Islamic State Wilayah Khorasan (ISKP), the Afghan offshoot of the Islamic States, has claimed accountability for the focused killings of two Sikh businessmen in Pakistan on Sunday, May 15. The Sikh males have been shot lifeless by unidentified gunmen in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The victims recognized as Saljeet Singh (42) and Ranjeet Singh (38) died on the spot after being attacked by two bike-borne assailants.
This was the most recent focused killing of minority neighborhood members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
India expressed grave concern and registered a robust protest over the killing of two Sikh males. Speaking concerning the incident, the international ministry spokesperson stated, “We have registered our strong protest with the Government of Pakistan on continued targeting of members of the minority community in Pakistan. We call upon the authorities concerned to sincerely investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for this deplorable incident.”
“We expect that the Government of Pakistan, in discharge of its responsibilities, will look after the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities,” the ministry stated in a press release.
Following this, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz stated he has ordered a excessive stage inquiry to establish the details behind the Peshawar killings. The killers shall be arrested and met out exemplary punishment, he stated.
Strongly condemn the killing of our Sikh residents in Peshawar, KP. Pakistan belongs to all its individuals. Have ordered a excessive stage inquiry to establish details. The killers shall be arrested & met out exemplary punishment. My most honest sympathies to the bereaved households.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 15, 2022
Another killing of Sikhs in Pakistan. 2 shopkeepers, Ranjeet Singh & Saljeet Singh shot lifeless in Peshawar. This is very condemnable.
I’ve at all times stated, @GovtofPakistan solely does lip companies for Sikhs with out guaranteeing their safety. Request @PMOIndia to take critical observe.— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) May 15, 2022
Former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh additionally condemned the incident. He stated, “Another killing of Sikhs in Pakistan. 2 shopkeepers, Ranjeet Singh & Saljeet Singh shot dead in Peshawar. This is highly condemnable. I’ve always said, @GovtofPakistan only does lip services for Sikhs without ensuring their security.”
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the police to take instant steps to arrest the culprits. He termed the incident a conspiracy in opposition to disrupting inter-faith concord and stated that justice shall be offered to the households of the lifeless.
(With inputs from PTI)