SGPC seeks probe into ‘conversion’ of Sikhs in Pak

Amritsar, December 17

Taking cognisance of the reports of forceful conversion to Islam by a government official in Pakistan, the SGPC president, Gobind Singh Longowal, termed it as a violation of religious independence.

The incident pertained to Khyber Doaba tehsil, Hangu district and Pakhtoonkhwa state, where an assistant commissioner has allegedly forced some Sikhs to convert to Islam with a threat that if they didn’t do so, their trades could be hit.

Longowal said such acts against the Sikh community, which is a minority in Pakistan, would not be tolerated.

He demanded a thorough probe into the matter and asked the Pakistan and Indian governments to take stern action against the guilty official.

“It has been proven that the Sikh community, no matter where it lived, has been a vital contributor in the prosperity of the country. But it is a matter of concern that they were being subjected to such ill treatment. I demand exemplary action against those who were responsible for forcing Sikhs for conversion. Both Indian and Pakistan governments should ensure the safety and dignity of the Sikh community in Pakistan,” he said. — TNS