In Pakistan, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has faced a severe violation of their religious freedoms. Pakistani authorities in Punjab province demolished the minarets of a 67-year-old Ahmadiyya mosque in Samundri, Faisalabad. This act of desecration, overseen by police personnel and the local assistant commissioner, is part of a troubling pattern of persecution against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the country.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, despite considering themselves Muslims, has faced legal and social discrimination in Pakistan. In 1974, Pakistan’s Parliament declared them non-Muslims, and a decade later, they were barred from practicing aspects of Islam, including constructing or displaying symbols like minarets or domes on their mosques. Despite legal protections for places of worship built before a 1984 ordinance, the authorities have continued their actions against Ahmadiyya mosques. This year alone, there have been 42 reported incidents of desecration of Ahmadiyya mosques in Pakistan, mostly in Punjab.
These attacks, often carried out by activists of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) or by police under pressure from religious extremists, highlight the ongoing struggle of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan. The community has repeatedly called for government action to uphold court rulings and protect their rights, but their pleas have often been ignored.
Contrasting this persecution, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is globally recognized for its peaceful teachings and tolerance towards other religions. Across the world, the community is actively involved in charity and welfare works, contributing positively to societies in various countries. This month, from December 29 to 31, the community’s significant gathering, known as Jalsa Salana, is set to take place in Qadian. This event is expected to be attended by thousands of dignitaries from around the world and India, showcasing the community’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and humanitarian efforts.
The persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan stands in stark contrast to their global reputation and contributions. It raises serious concerns about religious freedom and minority rights in Pakistan, calling for urgent attention from both national authorities and the international community.
