We Condemn the Killing of Sewadar Jagannath and His Wife Asawanti
Interfaith Harmony Is the Foundation of National Peace: Director MQI Interfaith Relations

Director Interfaith Relations of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Sohail Ahmed Raza, has expressed profound grief, sorrow, and concern over the tragic killing of Sewadar Jagannath and his wife, Asawanti, who were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants at a gurdwara located in Babu Mohalla, Khwaja Ganj Bazaar, Mardan.

In his statement, he extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family, the Sikh community, and other minority groups, stating that this tragic incident has plunged the entire nation into mourning. He added that Minhaj-ul-Quran International stands in complete solidarity with the grieving family and the Sikh community during this difficult time.

Sohail Ahmed Raza said that an attack on a place of worship such as a gurdwara is not only an assault on humanity but also a direct attack on interfaith harmony and the peaceful values of society.

He urged law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest those responsible for this heinous crime and ensure that they receive the strictest punishment in accordance with the law so that justice may be served and peace and security in society further strengthened.

He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees all citizens, without discrimination, the right to religious freedom, protection of life and property, and the freedom to practice their faith. He stated that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the protection of the lives, property, dignity, and places of worship of minority communities under all circumstances.

Sohail Ahmed Raza further stressed that security arrangements for gurdwaras and all minority places of worship should be strengthened, modernized, and made more effective in order to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

He noted that interfaith harmony and the protection of minority rights are indispensable for national unity and sustainable peace. He added that there should be no compromise on peace, tolerance, the constitutional rights of minorities, or the protection of their lives and property.

Concluding his statement, he said that Pakistan’s progress, stability, and national cohesion require that all citizens, regardless of their religious background, be provided with equal rights and complete protection under the law.