Hindu Soldiers in Pakistan Army: The Latest Figures Unveiled
Hindu Soldiers in Pakistan Army: The Latest Figures Unveiled
Pakistan is an Islamic nation located in South Asia, with a population of around 240 million, making it the fifth-largest country in the world by population. More than 90% of its inhabitants are Muslims, primarily Sunni, while a smaller fraction adheres to Shia Islam. Religious minorities, such as Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs, represent a tiny segment of the population, with Hindus accounting for about 1.18%.
In recent years, the representation of Hindus in the Pakistan Army has notably increased, indicating a significant change in the military’s inclusion policies. Traditionally, the Pakistan Army was predominantly composed of Muslims, as the constitution requires the President to be Muslim. Hindus, as a minority, were largely excluded from military service until 2000, when the first Hindu soldiers were recruited.
Currently, there are around 200 Hindu soldiers within the Pakistan Army, which, while a small number, is still a meaningful representation. A landmark achievement occurred in 2006 when Captain Danish became the first Hindu officer to serve in the Pakistan Army, paving the way for the future recruitment of Hindus into higher ranks.
In 2022, the promotion of two Hindu officers, Major Dr. Kailash Kumar and Major Dr. Anil Kumar, to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel highlighted an important achievement for Hindu representation in the military. Although Hindus make up only about 1.18% of Pakistan’s total population, the presence of hundreds of Hindu soldiers in the Pakistan Army suggests a slow but positive shift in the country’s approach to minority rights.
When looking at global military strength rankings, such as those from the Global Fire Power index, the Pakistan Army is recognized as a major military force in South Asia, with more than 600,000 active and reserve personnel.
