointed out that Hindu migrants from Pakistan who seek to settle permanently and acquire Indian citizenship are eligible for a Long Term Visa (LTV) as per the current provisions.
