Financial Assistance Announced for Victims' Families
Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a grant of PKR 4 crore for a historic gurdwara in Mardan district and PKR 10 lakh each for the families of a Sikh couple who were shot dead inside the place of worship. The announcement was made by Provincial Minister for Religious and Minority Affairs Sahibzada Adnan Qadri during a visit to the gurdwara on Monday.
Minister Condemns Killing, Expresses Solidarity
Qadri expressed solidarity with the Sikh community and condemned the killings, stating that the provincial government stood with the bereaved families and shared their grief. The couple, identified as Jagannath and his wife Asma Wanti, were serving as caretakers of the 150-year-old gurdwara known as Dera Hoti Wala Baba Karam Singh in Babu Mohalla, Mardan, about 60 km northwest of Peshawar.
Suspect Arrested, Investigation Underway
The couple was shot dead inside the gurdwara on June 17. The suspect, identified as Sher Shah, was later arrested. Qadri said police were conducting a thorough investigation into the case, and both he and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were personally monitoring its progress.
Minister Highlights Religious Tolerance
Qadri emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace that advocates the protection of non-Muslims, interfaith harmony, and religious tolerance. He noted that the Sikh community has been an integral part of the region for centuries and continues to play an important role in society. The gurdwara in Mardan dates back approximately 150 years, underscoring the long-standing presence of Sikhs in the area.
