Gunmen shot and killed a member of Pakistan’s minority Sikh community in an overnight attack in the northwestern city of Peshawar. Raising concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the country. The victim, identified as Manmohan Singh, 35, was targeted while returning home from a suburban area. This incident marks the third attack on a Sikh community member this year. Highlighting an alarming trend of violence against minorities in Pakistan.
Local police officer Gauher Khan stated that the attack on Singh appeared to be a targeted killing. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident. The assailants, after opening fire on Singh, quickly fled the scene. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for increased security measures and efforts to address intolerance and violence against minority communities.
Pakistan’s Sikh population has experienced migration and dwindling numbers over the years. Following the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims, many Sikhs migrated to neighboring India. However, a significant number of Sikhs chose to stay in Pakistan, where they have generally lived peacefully alongside other communities.
Despite the overall peaceful coexistence, there have been sporadic attacks targeting minority groups. Including Sikhs, Christians, and members of the Ahmadi sect. These attacks, characterized by intolerance and religious extremism, are a cause for concern and pose significant challenges to the country’s social fabric
Attack against Sikh Community increase by time
Last month, Sardar Singh, another Sikh community member, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in the eastern city of Lahore. Additionally, in April of this year, gunmen shot and killed Dayal Singh in Peshawar. Another tragic incident took place in May 2022 when gunmen killed two members of the Sikh community in the same city. These attacks have deepened the fears and anxieties of minority communities, who deserve protection and equal rights under the law.
The recent killing of Manmohan Singh underscores the pressing need for the Pakistani government to take decisive action to protect its minority populations and ensure their safety. It is crucial to intensify efforts to promote tolerance, interfaith harmony, and inclusivity within the society. Only through such measures can Pakistan strive towards becoming a more inclusive and secure nation for all its citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.