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 and chairs to assault the minister’s vehicle, 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.”
