How Sikh Couple Killed in Pak?

June 25, 2026

The brutal murder of elderly Sikh couple Jagan Nath and Ashawanti, who served as caretakers of a gurdwara in Mardan, a city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has once again underscored the persistent concerns over the safety and security of minorities in the country.

The most troubling aspect of the case is the allegation that the arrested suspect, Sher Shah, said he committed the murders to “earn paradise”. If verified, the crime represents not just a criminal act but a disturbing manifestation of extremist thinking that invokes religious narratives to justify hatred and violence.

Pakistan has long attempted to position itself as a protector of Sikhs and other religious minorities. Initiatives such as the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and efforts to preserve various gurdwaras were used to project an image of religious tolerance and respect for minority rights. However, the situation on the ground tells a different story, casting a shadow over these claims.

On the one hand, Pakistan invites Sikh devotees from around the world to visit historic gurdwaras located within its borders, portraying itself as respectful of Sikh sentiments. On the other hand, it has repeatedly failed to uphold the sanctity of that faith and trust.

A striking example emerged during the martyrdom anniversary of the fifth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, when pilgrims who had arrived for religious observances were reportedly taken on buses under the pretext of a city tour and instead left at a Sufi music event.

The incident deeply hurt the sentiments of Sikhs across the world. It is difficult to ignore the possibility that such an episode may have involved elements within the Pakistani administration or intelligence apparatus. Notably, representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee reportedly did not fall prey to this arrangement.