How is the life of Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh?

The life of Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh is marked by significant challenges, including migration, discrimination, and limited access to their places of worship.

Pakistan

Sikh Community

• Following the partition of India in 1947, the vast majority of Sikhs migrated from West Pakistan to India, leaving behind a very small population. Today, there are more than 15,000 Sikhs in Pakistan, primarily residing in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa2.
• The remaining Sikh community in Pakistan has faced significant hardships, including the destruction and neglect of their gurdwaras. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) was formed to protect Sikh holy sites and heritage, but the community's rights and population have diminished over time2.
• Some Sikhs have found relative safety in areas like Peshawar, where Pashtun law of "nanawati" (protection) has been more tolerant towards them. However, many Sikhs have also migrated to Pakistan from Afghanistan due to conflicts there2.

Hindu Community

• Hindus in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, face ongoing discrimination and violence. Despite the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteeing equal rights, Hindus often experience persecution and are subject to strict blasphemy laws4.
• Many Hindus have converted to Islam under pressure, especially in central Punjab. Intermarriages between Hindus and Sikhs are common in some areas due to the small population of Hindus4.
• Hindus in Sindh maintain a significant cultural and religious presence, with notable places of worship like the Shri Hinglaj Mata temple in Balochistan. However, they still face discrimination, and many have experienced caste-based discrimination4.

Bangladesh

Sikh Community

• The Sikh population in Bangladesh is extremely small and largely consists of temporary residents from India, such as businessmen or representatives of Indian government agencies. The early presence of Sikhism in the region dates back to the 1500s, but the current population is negligible5.
• Most gurdwaras in Bangladesh are in a state of decay due to the lack of Sikh worshippers. The few Sikhs present, mostly Jat Sikhs, are found in cities like Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chittagong, but they do not regularly attend worship services at the gurdwaras5.

Hindu Community

• Hindus in Bangladesh have also faced significant challenges, including a decline in their population due to migration to India following the 1971 war and ongoing communal violence. By 2011, the Hindu population in Bangladesh had dropped to 9.2% of the total population3.
• Despite these challenges, Hindus in Bangladesh continue to maintain their religious and cultural practices. However, they often face insecurity and persecution, leading to further migration3.

Common Issues

• Both Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh face issues related to the maintenance and access to their places of worship. Many gurdwaras and temples have been neglected, destroyed, or taken over by the government or other groups125.
• Discrimination and violence are pervasive, with both communities experiencing various forms of persecution, including forced conversions, blasphemy laws, and communal violence234.
• The migration of these communities to India, particularly during and after the partition, has significantly reduced their numbers in Pakistan and Bangladesh, making their social and religious lives even more challenging.