‘We Are Pakistani Hindus, Of Course We Exist’: Instagram Creators from Karachi

“We are Pakistani Hindus, of course, people think we do not exist.” This one line, spoken in a viral Instagram reel by Karachi-based influencer Deepna Rajput, has echoed across the internet. Now, when Indo-Pak relations are wrapped in suspicion, a few young voices from Pakistan are sharing their lives, openly and honestly on social media.

• We are Pakistani Hindus, of course, people think we are not happy here.
• We are Pakistani Hindus, of course, people think we support India in cricket matches.

While many users praised the authenticity and courage behind the video, some sceptics couldn’t help but bring politics into it. One even tagged India’s Union Home Minister, saying, “Send this to Amit Shah since he’s taken CAA seriously.”

But for the most part, the comments reflected support. A user wrote, “This reel is hitting hard on narrow-minded, brainwashed puppets. Thank you for making it.” Even singer Udit Utpal joined in, commenting, “Proud Pakistani Hindu.”

More Voices Join In

The impact of the reel wasn’t limited to the Hindu community. It opened the gates for other minorities, too. One user responded by saying, “We’re Pakistani Christians, of course, people don’t know we exist,” highlighting the broader invisibility of non-Muslim communities in the country’s global image. Such reels weren’t just about making content, they were a moment of collective expression. And it’s doing what few things can in a region fraught with historic pain: starting conversations, from the inside out.

Deepna Speaks: ‘Right Content, Wrong Timing’

Born in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, and currently living in Karachi, Deepna Rajput clarifies that the reel was never made with any political motive. “This reel is not intended for any ‘propaganda’ against Indians or their politics.”

Deepna shared that the reel was simply a creative way to express their personal experiences using Instagram. She made it clear that the content reflected the individual views of Pakistani Hindu women who have had the privilege of education and financial stability. She acknowledged that the experiences of Hindus in Pakistan can differ greatly depending on factors like caste, gender, age, location and social class.

If we look at her social media, it shows her and others freely celebrating festivals. She also highlighted her past participation in awareness campaigns focused on minority issues. While she recognised that challenges like forced conversions and religious oppression do exist in Pakistan and elsewhere, she maintained that these realities should not invalidate their right to express happiness and share moments of pride.

Also read: Fact Check Alert: Fake News Floods Social Media Amid India-Pakistan Conflict, Full List Inside

Meet Prekshi: A Voice from Pakistan’s Medical Colleges

Another voice in this growing digital wave is Prekshi Boparai (@prekshi.boparai), a micro-influencer and medical student. Prekshi joined the trend to highlight a simple, under-represented truth: Pakistani Hindus live, thrive, study, and create with Deepna.

She explained how the digital world has given young minority creators a platform to correct misperceptions and create cross-border understanding. Prekshi also noted how mainstream news media sometimes keep divisive narratives alive, making it difficult for nuanced, personal stories like theirs to find space. But social media, she says, is slowly helping to change that.

Also read: Sindhi Creators Sharing Sindhi Culture Through Their Content

Beyond Stereotypes

According to Pakistan’s 2017 Census, Hindus comprise 2.14% of the population, around 4.4 million people. Hinduism is the second-largest religion in Pakistan after Islam. Yes, there are issues. A 2018 Minority Watch report raised concerns about a lack of protection, threats to places of worship, and forced conversions, challenges that continue to affect vulnerable groups.

But for creators like Deepna and Prekshi, these realities don’t erase their joy, culture, or right to speak their truth online. They acknowledge the darker sides without allowing them to define their entire identity.

Their message is not denial. It’s balance. It’s: we’re here, and we are telling our stories ourselves.

A Message to Indian Audiences

Deepna says that for Indian creators and audiences, it’s an opportunity to listen without judgment and perhaps reflect on how digital platforms allow people, regardless of borders, to speak their truth in their own way.

In a nutshell: One reel. Two Women. Thousands of reactions. And a whole lot of nuance. Pakistani Hindu creators like Deepna Rajput and Prekshi Boparai aren’t trying to change the world with one video. But they tell stories from within, a perspective often left out of the larger conversation.