Growing Inclusion: Hindu Representation Rises in Pakistan Army
Pakistan, located in South Asia, is an Islamic nation with a population of about 240 million, making it the fifth most populous country in the world. Over 90% of its people are Muslims, mostly Sunni, while a smaller group follows Shia Islam. Religious minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs, form a small part of the population, with Hindus making up around 1.18%.
In recent years, the inclusion of Hindus in the Pakistan Army has grown, marking a significant change in the military’s policies. Historically, the army was almost entirely Muslim, as Pakistan’s constitution requires the President to be Muslim. Hindus were largely excluded from military service until 2000, when the first Hindu soldiers were recruited.
Today, around 200 Hindus serve in the Pakistan Army. A major milestone came in 2006, when Captain Danish became the first Hindu officer, opening doors for others to join higher ranks. In 2022, two Hindu officers, Major Dr. Kailash Kumar and Major Dr. Anil Kumar, were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, showing progress in representation.
Although Hindus make up only 1.18% of the population, their growing presence in the army reflects a gradual improvement in minority inclusion.
Globally, the Pakistan Army is considered a major military force in South Asia. According to the Global Firepower index, it has over 600,000 active and reserve personnel, highlighting its strength on the international stage.
