Pakistan has reaffirmed commitment to provide full security to all minorities, including Sikh community, living in tribal areas who are reportedly being driven out of homes or subjected to imposition of religious tax ‘jizya’ by Taliban. The foreign office in a statement here said the Sikhs living in the Orakzai tribal area were Pakistani citizens, hence of no concern to India. “The Pakistan government is cognizant of the situation in the Orakzai area and considers itself responsible for looking after their security and welfare,” the statement said.
India had reportedly voiced concern over the reports of ill treatment to the Sikh community in the Orakzai area bordering Afghanistan. Media reports had said several hundred Sikhs had fled the area under threats from the Taliban, who were demanding protection money called ‘jizya’ meant for non-Muslim minorities in an Islamic state.
According to a report, over 400 Sikhs have also been shifted to Hassan Abdal Gurdawara, a Sikh shrine, about 50 km northwest of Islamabad, from Orakzai and the troubled Buner area where the army is currently carrying out an operation against militants.
They were reported to have been expelled from tribal areas for the refusal on their part to pay ‘jizya’. Their houses were set ablaze.
Ongoing operation by the security forces against Taliban had also caused massive displacement of people, including Sikhs who have been shifted to Hasan Abdal. The Property Trust Evacuee Board has made extensive relief arrangements.
Chairman of the board Syed Asif Hashmi has expressed solidarity with the affected Sikh families and held out assurance to them, saying full protection has been provided.
