Portrayal of Pakistan's Religious Minorities on Regional Social Media: Narratives vs. Reality

This study examines how religious minorities in Pakistan are depicted on South Asian social media especially in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal and contrasts those portrayals with Pakistan’s actual legal and social context. Across regional digital platforms, negative or sensational narratives about Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, etc., often circulate unchecked. However, Pakistan’s constitution and institutions formally guarantee minority rights, and recent government initiatives have sought to strengthen interfaith harmony and rebuild minority religious sites. Using comparative analysis and case studies, this article shows that online portrayals frequently misrepresent Pakistan’s on-ground realities. We document Pakistan’s constitutional safeguards (e.g. Articles 20, 25, 36–38), reserved political representation, and affirmative action’s such as a PKR 1 billion plan to restore temples and Gurdwaras (February 2025). These facts counter simplistic social-media narrative. By highlighting both the distortions in cross-border discourse and Pakistan’s genuine protections and reforms for minorities, the article presents an evidence-based perspective to refute widespread misinformation and advocate for a balanced understanding.