MARDAN:
Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh has called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the murder of a Sikh couple in Mardan and ensure stronger protection for minority communities and their places of worship throughout the province.
Addressing a press conference in Mardan alongside minority MPA Suresh Singh and PML-N district president Syed Inayat Shah Bacha, the minister expressed deep concern over the killings and stressed the need to determine all motives and circumstances surrounding the crime.
Earlier, Mr Singh met DIG Mardan Qasim Ali Khan and DPO Masood Ahmed to review the progress of the investigation. He also visited the local gurdwara, attended a prayer ceremony, and met the daughter of the deceased couple to offer condolences.
The minister said the incident had not only shaken the Sikh community but had also drawn significant international attention, damaging Pakistan’s image abroad. He noted that the Sikh population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had gradually declined over the years and stressed the importance of ensuring a safe environment for minority communities.
Ramesh said police officials had assured him that the arrested suspect was being investigated impartially and would be dealt with according to the law. However, he urged investigators to expand the scope of the inquiry and examine every possible factor behind the killings rather than treating the case as an isolated act by a single individual.
He also called on the provincial government to explain why such incidents continue to occur and whether adequate measures are being taken to protect vulnerable communities. According to the minister, the case requires a thorough investigation into all possible dimensions to ensure complete transparency and justice.
Highlighting security concerns, Mr Kumar urged authorities to keep individuals with extremist tendencies away from minority places of worship. He further demanded strict action against any police personnel found promoting or sympathising with extremist ideologies while serving in the force.
The minister also called for comprehensive security arrangements for the family of the slain couple as well as for those involved in pursuing the case.
Praising the Sikh community in Mardan, he said community members had demonstrated restraint and responsibility despite their grief, refraining from any violent reaction. He described their conduct as commendable and noted that attacks on minorities anywhere in the country negatively affect Pakistan’s overall reputation.
Mr Kumar urged both the federal and provincial governments to adopt a coordinated strategy to combat terrorism and extremism and to make the protection of all citizens, regardless of faith, a national priority.
