MARDAN – Punjab Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Kumar, has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to fully expose the motives behind the brutal killing of a Sikh couple in Mardan and ensure the protection of minority communities and their places of worship across the province.

Addressing a press conference at the Mardan Press Club, he was accompanied by MPA Suresh Kumar and PML-N District President Syed Inayat Shah Bacha. Earlier, the minister met with DIG Mardan Qasim Ali Khan and DPO Masood Ahmed to review the progress of the investigation into the case.

He also visited the local gurdwara, participated in a prayer ceremony held for the victims, and met the daughter of the deceased couple to express condolences and solidarity.

Sardar Ramesh Kumar said that a significant Sikh population once lived in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but their numbers have steadily declined due to various circumstances. He said the recent incident in Baboo Mohalla, Mardan, had not only damaged Pakistan’s international image but had also caused deep concern and grief within the global Sikh community.

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He noted that police officials assured him that the arrested suspect is being investigated on merit and will be punished according to the law. However, he stressed that the investigation should be broadened to uncover all possible motives and background factors behind the crime.

The minister questioned the KP government over the recurrence of such incidents, asking what measures are being taken to ensure the protection of citizens, particularly minority groups. He said the case should not be treated as an isolated act by an individual, but investigated from all possible angles.

He further demanded strict action against individuals holding extremist views, especially if such tendencies are found within law enforcement agencies. He also called for enhanced security for the victims’ family and those involved in registering the case.

Praising the Sikh community’s restraint, he said they had responded to the tragedy with patience and dignity instead of resorting to protest or violence.

Sardar Ramesh Kumar urged both federal and provincial governments to adopt a coordinated strategy to eliminate extremism and terrorism, and to ensure equal protection for all citizens without discrimination.