by A. Abdul Aziz. Sri Lankan Correspondent Al Hakam, London.

OVER 30 AHMADIS, INCLUDING A 13-YEAR-OLD CHILD, ARRESTED AMIDST EID CELEBRATIONS URGENT INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION NEEDED TO UPHOLD RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN PAKISTAN

Despite facing persistent challenges and harassment, the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan celebrated Eid under daunting circumstances this year. Instances of targeted persecution and discriminatory actions marred what should have been a joyous occasion for all citizens. Regrettably, Ahmadis across various regions of Pakistan encountered police interventions and societal pressure preventing them from freely practicing their religious rituals, including Eid prayers and animal sacrifices. Incidents of harassment, arrest and detention of Ahmadis were reported from multiple districts and localities. The Ahmadiyya Community’s right to religious freedom, as guaranteed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan (Cr1.P.916-L/2021, January 12, 20221 ), was infringed upon, despite legal protections.  The unwarranted detention of Ahmadis, including criminal cases where individuals were held without formal charges or legal basis reflects a concerning pattern of persecution. Multiple cases were registered under PPC Section 298-C, resulting in arrests and imprisonment of Ahmadis, further exacerbating their plight. The culprits roam freely, raising slogans, attacking Ahmadi homes, trespassing their homes and recording videos while Ahmadis face detention under the guise of derailing public order and peace. In addition, pamphlets, hate banners and wall chalking appeared in many areas, with security forces clearly failed to stop these actions.

Detainments and Detention Orders

The Police have detained 23 Ahmadis based on the detention orders under section 3 (1) of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960 (the MPO”) ranging from 3 to 30 days. Additionally, some Ahmadis were detained for varying durations, ranging from a few hours to several hours overnight, before being released.  All detainees have now been released; however, they remained behind bar during the Eid festivities.

Legal Cases and Arrests:

12 criminal cases were registered under PPC Section 298-C against 18 Ahmadis and 05 non-Ahmadi friends. 11 Ahmadis were arrested in connection with these frivolous criminal cases. 07 Ahmadis and 05 non-Ahmadis remain under custody in these criminal cases. Some government orders banning Ahmadis from performing any kind of animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.

The statistics mentions the challenges and injustices faced by the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan, highlighting the need for international human rights bodies’ attention and advocacy for their rights and freedom.

The representative of the Ahmadiyya Community Pakistan, Amir Mahmood, strongly condemned these instances, he said, “The Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan condemns the systematic persecution and harassment we continue to face, especially during religious festivities like Eid. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has affirmed our right to practice our faith within the confinement of our homes, yet we are denied this basic freedom. We appeal to the government to uphold the values of religious tolerance and human rights. Practical steps must be taken to ensure the safety and rights to all citizens, regardless of their beliefs. We urge authorities to fulfil their responsibilities and curb the activities of extremist group, whose actions threaten the peace and stability of our society”.   

We call upon the global community, international human rights organizations and influential figures to:

Advocate for the implementation of Supreme Court rulings protecting Ahmadiyya’s rights.

Pressure Pakistani authorities to take decisive actions against perpetrators of religious persecution.

Support initiatives that promote religious tolerance and diversity within Pakistan.

Monitor and report on human rights violations against Ahmadis and other minorities in Pakistan.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community reiterates its commitment to patience, forbearance, and adherence to the law. We believe in peaceful coexistence and equal rights for every citizen of Pakistan. We urge the international community and Pakistani authorities to uphold justice and safeguard the fundamental rights of all Pakistanis.

Source: Human Rights Section, Ahmadiyya Muslim Foreign Missions Office, United Kingdom.