India summoned diplomat from the Pakistan High Commission to express a strong protest regarding recent attacks on members of the Sikh community in Pakistan. There have been four such incidents between April and June and India has taken these attacks very seriously. India has demanded that Pakistani authorities conduct a thorough investigation into these violent attacks on the Sikh community and share the investigation reports with India. Furthermore, it has been emphasised that Pakistan should guarantee the safety and security of its minority communities, who often live in fear of religious persecution.
The Islamic State Group has asserted responsibility for the recent murder of a Sikh community member in Peshawar, Pakistan. The situation is particularly grave due to their explicit declaration that the individuals were targeted because of their affiliation with a Sikh sect perceived as “polytheistic.” Furthermore, the extremist organisation has claimed accountability for a separate incident in which another Sikh individual was injured the day before. Following the 1947 partition, the majority of Sikhs migrated to India, while a notable portion chose to remain in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the Sikh population in Pakistan has been dwindling steadily due to religious atrocities, targeted killings and coerced conversions, leading to a decline in their numbers over time.
Pakistan’s leaders utilise religion as a unifying force for the nation and position themselves as guardians of Islamic principles, according to the constitution. However, this approach has rendered minority communities increasingly vulnerable. The discriminatory behaviour exhibited by law enforcement and the judicial system exacerbates the challenges faced by minorities. The support extended to criminals by political and religious organisations makes it nearly impossible for victims to seek legal recourse against their perpetrators.
While the Pakistani government may present itself as a champion of minority rights, the reality starkly contradicts its lofty claims. Disturbing accounts persistently emerge, shedding light on the mistreatment of minority communities, particularly Sikhs and Hindus, within Pakistan. Members of the minority community frequently become embroiled in blasphemy cases, which are used as a means of settling personal scores, while governmental organisations show favouritism towards the country’s predominately Muslim population. Despite the government’s assertions of equal rights and representation, Sikh shrines are indirectly controlled, and significant decisions concerning the Sikh community are made on their behalf.
The safety of Sikhs in Pakistan has been a matter of concern, as Sikhs have been targeted in specific incidents such as killings, abductions and forced conversions. These attacks are often driven by religious or sectarian motivations. Sikhs, along with other minority communities are facing discrimination and marginalisation in various aspects of life, including employment opportunities, education and access to resources.
The involvement of ISIS in the recent killings of Sikhs in Pakistan is of great concern. The presence and activities of extremist groups like ISIS pose a threat not only to Sikhs but also to other minority communities and the overall stability of the region. These attacks by the ISIS group highlight their intention to target religious minorities, including Sikhs. Such acts of violence and terrorism aim to create fear of mass conversions. The government has appropriately summoned a Pakistani diplomat based in India, as the safety of Sikh individuals in Pakistan is a significant worry for their relatives residing in India. Pakistan must take decisive action against radical ideologies to curb violence targeting Sikhs and other minority communities. Targeted killings are simply not acceptable in any civilised society. The Pakistani government must take decisive action to combat terrorism and extremism, dismantle the networks of these extremist groups and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, particularly religious minorities. Serious efforts are required to investigate and bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice. Pakistan cannot shrug off its responsibilities towards minorities.
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