The recent killing of an elderly Sikh couple inside a gurdwara in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has raised concerns among religious minorities in the region. The victims, Jagannath Wanti (72) and his wife, Asa Wanti (69), were attacked by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle while inside a gurdwara in Mardan on June 17. This incident has instilled fear within the Sikh community, especially considering the timing during the first day of Muharram.
Sahib Singh, a Sikh elder from Peshawar, expressed alarm over the daylight double homicide, emphasizing the need for improved security measures. The attack has led to questions about the effectiveness of policing in Mardan district, where Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs form a minority among the predominantly Muslim population. The community leaders highlighted the vulnerability of minority groups in the area, with a significant number of Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians residing in Mardan.
During Muharram, a period of heightened security in Pakistan, thousands of police and paramilitary personnel are deployed to safeguard religious events. However, despite these measures, reports indicate a history of targeted violence against Sikhs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Peshawar. Various militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban and affiliates of the Islamic State, have been responsible for attacks on minority communities, citing extremist interpretations of Islam as justification.
Sikh community sources revealed that more than 25 Sikhs have lost their lives in targeted attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent years, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by religious minorities in the region. The lack of safety in places of worship has further heightened concerns among minority groups, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the killings and enhanced security measures. Leaders like Suresh Kumar, a Hindu member of the provincial legislature, have urged law enforcement to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators behind such violent acts.
In a separate incident in April, a young Hindu businessman named Vishal Kumar was brutally killed in Sukkur city of Sindh, as reported by the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM). The cold-blooded murder, which occurred in broad daylight, has left the local community in a state of fear and insecurity. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger protections for minority communities in Pakistan.
