Islamists target Pakistani cricketer for wishing Hindus on Holi

Pakistani cricketer Shahnawaz Dahani cricketer criticised by Muslims for wishing Hindus on the occasion of Holi.

A Pakistani cricketer has come under attack from his own people after sending his wishes to Hindus on the occasion of the Holi festival. It was Shahnawaz Dahani, Pakistan's right-arm fast-medium bowler, who had posted his Holi greetings on social media.

He tweeted: "To all the lovely people around the world, who believe in love, peace, happines, Colors & celebrations. I wish you Happy Holi! image.png #HappyHoli. [sic]" However, his message triggered a lot of negative responses from the Pakistani Muslims. "Bhai Bhai Bhai Ap se mohabbat ha lekin ye Gunah ha k gher muslims ko un k festivals ki mubarakbad dena Allah hidayat den Ameeen, [sic]" wrote a Twitter user.

"A Muslim isn't allowed to wish any religious festival to non Muslims," another user said. The third user said, "Holi ki mubarak daina islam min haram hy agar apko phir bi daina hy to hindu ho jao. [sic]" Yet another Islamist said, "A Muslim isn't allowed to wish any religious festival to non Muslims image.png ."

"Are you Muslim," another one questioned. "It is very regrettable, where is it permissible for Muslims to congratulate the Hindus on Holi? Delete this post Jazak Allah Khair," one more netizen said. As if those hate comments were not enough, one person went to the extent of demanding that he should not be allowed to play the PSL, Pakistan's version of the IPL.

These comments clearly showcase the hatred of Pakistani Muslims against Hindus. Hence, it is not surprising to see Islamists attacking Hindu students for playing Holi in advance at a Pakistani university, a few days ago. At least 15 Hindus were injured in the incident when the Islami Jamiat Tulba (IJT) activists attacked them in Punjab University's new campus when they were playing Holi, according to an ANI report.

Many viral videos are doing rounds on social media sites which showed that Hindu communities were being attacked by the IJT. As per the reports, the Hindu students had taken prior permission from the administration to play Holi. Despite that, they were attacked while observing their one of the most important and colourful festivals.

It may also be recalled that Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam was targeted by the Islamists earlier for sending Diwali wishes last year. "To those celebrating, #Happy Diwali. Wish you enough light, peace and love," he had tweeted, only to face a similar barrage of hateful responses.