PESHAWAR, Jun 20: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Ramesh Singh Arora today demanded strict punishment for those responsible for the murder of a Sikh couple inside a gurdwara in northwest Pakistan.
The Sikh couple, identified as Jagannath and his wife Asma Wanti, were serving as caretakers of the gurdwara in Babu Mohalla in Mardan district, about 60 km northwest of Peshawar. They were shot dead inside the gurdwara on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, Arora demanded that investigators uncover the motive behind the murder and examine all aspects of the case.
He said ensuring the safety of minority communities and their places of worship is a fundamental responsibility of the state.
The minister for minority affairs also urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
Arora said the killing has damaged Pakistan's international reputation and caused distress among the Sikh communities around the world.
He called for exemplary punishment for the arrested suspect and urged authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes targeting religious minorities.
The minister also demanded security for individuals who registered the FIR as well as for the families of the victims.
The prime suspect, identified as Sher Shah, a resident of Amazugari, was arrested on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference, Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmad Bangash said investigations conducted by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), comprising police officials, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel and other senior authorities, have so far found no evidence linking the suspect to any banned outfit, terrorist organisation or organised network. (PTI)
