Attack on Hindu Minister in Pakistan
Protesters in Sindh province, Pakistan, attacked a Hindu minister amidst demonstrations against canal projects intended for irrigation development. Kheal Das Kohistani, Minister of State for Religious Affairs in the central government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was targeted as his convoy passed through the area. The attackers pelted his convoy with potatoes and tomatoes. The incident occurred in Thatta district, and Kheal Das Kohistani was unharmed.
Sindh province is home to various minorities, including Hindus. The attack has drawn a strong response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who condemned the incident and warned that those responsible would face strict punishment.
Residents of Sindh are protesting against canal projects initiated by the central government that aim to divert downstream river flows to meet irrigation demands. The attack on Kheal Das Kohistani occurred in this context. Protesters raised slogans against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party that Kohistani represents.
The government has proposed the construction of six irrigation canals under the Green Pakistan Project in Punjab province. This project is backed by both the Pakistan Army and the Punjab Provincial Government. However, several nationalist parties and organizations in Sindh oppose the initiative, alleging that it would result in water shortages in their region.
Kheal Das Kohistani, a native of Jamshoro district, was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2018 on a PML-N ticket. He was re-elected in 2024 and subsequently assumed ministerial responsibilities.