The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly denounced the murder of a Sikh couple who were caretakers at a gurdwara in Mardan city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The couple, Jagannath and his wife, were fatally shot by unidentified attackers inside the gurdwara before fleeing the scene. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities and their places of worship in the region.
Expressing deep worry, the HRCP emphasized the need for enhanced security measures for religious minorities and their places of worship. They highlighted the necessity for thorough vetting and oversight mechanisms following reports that the alleged assailant was involved in providing security at the site. The HRCP also questioned the initial assertion by the Mardan District Police Officer linking the attack to a personal vendetta, urging a comprehensive investigation into all possible motives.
The HRCP urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law. Additionally, a leading minority rights organization, Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), condemned the killings as an assault on the fragile safety assurances for religious minorities in Pakistan. The VOPM emphasized that the attack was not an isolated event but part of a concerning pattern of violence against minorities in the country.
