PESHAWAR, Jun 18 (APP):The killing of an elderly Sikh couple inside a gurdwara in Mardan triggered strong condemnation from political leaders and government officials on Thursday, with calls for immediate investigations, accountability and enhanced protection for minority communities and places of worship across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to initial reports, unidentified armed individuals entered a gurdwara in Mardan and opened fire, resulting in the death of the Sikh caretaker of the …
Political leaders condemn killing of Sikh couple in Mardan, demand swift action
PESHAWAR, Jun 18 (APP):The killing of an elderly Sikh couple inside a gurdwara in Mardan triggered strong condemnation from political leaders and government officials on Thursday, with calls for immediate investigations, accountability and enhanced protection for minority communities and places of worship across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to initial reports, unidentified armed individuals entered a gurdwara in Mardan and opened fire, resulting in the death of the Sikh caretaker of the gurdwara and his wife.
The incident sparked concern among political and social circles and renewed debate over public security and minority protection in the province.
President of Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, strongly condemned the killings and described the attack as a grave incident that targeted not only innocent lives but also the values of religious coexistence and interfaith harmony.
In his statement, he said such acts had no justification in any religion or belief system and warned that recurring incidents of violence, targeted attacks and insecurity were creating serious concerns among citizens.
He stated that maintaining the security of all citizens, particularly minority communities and their places of worship, remained the constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain further said the provincial government should move beyond statements and adopt practical measures to restore peace and strengthen law and order.
He called for a transparent investigation to establish the motives behind the attack and demanded that all individuals involved be brought to justice and awarded exemplary punishment.
Provincial Minister for Religious and Minority Affairs Adnan Qadri also expressed deep sorrow and condemned the killing of the Sikh couple.
He directed relevant authorities to conduct immediate investigations and ensure the prompt arrest of those responsible.
He stated that the provincial government would utilise all available resources to ensure justice for the affected family and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding minority rights and promoting religious harmony.
Separately, Dr Ibadullah Khan termed the incident deeply unfortunate and extended condolences to the bereaved family and members of the Sikh community.
He said KP had historically remained a land of peace, coexistence and interfaith respect and stressed that such incidents should not be allowed to undermine those values.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Secretary General Muhammad Humayun Khan also strongly condemned the attack and described entering a place of worship and targeting innocent people as a cowardly and unacceptable act.
He said attacks against minority communities amounted to an assault on Pakistan’s peace, tolerance and national unity.
He emphasised that Sikh, Hindu, Christian and all other minority communities constituted an important part of Pakistani society and deserved complete protection.
Humayun Khan called for an immediate, transparent and scientific investigation into the incident and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
He added that those attempting to spread fear and weaken social cohesion would not succeed.
Political leaders and officials collectively expressed sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family and urged the government and law enforcement agencies to bring the culprits to justice.
They also called for effective security arrangements for all citizens and religious sites in the province to prevent such incidents in future.
