A Sikh couple serving at a gurdwara in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in a shocking attack that has reignited concerns over the security of religious minorities in the country.

The incident took place on Wednesday at a gurdwara in the Babu Mohalla area of Mardan district. According to police, the victims, Jagannath and his wife, Asma Wanti, were actively involved in voluntary service at the place of worship and died at the scene after being shot by the assailants.

Located around 60 kilometres from Peshawar, the gurdwara was reportedly entered by armed attackers who opened fire on the couple before fleeing. The attack has left the local community shaken and prompted heightened security measures across the area.

Mardan District Police Officer Masood Ahmad said the motive behind the killings remains unknown. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway, with authorities pursuing multiple leads in an effort to identify and arrest those responsible.

The killings have sparked fresh anxiety among Pakistan’s Sikh community, which has periodically faced security concerns in recent years. The fact that the attack occurred inside a gurdwara has intensified scrutiny of the protection afforded to religious minorities and their places of worship.

Observers warn that such attacks not only undermine public security but also deepen fears among minority communities. Attention is now focused on the Pakistani authorities’ investigation and the measures they take in response to the incident.