Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that four Hindu doctors and three other Hindus have been killed in Pakistan in the last November and December months;

(b) if so, whether the 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 the Government thereto?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(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 Pakis tan 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 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 Hi ndus have also been reported. It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to disch arge its obligations towards its citizens, including those from the minority community. Howe ver, 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, particu larly the minority community.

Pakistan
South Asia