In Pakistan, while the persecution of Hindus isn't unheard of, the recent attack on a Hindu minister in Sindh has raised eyebrows. Protesters were opposing the controversial irrigation project by the central government, alleging it would reduce the flow of vital rivers in the southern province.
Tomatoes and Potatoes Hurled by Crowd
As the convoy of Minister of Religious Affairs, Khal Das Kohistani, traversed Thatta on Saturday, it was unexpectedly bombarded with tomatoes and potatoes. Fortunately, Kohistani remained unharmed. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed a strong condemnation of this assault and assured a thorough investigation.
He emphasized that any attack on elected representatives is intolerable, promising severe punishment for those involved. Being a member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Kohistani faced protesters chanting slogans against the central government. Meanwhile, Information Minister Atta Tarar labeled the incident as an 'attack'.
Order for Thorough Investigation
Instructions were given to the Inspector General of Sindh Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, to provide a detailed report, while a central secretary was also asked to submit findings. Sindh's Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah strongly condemned the incident, underscoring that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Immediate arrest of culprits was demanded with a directive to report back promptly.
According to the National Assembly's website, Kohistani hails from Sindh's Jamshoro district and entered Parliament in 2018 under the PML-N banner. After completing a five-year term, he was re-elected in 2024 and appointed state minister.
Protests Against Government's Irrigation Project
The Pakistan government has proposed constructing six canals under the Green Pakistan initiative to irrigate the Cholistan region's land. This project has garnered support from the powerful military and central government, alongside Punjab's provincial administration. However, various parties and nationalist groups in Sindh oppose the initiative, fearing it would hinder river flow and damage irrigation. Demonstrations erupted against these proposed canals.
Ongoing Attacks on Hindus in Pakistan
Commenting on the plight of minorities in Pakistan, India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted in Parliament last month numerous unaddressed attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, often involving forced conversions. Despite international concern, Pakistan's government remains silent on these issues.
Sharing data, S. Jaishankar mentioned that as of February 2025, there were ten reported attacks on Hindus in Pakistan, involving abduction and forced conversions in seven instances and simple abductions in two others. Another incident saw action against students participating in Holi celebrations.
