Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kheeal Das Kohistani was attacked by unidentified armed men in Thatta while en route to Jhok Sharif to attend an event.

The assailants used sticks, chairs, tomatoes, and eggs to assault the minister’s vehicle near the National Bank allegedly by workers of a nationalist organization, causing damage, though the minister escaped unhurt.

The attack took place in the heart of Thatta city, raising security concerns for government officials travelling in interior Sindh. While no casualties were reported, the incident has sparked political debate and condemnation.

Speaking to the media following the incident, Minister Kohistani emphasised that the country's issues, particularly those related to water disputes, cannot be solved through street protests or public rallies.

“The solution to water issues lies on the negotiating table -- not on roads or through chaos,” he said. “Parliamentary forums such as the National Assembly and Senate are the only legitimate platforms to resolve these matters.”

Allegations against Arif Alvi and PTI

The minister strongly criticised former president Arif Alvi, accusing him of spreading misinformation and chaos about canal water distribution. “The president has no authority to make laws. That power lies solely with parliament,” he stated.

He also accused Alvi of being an “activist of a movement of chaos” that is spreading chaos in the country, pointing to his alleged role in inciting unrest over the water issue. “This is the same group that created anarchy during sit-ins at PTV and other institutions,” Kohistani claimed, calling it a riot group creating chaos in Punjab and Sindh.

He remarked that the same group tried to create chaos on May 9, 2023 also, where heads of state institutions, including the Pakistan Army leadership, were allegedly defamed. “These elements are trying to inflame the water issue, but we won’t let that happen,” he affirmed.

'Attacks' on PPP

Kohistani suggested that the PPP was being attacked, which was why the party was agitating. “The PPP is being targeted under the guise of water disputes. It’s a direct attempt to destabilize the party’s influence in the province,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, the minister underscored the importance of unity, praising the leadership of the PPP and PML-N. “Our shared agenda is the integrity and stability of Pakistan. We will not let the country be weakened by those spreading chaos.”

PM Shehbaz strongly condemns attack

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the attack on the vehicle of Minister of State for Sports, Kheeal Das Kohistani, in Thatta.

In a telephonic conversation with Kohistani, the PM expressed sympathy and inquired about his well-being. He assured the minister of a thorough investigation into the incident, stating that "attacks on public representatives are intolerable". He also vowed that those involved will be "punished according to the law and without exception."

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also took notice of the attack and contacted Sindh’s Inspector General of Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon. He sought a detailed report from the interior secretary and emphasised that "such acts against public representatives are unacceptable and must be investigated immediately".

He further stated that the individuals involved must be brought to justice.

Sindh govt reacts

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also took serious notice of the incident and condemned the attack in strong terms. A spokesperson confirmed that the CM has directed the Hyderabad DIG to submit a detailed report.

"No one has the right to take the law into their own hands," said Murad Ali Shah, ordering that the culprits be arrested immediately and a full report be presented.