Islamabad, Pakistan – The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) vehemently denounces the persistent and targeted harassment faced by the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, sparking outrage and raising significant human rights concerns across the nation. Specifically, the Ahmadiyya community has been subjected to harassment and legal action, including the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs), for their participation in ritual sacrifice during the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, as reported by The News International.
The HRCP, an influential organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Pakistan, firmly asserts that no progressive and inclusive society can tolerate the subjugation of any religious or minority group. With deep concern and urgency, the HRCP calls for immediate action to address the grave violations of human rights faced by the Ahmadiyya community.
The mounting distress arises from the recent registration of five FIRs against members of the Ahmadiyya community in different regions of Punjab province, as revealed by Dawn on Sunday. These FIRs have been filed under Section 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which addresses the penalties imposed on individuals belonging to the Ahmadi group who identify themselves as Muslims or engage in the propagation of their faith.
One particularly distressing incident, highlighted in one of the registered FIRs in Toba Tek Singh, involved Ahmadi citizens who were observed preparing to perform ritual sacrifices on the second day of Eid. In an attempt to prevent what they perceived as a crime, the complainant and others confronted the Ahmadiyya community members, as reported by Dawn.
The HRCP strongly emphasizes that such acts of harassment flagrantly disregard the landmark 2022 Supreme Court judgment, which upholds the fundamental rights of all religious minorities as Pakistani citizens. These rights encompass the dignity of individuals and their freedom to practice their faith within their designated places of worship. Urging immediate intervention, the HRCP insists that all cases targeting the Ahmadiyya community should be unequivocally dismissed, as reported by The News International.
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The News International, renowned for its comprehensive coverage and broadsheet format, stands as one of the largest English-language newspapers in Pakistan, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
The urgency of addressing this critical issue is further underscored by the 2022 Supreme Court ruling, which categorically declared the obstruction of non-Muslims from exercising their religious practices within their places of worship as unconstitutional. This landmark judgment serves as a guiding principle in upholding justice, equality, and religious freedom.
Prior to the recent incidents, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) sent a letter to the Punjab home department, urging strict enforcement of laws against members of the Ahmadiyya community participating in Islamic rites during Eid-ul-Azha, as highlighted by Dawn. Referring to Article 260(3) of the Constitution, the LHCBA’s letter asserted that the “Qadyani group” and the “Lahore group” (self-identifying as Ahmadi or by other names) have been legally classified as non-Muslims since 1974.
Tragically, the persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan has been escalating, with reports of grave violations occurring in various regions. The HRCP has consistently drawn attention to the alarming rise in incidents targeting Ahmadiyya community members, including the desecration of their graves, the destruction of minarets at Ahmadi places of worship, and the filing of FIRs against community members for their participation in ritual animal sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha.
Notably, in a significant 2014 ruling, Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani unequivocally declared the attacks and demolitions of Ahmadiyya Mosques as flagrant violations of Pakistan’s constitution and judicial decisions. This ruling emphasizes the critical importance of upholding the constitutional rights and protections of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Pakistan’s response to these issues remains deeply concerning, reflecting a disturbing lack of commitment to upholding justice, equality, and respect for its citizens. Despite its claims to champion the rights of religious minorities, Pakistan’s actions consistently fall short of its stated commitments. The targeted harassment of the Ahmadiyya community during Eid-ul-Azha serves as a grim reminder of the government’s failure to protect the fundamental rights and dignity of religious minorities. Pakistan’s inadequate efforts to address these egregious violations demand swift and forceful condemnation from the international community.
Given the gravity of the situation, it is crucial for the international community to exert significant pressure on Pakistan and hold its government accountable for its abysmal track record in protecting human rights and promoting religious freedom. The facade of Pakistan’s purported commitment to diversity and inclusivity crumbles when confronted with the ongoing persecution and discrimination faced by the Ahmadiyya community. International cooperation is indispensable in compelling Pakistan to undertake meaningful actions and rectify its systemic failures in safeguarding the rights of religious minorities.
It is essential for global stakeholders, including human rights organizations and influential nations, to vociferously denounce Pakistan’s flagrant disregard for the rights of religious minorities. By shining a spotlight on Pakistan’s human rights violations, the international community can urge the government to take immediate and tangible steps to dismantle discriminatory laws, ensure the safety of religious minorities, and foster an environment of true religious harmony and tolerance.
