By A. Abdul Aziz, Press Secretary – Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at – Sri Lanka.

According to the latest information received by U.K. based IHRC, at least six Ahmadi Muslims have been arrested and five First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in Punjab, Pakistan against Ahmadi Muslims for sacrificing animals on Eid-ul-Azha (Hajj Festival).

Eid Festivals are times of family get-togethers and rejoicing but Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan are being fiercely persecuted for offering animal sacrifices, and this year (2023) were even barred from offering Eid prayers which is a basic tenet of their religious faith. 

It is a never-ending cycle of extreme persecution affecting both young and old. Men, women, and children are not safe from such schemes and the latest restriction is an indication of the intention of the mullahs to deny Ahmadi Muslims their basic right of worship.

Most of the FIRs are regarding hearsay incidents of Ahmadi Muslims preparing to or planning to sacrifice animals. It is unfortunate to see how in some incidents even Punjab police officials are complicit, which sends the message that they are not there for everyone’s security, certainly not for persecuted minorities. 

It was also informed that the sacrificial animals were seized by the police in raids conducted on complaints of extremist individuals.

This terrible situation requires urgent international intervention. The world must take immediate and urgent action to ensure that Ahmadis in Pakistan enjoy their full right to their religion and are able to freely practice their faith as required.