Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah sat down with Hindu community leaders from Larkana and Sukkur this week, delivering a mix of reassurance and action amid ongoing concerns about safety and inclusion. The big takeaway? His government’s pushing a new recruitment drive to bring members of the Kolhi, Bheel, and Meghwar communities into the Sindh Police—a move he called a “long-overdue step” toward representation.
Addressing rumors that Hindus are disproportionately targeted in kidnappings, Shah laid out the numbers: Of 310 abductions reported in 2024-25, only eight victims were Hindu. Seven have been rescued, he stressed, while one case—Rajesh’s disappearance—remains unresolved. “Let me be clear: This isn’t about religion. Five Muslims are also missing in these cases,” he added, noting that kidnapping-for-ransom schemes are now “largely under control.”
The meeting wasn’t all stats. Community leaders aired grievances about illegal land grabs at temples, forced evictions, and lingering insecurity in areas like Kashmore and Kandhkot. Shah didn’t mince words, ordering police brass to fast-track Rajesh’s recovery and crack down on bike thefts surging in Larkana. Meanwhile, officials reported 152 dacoits busted in riverine zones—though 20 officers lost their lives in the crackdown, a sobering reminder of the risks.
Shah also tipped his hat to the Hindu community’s role in Sindh’s growth, calling them “the backbone of our trade, education, and healthcare sectors.” He doubled down on Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s pledge to protect minorities, announcing new division-level committees pairing Hindu Panchayat reps with top cops to tackle issues head-on. And in a nod to cultural sensitivity, he floated deploying Hindu officers to guard temples if the community desires.
