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Q. 982 Killing of Hindu doctors in Pakistan
QUESTION NO 982
ANSWERED ON 22.03.2012
SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-
(a) whether it is a fact that four Hindu doctors and three other Hindus have been killed in Pakistan in this month;
(b) if so, whether Government of India has raised this issue with Pakistan Government;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether it is also a fact that the Pakistan Human Rights Commission has published a report in which it has been stated that the minorities are not safe in Pakistan; and
(e) if so, the reaction of Government?
ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) to (e) Government has seen media reports about killing of Hindu Doctors in Pakistan on November 7, 2011. Three Hindu Doctors were reportedly killed and one sustained injuries when attacked in their village in Taluka Chak, District Shikarpur in Pakistan. According to a Government of Pakistan Press Release, taking note of the incident, President of Pakistan has stated that it was the moral and legal responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to protect the minority community against vandalism and atrocities. He has said that law would take its course and culprits will not go unpunished. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also issued a statement on November 9, 2011, in this regard.
Government has from time to time come across reports on the problems faced by members of the minority communities in Pakistan. Incidents of persecution and intimidation of the Hindus have also been reported. It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations towards its citizens, including those from the minority community. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, Government had taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community.