Ahmadi Muslims prevented from Eid prayers and Qurbani in several Pakistani cities. Police sealed religious sites and made arrests following TLP incitement.
Pakistan: Serious questions have once again been raised regarding religious freedom in Pakistan. During Eid-ul-Azha, the Ahmadi Muslim community was prevented from observing Islamic rituals. This community was not only prohibited from offering prayers but also from performing religious acts such as Qurbani (animal sacrifice).
Police oppression under TLP pressure
According to the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Pakistan (JAP), Ahmadi Muslims were prevented from offering Eid prayers in seven cities: Khushab, Mirpur Khas, Lodhran, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, Umerkot, Larkana, and Karachi. This action is attributed to pressure from the extremist organization Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which openly created a hostile environment against the Ahmadi community.
Forced statements at police stations
Before Eid, Ahmadi community members were summoned to local police stations. They were forced to write statements declaring they would not offer Eid prayers or perform any Qurbani. This incident points towards a violation of fundamental rights to religious freedom.
Ahmadi mosques sealed
An old Ahmadi place of worship (mosque) located in Lahore's Ghari Shahi area was sealed by the police at the behest of TLP activists. In Karachi's Nazimabad area, TLP activists took an Ahmadi man and his son, along with their sacrificial animal, to a police station and forcibly coerced them towards religious conversion.
Arrests and FIRs filed
Punjab police arrested two Ahmadi Muslims. Three others had FIRs filed against them under Section 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. This law prohibits the Ahmadi community from using Islamic symbols and customs.
Violation of PAK Constitution and human rights
The JAP contends that this treatment is not only discriminatory but also violates Article 20 of the Pakistani Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the freedom to practice their religion. However, the Ahmadi community is repeatedly denied this right.
TLP's hate campaign
For several months, the TLP has been conducting a hate campaign against the Ahmadi community. This organization not only prevents the community from worshipping in their places of worship but also perpetrates violent acts against them.
Last month, a senior Ahmadi doctor was murdered in Punjab province. On May 15th, approximately 100 graves belonging to the Ahmadi community were desecrated in the same province. These incidents highlight the growing trend of religious intolerance in Pakistan.
Double standard of PAK administration
The Pakistani administration claims that Eid-ul-Azha is a sacred Muslim festival, and only Muslims can celebrate it. Ahmadis have been declared non-Muslims, therefore they cannot be allowed to observe Islamic rituals. If they do, it will be considered blasphemy.
Threat of economic penalties on Ahmadis
According to a 2023 notification, an Ahmadi individual who observes Islamic customs could face a fine of 500,000 Pakistani Rupees. This notification is enforced under sections 298-B and 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Declared non-Muslim since 1974
The Pakistani parliament declared the Ahmadi community non-Muslim in 1974. A 1984 ordinance further barred this community from all means of Islamic symbols, customs, and religious expression. Even the construction of domes and minarets on mosques was prohibited.
