A Hindu state minister in Pakistan was attacked by unknown miscreants in the country’s Thatta city when he was on his way to Jhok Sharif to attend an event.
Kheeal Das Kohistani is currently serving as Pakistan’s Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The assailants used sticks, chairs, tomatoes, and eggs to assault the minister’s vehicle near the National Bank, allegedly by workers of a nationalist organisation, causing damage, though the minister escaped unhurt, reported Samaa News.
The incident raised serious concerns over the safety of government officials and ministers in the country’s Sindh region.
The incident has triggered a political debate.
Pakistan PM Condemns
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the incident.
In a telephonic conversation with Kohistani, the PM expressed sympathy and inquired about his well-being, reported Samaa News.
He assured the minister that a detailed investigation into the incident would be initiated.
Sharif said, “Attacks on public representatives are intolerable”.
He said those involved in the incident will be punished according to the law and without exception.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also took notice of the attack and contacted Sindh’s Inspector General of Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, reported Samaa News.
He sought a detailed report on the attack from the interior secretary.
Sindh Government Reacts
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has condemned the incident in strong terms.
A spokesperson confirmed to Samaa News that the CM has directed the Hyderabad DIG to submit a detailed report.
“No one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” said Murad Ali Shah, ordering that the culprits be arrested immediately and a full report be presented.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has also condemned the attack on the Hindu state minister.
Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the assault, urging the immediate arrest of those responsible and calling for exemplary punishment to be handed down, reported Dunya News.
According to reports, the Hindu leader has expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership, expressing concerns over the attack on him.
(With inputs from IBNS)
