Pakistan expresses concerns over deaths of 11 citizens in Jodhpur

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has summoned the Indian diplomat to register Pakistan’s serious concerns over the deaths of 11 Pakistani Hindus in Jodhpur.

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri in a statement said that the Indian envoy was summoned to register Pakistan’s serious concerns over the “Jodhpur Incident” in which 11 Pakistani Hindus, including children, were found dead under mysterious circumstances in village Lodta Haridasot, district Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on 9th August.

The spokesman further said that it was highlighted that despite repeated requests by the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi for details regarding the tragic incident, the Indian government continued to evade the issue, has disclosed only scant information about the case, and has failed to share any substantive details regarding the cause and circumstances of the deaths.

He said that the daughter of the deceased head of the family, Shrimati Mukhi, has made highly concerning statements, implicating the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in the murder of her father, mother and other family members, allegedly after the agency failed to convince them to spy on Pakistan and issue anti-Pakistan statements.

Pakistan urged India to ensure the safety and security of other Pakistani nationals in India and it was of utmost importance for the government of India to be fully transparent about this unfortunate incident, it added.

The spokesperson said, “It was emphasized that since the victims of ‘Jodhpur Incident were Pakistan nationals, it was incumbent upon the government of Pakistan to be fully aware of the circumstances under which its nationals died in India.”

The Indian side was urged to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter, provide access to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to the surviving member of the bereaved family and share copies of the FIR and the initial investigation reports in this regard.