NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over reports that the Taliban has imposed Jaziya tax on Hindus and Sikhs living in Pakistan, Leader of Opposition L K Advani on Wednesday demanded that the Government take up the matter with Pakistan and "initiate necessary steps to prevent persecution of the two communities living there".

“The BJP is concerned at reports emanating from Pakistan that the Taliban have asked Hindus, and earlier the Sikhs, to pay a Jaziya tax of Rs 60 lakh. This is a direct outcome of the highly pampered existence that the

Taliban have enjoyed until very recently in Pakistan. They have enjoyed the patronage of important organs of the state,” Advani said in

a statement.

The Leader of Opposition called upon the government of Pakistan “to protect the lives and properties of Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan and to ensure that they are safeguarded and not subjected to any further discrimination”.