The Sikh men were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The victims identified as Saljeet Singh (42) and Ranjeet Singh (38) died on the spot after being attacked by two bike-borne assailants.

This was the latest targeted killing of minority community members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “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 Spokesperson said in a statement.

Following this, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz said he has ordered a high-level inquiry to ascertain the facts behind the Peshawar killings. The killers will be arrested and meted out exemplary punishment, he said.

Former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh also condemned the incident. He said, “Another killing of Sikhs in Pakistan. 2 shopkeepers, Ranjeet Singh & Saljeet Singh shot dead in Peshawar. This is highly condemnable. I’ve always said, and it’s only does lip services for Sikhs without ensuring their security.”

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the police to take immediate steps to arrest the culprits. He termed the incident a conspiracy against disrupting inter-faith harmony and said that justice will be provided to the families of the dead.