#AreHinduLesserPakistanis became the top trend on Twitter after the government stopped the construction of a temple in the federal capital due to pressure from some extremist circles.
Days after the construction was stopped, the site was vandalized and a man also gave Azan on the premises. Another video making rounds on social media warned the prime minister that they'd kill the Hindu worshippers if a temple was built in Islamabad.
This prompted a strong response from the people on social media, who urged the government to step in to promote plurality instead of giving in to the demands of zealots, once again.
Artist and songwriter Ali Gul Pir urged PM Imran Khan, who often speaks about the minorities, to walk the talk. He hoped that PM would show the world that he was different than his counterpart in India.
Hey @ImranKhanPTI all that talk about Modi being RSS and bigots. Time for u to put ur money where ur mouth is and show the world that ur different. Hope to see the Mandir in Islamabad built soon or u stop talking about the plight of Muslims in India #AreHindusLesserPakistani
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) July 7, 2020
A journalist also condemned the intolerance surrounding the construction of the temple.
All Pakistanis irrespective of faith, Hindus or otherwise, have equal share in the state of #Pakistan. Together, we are the shades of green and white, which remain incomplete without the other. #AreHindusLesserPakistani
— Shahid Raza (@schaheid) July 7, 2020
Another user said the Hindus believe in interfaith harmony the same as Islam.
Islam teaches humanity and respect to all religion. We all Hindus believe in religious harmony, peace and brotherhood. Tharparkar and Mithi are famous for brotherhood & religious harmony, Muslims don't slaughter cow while Hindu offers food & Iftari..?#AreHindusLesserPakistani? pic.twitter.com/egZoqju5Et
— Dhanjee Kolhi (@DhanjeeKolhi) July 7, 2020
Another demanded freedom to worship for all citizens.
We never dreamed of becoming the premiers of this country, neither does the Constitution provide us this right.
But, constitution definitely upholds our rights to religious freedom, freedom to be equal citizens and so.
We demand those rights.#AreHindusLesserPakistani? pic.twitter.com/MN9HdHm1ym
— Grouve Kumar Maheshwari ?? (@drgrouve_km) July 7, 2020