Ahmadi community in pakistan: Another horrific incident has come to light in Pakistan in Pakistan. In Punjab province, more than 50 members of the Ahmadiyya community were lodged an FIR under the blasphemy law as they offered Friday prayers.

According to the police, supporters of radical Islamic organization Tehreek-e-Labback Pakistan (TLP) surrounded the places of worship in many cities and prevented them from offering prayers. Subsequently, on the complaint of a person named Muhammad Amanullah, the police registered an FIR under Section 298-B and 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). In the FIR, it was alleged that the people of Ahmadi community were offering prayers like Muslims, calling themselves Muslims, as well as promoting their religion as Islam.

Why are atrocities on Ahmadiyya community?
The Ahmadiyas community in Pakistan was declared non-Muslim through constitutional amendment in 1974. During the reign of dictator Zia-ul-Haq in 1984, the blasphemy laws were made rigid, under which Ahmadiyya community cannot call themselves Muslims, they cannot use Islamic symbols, cannot make mosques like mosques and do not follow Islam’s teachings in public. The alliance of radical organizations and Pakistani government has been going on for a long time to deprive Ahmedis of religious rights.

What did Jamaat-e-Ahmedia say?
Jamaat-e-Ahmedia Pakistan (JAP) strongly condemned these attacks and FIR. Spokesperson Aamir Mahmood said, “Want to prevent religious extremists Ahmedis from performing their religious rituals. This is a violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan and the universal declaration of human rights.” He also questioned, “Is it in the nation’s interest?”

Is religious freedom in Pakistan in crisis?
Explain that continuous attacks on religious minorities, false blasphemy cases and violence are increasing in Pakistan. In 2023, more than 200 blasphemy cases were registered, while Ahmadi mosques were demolished in Punjab province last year. The International Human Rights Organizations are constantly accusing Pakistan of violation of religious freedom.