Peshawar, Aug 23: A Hindu trader was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Noshki town of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, according to a media report.
The incident took place on Friday when unidentified gunmen entered the trader’s shop in the Qadirabad Stop area of Noshki Bazaar. The trader reportedly resisted the attackers, following which they opened fire and fled the scene, leaving him dead, Dawn reported.
The deceased was identified as Rakesh Kumar.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly member Gurpal Singh condemned the killing, describing it as a cowardly act by anti-state and anti-Balochistan elements.
Singh said the Hindu community had been an integral part of Balochistan for centuries and had repeatedly demonstrated its loyalty to Pakistan and the province.
He said such attacks on Hindu traders and civilians were aimed at creating fear and hatred among communities, but hostile elements would not succeed in their attempts.
The provincial lawmaker urged the Balochistan Government and law-enforcement agencies to immediately identify and arrest those responsible for Kumar’s killing.
He also called for action against the alleged facilitators and others involved in planning or executing the attack.
