Protesting Sikh community members walk through the courtyard of the Parliament House on Friday after they had stormed its gate. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVED/EXPRESS
The joint opposition in the Senate had been in the middle of a press conference when the protesters entered the premises by breaking through the gate, despite a heavy contingent of police personnel being present at the location. Taken aback by the demonstration, the senators abandoned the press conference and ran inside the building.
The protesters were also not deterred by tear gas shells and went on to present their demands to the government.
The members of the Sikh community said that their religious sanctity had been violated at least seven times in the past few years. The most recent incident they cited was the desecration of the Guru Grant Sahib, the central religious text of Sikhism, in Mirpur Mathelo , District Ghotki.
Upon learning more about the protests outside, Chairman Senate Nayyar Hussain Bukhari asked the leader of the house to request the interior ministry to conduct an inquiry and submit a report by Monday.
Senator Heman Dass, who asked for the chair's permission to address the issue, said that he had submitted a call attention notice on this matter was not allowed to speak.
The Chairman Senate maintained that nobody was allowed to force their way into the premises of the Parliament in this manner.
The gates of the Parliament were closed for more than two hours as Senator Zafar Ali Shah, MNA Dr Darshan of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and Senator Amajeet of the Awami National Party (ANP) negotiated with a group of few dozen Sikh protesters.
The government subsequently decided that a 13-member committee of Sikhs would come forward with their demands, assuring them that the government would cooperate with them.
Senator Zafar Ali Shah then revealed that, upon forming the committee, the members of the Sikh community had apologised for entering the parliament in a violent manner.
He further added that the desecration of the holy text was an intolerable act.
Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq assured the 13-member Sikh committee that he would forward their demands to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
IG Sindh has also been informed about the concerns of the Sikh community.
Security breach
The incident was an eye-opener for the authorities whose claim of ‘tight-security’ in the red zone was refuted. It was also indicative of the consistent breach of rights of other religious factions in the country and their growing frustration.
There are approximately 20,000 adherents of Sikhism in Pakistan. Earlier in March this year, Sikh residents of Peshawar had protested against the killing of a Sikh hakim in Charsadda and the abduction of two others in DI Khan.
The Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad Police, Altaf Cheema, while speaking to the media accepted that it was a security breach for which the police was to be blamed. He also accepted that despite repeated calls by the Station House Officer (SHO) Bara Kaho, Sattar Shah no steps were taken to stop the protesters.
Police officials on duty stated that they did not take action against protestors as they did not receive any orders from the top officials .
COMMENTS (62)
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@ABKhan Hope that Pakistan follows the India(which is a very distant dream)
Regards; A Minority person from your same Religion but with different ideology then yours.
To all the idiots who without reading up on the backstory, and blaming muslims for this; The Sikhs are blaming the hindus for the desecration. Please read about a topic before giving your "expert opinions".
@BruteForce: What kind of democracy is practiced in India can be gauged by the fact that Muslims (comprising 15-20% of the population) have only 22 seats out of a total of 543 Lok Sabha seats (that's just 4%!). Now you know why Muslims wanted a separate country for themselves!
For the record, the Sikhs are blaming the Hindus in Sindh for the desecration of their holy books.
Sikhs of Sindh should not forget that the (Hindu) Sindhi community that migrated to India has done extremely well for itself in business, government, education, IT, telecom, Defence, Intelligence etc. Many of its members (like those in the Arya Samaj community) have misused their money, power and position to play divisive politics amongst Muslims and Sikhs, to contaminate their respective religions, and to indulge in acts of genocide (for material, religious, political, research and territorial gains). Those Sindhis are also members of very big Zionist transnational corporations that have huge vested interests in creating, and keeping alive, Conflict.
Imagine if Muslims have stormed the Indian parliament building? I'm sure none of them would've come out alive or on his own feet. In contrast, see the second picture where Sikh youth are laughing inside the Pakistani parliament building compound without any trace of fear, as security didn't even touch them while they were breaking-in. This is what real freedom is.
Let's see if blasphemy is applied against Muslims.
@Shakir Lakhani:
Yes, power that is the only thing you care about, isn't it.
You don't care that Muslims in India have a higher literacy rate than in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Or, that there is much less sectarian violence. Or, that they get to participate in a meaningful Democracy as equal stockholders.
All you care about is a Muslim as a PM. One Muslim was a President. Does that count? I am sure you will say 'No'. The Election Commission chief is a Muslim, I am sure does that not count either. Anything unless absolute power is not worthy of being mentioned, right?
20 years ago, if anyone had told you that a Sikh can be PM of a 80% Hindu majority India, you would have scoffed. Look how things change.
@hamza khan:
The same happens in a larger degree all over the world, especially in Islamic countries. This year started off with 200 Shias being murdered, NOT in India, but Pakistan.
Seen that way India is safe for all Muslims, especially Ahmadis and Shias.
Happy 2014!
BTW we have no Sikh Muslim riot in Pakistan, fellow sikh brothers have issues with Hindus in Sindh and they usually have scuffles with them. We all should learn to co exist Hindus Sikhs Christians they are all brothers and sisters to us.
Pakistanis raise a huge cry over the destruction of the Babri masjid but think nothing of the dozens of Hindu temples, gurudwaras, churches and Ahmadi places of worship that are desecrated or destroyed each year. Why is that?
If its true then its a very condemn-able act. I hope its not another case of a mentally challenged person disrespecting other faiths...maybe that is the root cause of all this
Before the Start of insurgency in Pakistan Minorities were never troubled accept for few incidents . But sadenly nowadays they are also targeted. But in any case this is the current situation of Pakistan no one is save not even Muslims.
Secondly this has been going on for centuries in the Subcontinent . Even though alot of riots in India took place . But India is a big country with a large amount of minorities , any way we need to focus on our matters and i would like to see government taking preventive measures to protect minority groups and there places of worship and those who are responsible for these attacks should be punished.
Very sad indeed.. This reminds me Bulleh Shah..
Parh Parh Kitaban Ilm Diyan Tu Naam Rakh Liya Qaazi, Hath Vich Pharh Ke Talvaar Tu Naam Rakh Liya Ghaazi, Makkay Madinay Ghoom Aaya Tay Tu Naam Rakh Liya Haaji, BULLAYIA! Haasil Ki Kita, Je Tu Yaar Na Rakhaya RAAZI...
It's yet another shameful and heinous act of polarization. I am extremely sorry and ashamed that my state is so callous, indifferent and weak to take care of all its children be it Sikhs, Hindus, Ahmedis or Shia Muslim or any other Muslim. We are losing out very quickly or may already have lost it.
Good to know that Pakistanis actually care enough to acknowledge that it is a problem and shouldn't happen again. In India most people wouldn't care as its a "sikh issue" and nationalist indians would be celebrating desecration
@BruteForce: why has India never had a Muslim prime minister?
Thousands of Muslims have been killed, mosques and imam bargahs bombed by indian sponsored terrorists in Pakistan yet no one was ever allowed tread even a kilometer close to parliament and these people stormed right into it
@ABKhan: you are ignorant. India does not treat its minorities the way Pakistan and every Arab country does. A few days back in these pages so done was complaining about ill treatment given to Pakistani workers there. No member of Indian minorities leaves India to go another country as hundreds of Pakistanis do to come to Australia. India has always treated itS minorities well. That is why three of our Presidents have been Muslim and one Sikh.
Blasphemy law if not applied equally to the desecration of any and all religions is a farce.Laws are made to protect the minorities in the rest of the world.Only Pakistan is the exception,where Islam is considered to be in danger despite being 98% Muslim.Where are the Ulema now?
@Rex Minor:
dont ever make this stupid comment about 'india born'. he was and is a pakistani.
@Sobriquet:
oh muslims have inferiority complex now? wow, i thought it was the hindus who were ruled by an outside minority for 500 years in their own country. or am i wrong?
@BruteForce:
yeah minorities can also get axed and hacked to death in india while the police watch the show and the CM of that state becomes the PM. great job.
@Roshan:
yeah and india is doing really great on protecting its minorities. get out of here veggie boy.
Is it the same Pakistan where last week News anchors were discussing rise of extremism in India after Modi?? Tell those News Anchors to Cool down the extrimism in ur country before thinking and giving lecture about India.
The west funds the saudis who in turn fund their wahaabi salafi deobandi extremist ideologies to remove muslim moderates and sufi heart and soul of pakistan...
So to remove the evil beast from pakistani nation all connections to saudi's must be stopped religious, economic and political level.... and a pro-sufi peaceful co-existence policy in pakistan should be introduced so that pakistan does not become a failed state but a state that unifys all its people in brotherhood and progress's in the modern world
The books were desecrated in darbars, where only sikhs and hindus had access. I wonder who dunnit?
@AhsanAusaf Ali: Agree with you a person just being born in a Muslim family doesn't become a Muslim, A Muslim is a person who has morality and anyone having morality is a Muslim though born in other religions or being a atheist.
@ABKhan: The Indian constitution gives equal rights to all religions as there is no religion of state. No Muslim migrated from Gujrat after Godhra riots and in Pakistan even majority community ie Muslims are living in refugee camps hence you wrong in comparing India with Pakistan.
@BruteForce: Get your facts straight: In India the population of Muslims has increased and NOT decreased during the past 70 years.
@Rex Minor: ALL Pakistanis born before 14th August 1947 were Indian-born, including your grandparents, your beloved Qaid-e Azam and Allama Iqbal. Don't forget it and try to build an identity based on warmth instead of hatred.
@AhsanAusaf Ali: Muslims have a habit of making tall claims such as Nanak being Muslim. This desire to feel superior cannot conceal your inferiority complex.
I think all are suffering in Pakistan whether they are minorities(religion and sect) or Human rights groups. I am baffled why the government is inactive to take steps to stop such things from happening? I as an Indian is confused why so much mayhem in Pakistan? I don't see anyone satisfied, I think Musharaff(Army) rule was better for Pakistan, though I dislike him for his Kargil misadventure against India, I feel democratic government(PPP/PMLN/PTI) are ineffective. I don't know should I feel sorry for Nawaz Sharief or anger with him for his weakness.
@vasan: lYour statement is faulty and simply reflects your emotions. Most countries in the world do not allow a foreign born citizen for the highest office in the country. Pakistan could have avoided the debacle that they went through during Mr Parvez rule who destroyed the fabric of all Pakistan constitutions. I am a foreign citizen and look upon Indians and Pakistanis of the similar stock, with more or less common ancestory. I have read about the destruction of sikh temples and mosques in India and now it is commencing in Pakistan. Fools are those who have witnessed the destruction of a mosque by a muslim army, and expect a protection from the authorities for non muslim places of worship.
Rex Minor
Rex Minor: I can see your hatred for India in mentioning "India born former dictator". Remember he was brought up in Pakistan and picked by NS who himself was a protege of Zia who was also brought up pakistani. There should be a limit to your hatred for India. Unfortunately for you India is on a growth path and elected a growth oriented leader with a thumping majority and the smooth transfer of power on Monday. All these are only a night dream for your beloved pakistan. So enjoy while the sun burns
@MayorSL: Because he is the only top leader who bothered to condemn this incident. Im sure ET will publish statements of others also if they ever wake up.
I wonder why Imran Khan remains quiet when ahmadiyya communitys places of worship are destroyed....
@Rex Minor
I don't get it if you're being sarcy, but anyway I believe whatever happed in Lal masjid should not have happend however the Armed forces had no choice so I stand with the army. Man look their justification of backlash they demolished dozens of mosque in response killed thousand of civilians. Back in 2007 it looked like the capital is out of control govt. waited for like months for a breakthrough. What was that cache of arms doing in that mosque? and the way they started throwing acid at girls in Islamabad. Musharaf did the right thing. The fact is man simply can't handle the truth. We just get emotional and get manipulated in the name of religion.
Wasalam.
@MayorSL: It's that IK remains the first usually in commenting so they quote him nothing wrong in that as he is the leader of a national party.
@BruteForce: @ABKhan:
They must have seen terrorists in the buildings? Was this not the reason given by the Indian born former military Governor for destroying the Red mosque. Imrran Khan with his statements is looking for a position in the judiciary now.
Rex Minor
Another sad story in our failed state..
this is islam and pakistan
Recently in india too there were riots between sikhs and muslims in my city hyderabad.
@AhsanAusaf Ali: I appreciate your feelings. Just don't appreciate the way you played the 'being muslim' card. Regardless of what school of thought Guru Nanak followed, we MUST respect him and protect the divine figures of minorities!!
Imran Khan tweeted "I call on all Pakistanis 2 show respect & tolerance 4 each other & 4 all places of worship." and the next thing he notices people showing respect and tolerance of each other's places of worship........LOL !!!!!...........
"All those guilty of violating the sanctity of places of worship and of targeting the minorities must be arrested and punished."
I thought the Policy was dialogue with such people Khan sahab?
Makes me feel very ashamed
Pakistan is becoming India for treating the minorities
@Pakistani: Your favor towards Arab (hidaya!) is part of the overall problem we are facing now.
@Pakistani: It is Hidayat not hidaya! We speak Urdu not Arabic.
A completely failed country, with stone-age mind....extremely failed because of religion And terrorism
Pakistan is becoming a less tolerant place by the day.... Where the overwhelming majority takes offence to the slightest and feels threatened over the slightest of question/issues - we have all the rights and use laws like blasphemy to protect ourselves but we lack the moral courage to respect minorities faith and their rights.
The Govt cannot protect its own buildings, mosques or Imambargahs cannot protect their own police stations or GHQ. What can you expect.
very bad, even muslims should know Guru Nanak was actually a good person , many muslims even claim nanak himself was a muslim, , we need to respect everyone
Why does the article show Imran Khan being quoted on the subject? There's a strange tendency of PTI/IK a lot more subtle-airtime on Express Tribune these days. That may also explain the founding ET team leaving their jobs.
Does this not fall under the blasphemy law.......or does hypocrisy restrict us to only apply it when Muslims are involved ?
Very Saddening, situation in Pakistan is such that the Majorities aren't safe never mind the minorities. A strange mixture of an uncivilized society, an incapable government, no state machinery and the home grown extremists coupled with international involvement. So many factors involved in the current state of the country, things can be turn around by just starting with justice for everyone. May Allah give us Hidaya. Ameen Sum Ameen.
Very Saddening, situation in Pakistan is such that the Majorities aren't safe never mind the minorities. A strange mixture of an uncivilized society, an incapable government, no state machinery and the home grown extremists coupled with international involvement. So many factors involved in the current state of the country, things can be turn around by just starting with justice for everyone. May Allah give us Hidaya. Ameen Sum Ameen.