Danish Kaneria, the last Hindu cricketer from Pakistan, spoke at a Congressional briefing about the discrimination that destroyed his career. He called for U.S. intervention to aid minorities in Pakistan. Kaneria recounted his challenges, including pressure to convert to Islam from fellow players, while also highlighting the support he received from captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. Asra Nomani shared her concerns regarding minority rights and sectarian violence in Pakistan.
Danish Kaneria, Pakistan’s last Hindu cricketer, has openly discussed the discrimination he faced during his career, which he claims ultimately destroyed it. Speaking at a Congressional briefing in Washington, DC, he emphasized the need for U.S. intervention to help address the plight of minorities in Pakistan. Kaneria stated that he and other minority individuals shared their experiences of injustices, expressing concerns regarding their treatment.
Kaneria remarked, “I, too, have faced a lot of discrimination, and my career was destroyed. I did not receive the respect and equal value I deserved in Pakistan.” He further explained that his current residence in the United States stems from the discrimination he encountered. His testimony aimed to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by minorities and to encourage action from the United States.
Having played 61 Tests for Pakistan, Kaneria is notable for being the second Hindu cricketer to represent the national team, following Anil Dalpat. He has alleged that during his career, fellow player Shahid Afridi pressured him to convert to Islam, contrasting that with the support he received from captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. “Inzamam-ul-Haq supported me a lot and was the only captain who did so,” Kaneria remarked, also naming Shoaib Akhtar as another supportive teammate.
In a related context, former journalist Asra Nomani recounted the tragic fate of her friend, Daniel Pearl, highlighting the serious issues of sectarian violence affecting minorities in Pakistan. She stated, “I saw on the streets of Karachi, Pakistan, the tragic impact of sectarianism that is claiming too many minorities,” thus encapsulating the dire situation and the struggles faced by those in similar predicaments to Kaneria.
Danish Kaneria’s testimony sheds light on the discrimination faced by minorities in Pakistan, particularly highlighting his personal struggles as a Hindu cricketer. His experiences underscore the necessity for international attentiveness and intervention to advocate for minority rights. The combination of Kaneria’s story and Asra Nomani’s remarks regarding sectarian violence paints a troubling picture of the challenges confronting marginalized groups in Pakistan, warranting urgent action and support.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
