Peshawar: A Sikh couple serving as caretakers at a gurdwara in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire inside the religious premises on Wednesday, police officials said.
The shooting took place in the Babu Mohallah area of Mardan district, located around 60 kilometres from the provincial capital, Peshawar. The attack has sent shockwaves through the local Sikh community and prompted a security investigation.
Authorities identified the victims as Jagannath and his wife, Asma Wanti, who were associated with the management and upkeep of the gurdwara. Preliminary reports indicate that armed assailants entered the premises and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene.
Police teams rushed to the location after receiving information about the incident and secured the area for evidence collection. The bodies were later shifted for legal formalities and post-mortem procedures.
Mardan District Police Officer Masood Ahmed said investigators are examining all possible angles, including personal enmity, targeted violence and other motives. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a search operation to identify and apprehend those involved. Investigators are also reviewing available evidence and gathering statements from local residents and witnesses.
The killing has raised concerns among members of the Sikh community in the region, who have called for a thorough investigation and enhanced security at places of worship.
Officials said additional details would emerge as the inquiry progresses. Security agencies have assured that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice and determine the circumstances that led to the deadly attack.
