Will minorities ever get fair treatment in Pakistan?

[Farhan The Man]

Members of the community expressed frustration and disappointment, alleging that state institutions were complicit in vandalising their places of worship instead of protecting vulnerable groups from extremist elements.

Foxes are in charge of the hen house.

Thank god for jews, christians, hindus, buddhists, atheists as a bulwark against this extremist ideology.

 

[hassan918]

CM Maryam launches Pakistan’s first-ever minority card​

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan’s first “Chief Minister Minority Card” in a historic ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex, here on Wednesday.

Punjab CM announced that 50,000 minority families would receive Rs10,500 every three months, with the number of beneficiaries set to increase to 75,000 in the coming years.

Additionally, festival grants for minorities have been raised from Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 and the annual development budget for minority communities has been increased by 60%.

She announced that the issuance of minority cards would be increased from 50,000 to 75,000, ensuring greater support for minority communities.

Members of Hindu, Sikh, Christian, and other communities, including men and women, attended the event and greeted the Chief Minister with enthusiastic slogans of Pakistan Zindabad.

During the ceremony, the CM engaged directly with attendees, distributing minority cards and observing their use. She personally monitored a transaction made using Sonia Bibi’s minority card at an ATM.

Religious leaders, including Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Sardar Saranjit Singh, and Pandit Lal, offered prayers for the success of the initiative.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, delivering his speech in Punjabi, expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Minister for her dedication and efforts towards minority welfare.

Addressing the participants, the CM reaffirmed her government’s commitment to protecting and improving the lives of minorities, emphasizing that they have an equal role in the construction and development of Pakistan.

“It is our responsibility to safeguard their rights and ensure their prosperity. We will firmly oppose anyone who threatens their lives or property,” she said, adding that minorities are a symbol of pride and emphasized that their true identity lies in their patriotism and humanity, not in being labeled as a minority.

CM Maryam shared her disagreement with the term “minority,” highlighting that the white stripe in Pakistan’s flag signifies the unity and inclusion of all communities.

Citing the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), she reminded everyone of Islam’s emphasis on justice.

Reflecting on her visit to Maryamabad Church, she recalled being told that no provincial chief executive had visited the church in 103 years, underscoring her government’s commitment to inclusion.

She also revealed plans to complete a cemetery for the Christian community within a few months.

Source: ARY NEWS

 

[Farhan The Man]

Citing the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), she reminded everyone of Islam’s emphasis on justice.

And then proceeds to buy minorities' loyalty with free money.

 

[BouncerGuy]

22 members of Ahmadiyya community held in Sialkot

Daska (Sialkot) police on Saturday arrested 22 members of the Ahmadiyya community for offering prayers in their religious place.

The police registered a case under Section 298(c) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which prohibits individuals of the Qadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves “Ahmadis” or by any other name) from posing as Muslims, calling their faith Islam, preaching or propagating their faith, or outraging the religious feelings of Muslims.

The complaint was lodged by Hamza Asif, a resident of Mohalla Totiyanwala, who stated that he was passing near the house of Nasrullah Khan Sahi, an Ahmadi, and saw people offering Friday prayers.

He alerted the police which arrived at the scene, took 22 individuals into custody, and registered the case.

Ahmadiyya community spokesperson Aamir Mahmood stated that members of their community had gathered in the Baitul Zikr and were observing their religious sermons when `religious extremists’ began hurling threats. He mentioned that the community members alerted the police, which arrested 22 members, including children and teenage boys.

Mahmood asserted that the members were observing their religious sermons in a cordoned-off place marked as Baitul Ziker and that, under the constitution, they could do so.

Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Faisal Shehzad explained that, due to an encroachment operation, a part of the wall of Baitul Zikr was demolished.

He said the community members gathered on Friday to construct the worship place after the operation and began offering Friday prayers.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Amnesty calls on govt to drop charges against Ahmadis, protect their places of worship

Amnesty International on Monday called on the government to release and drop all charges against all Ahmadis detained in recent weeks and ensure adequate protection to Ahmadi places of worship.

On March 1, Daska (Sialkot) police arrested 22 members of the Ahmadiyya community for offering prayers in their religious place.

Then on March 7, over two dozen members of the Ahmadi community, including children, were taken into “protective custody” by law enforcement personnel as a mob gathered outside its place of worship in Surjani Town, Karachi.

Later that day, police registered a criminal case against over two dozen members of the Ahmadiyya community and arrested six of them on the complaint of a Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activist in Surjani Town.

A day ago, Dahranwala police booked nine people, including seven men who were stated to be members of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and two members of the Ahmadiyya community, on charge of torturing a TLP activist to death during a scuffle at Chak 166 Murad in Bahawalnagar.

“The disturbing pattern of arbitrary arrests, harassment and violence against the Ahmadiyya community is in violation of their right to freedom of religion and belief,” the global rights organisation said in a post on X.

In the past two weeks alone, more than 60 Ahmadis, including children, have been unlawfully arrested in Daska, Sargodha and Karachi in Punjab and Sindh, while Ahmadiyya places of worship have been desecrated in Bahawalnagar and Gujranwala, Amnesty said.

“The authorities have filed cases under section 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (Person of Quadiani group, etc calling himself a Muslim or preaching or propagating his faith) which bars the Ahmadiyya community from calling themselves Muslims or preaching their faith.

“Amnesty International calls on the Pakistani authorities to immediately release and drop charges against all Ahmadis detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief,” Amnesty said.

It added: “Local authorities in Pakistan must provide adequate protection to Ahmadi places of worship and any officials engaged in harassment or destruction of Ahmadiyya property must be brought to justice.

“Denying the Ahmadis their right to freedom of religion and belief is in violation of Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said last week it had observed a growing trend of mob-led attacks on the homes of families belonging to religious minorities, as well as their places of worship.

The HRCP also spoke of Ahmadis’ “arbitrary” detention, alleged desecration of their graves and the vulnerability of Hindu and Christian women to forced conversion.

The report, titled Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023-24, said over 750 persons were in prison on charges of blasphemy as of October last year. It documented at least four faith-based killings, three of which targeted the Ahmadi community.

HRCP observed an “increasing weaponisation of blasphemy laws against Ahmadis”, with cases often initiated by law enforcement officials themselves.

According to the report, “four cases were filed by police officers against Ahmadis in Punjab, reflecting an institutional bias against the community.”

DAWN NEWS

 

[hassan918]

Ahmadis face widespread restrictions on Eid prayers, escalating persecution​

LAHORE

A wave of targeted restrictions and violent acts plunged the Ahmadiyya community into fear on Eid on March 31, as they faced widespread protests, intimidation, and threats, particularly concentrated around their places of worship.

The incidents, which spanned both Punjab and Sindh provinces, have raised serious concerns about the escalating persecution of the marginalized religious group.

Ahmadis in Pakistan have been facing immense difficulties in even visiting their places of worship, especially on Friday, and during Ramzan this trend rose to extreme levels. On Eid day, in multiple locations, Ahmadis were forcibly prevented from collecting at their places of worship over the allegation that they were (illegally) offering prayers. In various areas of Punjab and Sindh, the police did not allow Ahmadis to collect at their ibadatgahs.

Punjab

In Lahore, the situation was particularly tense, with Ahmadis being stopped from congregating at five locations, including the central worship place of the Ahmadiyya community in Garhi Shahu. The disruption at Garhi Shahu, a significant religious site for the community, underscored the severity of the restrictions. In Lahore, Ahmadis were stopped from gathering for Eid prayers at five locations, including the central worship place of the Ahmadiyya community in Garhi Shahu.

Adding to the distress, extremist elements belonging to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) gathered outside Ahmadi places of worship, chanting hate slogans and inciting violence. Their presence created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, further preventing Ahmadis from exercising their religious freedom. Extremist from the TLP also gathered outside places of worship in Model Town and Allama Iqbal Town in Lahore.

The pattern of suppression was not limited to Lahore. Similar incidents were reported in Sheikhupura, specifically in Farooqabad, Kajhar, Kot Abdul Malik, and Bidadpur.

In Sahiwal, Ahmadis at 6/11-L also faced similar circumstances, while in Rawalpindi, the community was harassed in certain locations.

Sindh

Karachi, also witnessed four locations where Ahmadis were denied their right to worship.

In a continued drive against the community, authorities in Karachi sealed two more Ahmadiyya places of worship, intensifying a campaign of persecution against the already marginalized community. The first place of worship, located in Azizabad, was sealed within the jurisdiction of the Azizabad Police Station, while the second, in North Karachi, fell under the jurisdiction of the Sir Syed Police Station. Reports indicate that during these operations, authorities not only sealed the premises but the Ahmadiyya place of worship in Azizabad was also vandalized by the TLP and carried out hateful graffiti on its outer walls, further violating the sanctity of these places of worship.

This escalation follows a disturbing pattern of suppression, as just weeks earlier, authorities had similarly sealed Ahmadiyya places of worship in Baldia Town and Malir Colony in Karachi.

Detained on Eid

Adding to the community’s plight, some members of the Ahmadiyya community were taken into custody, although later released. However, such arrests contribute to the growing climate of fear, harassment, and intimidation.

The incidents are part of a broader trend of escalating violence and hate activities against the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan. In recent months, there has been a troubling rise in such incidents, including the desecration of Ahmadi graves, targeted attacks on their places of worship, and open incitement of violence through public speeches and social media. Extremist groups continue to spread anti-Ahmadi propaganda, further fueling intolerance and discrimination. The lack of accountability for perpetrators has emboldened such acts, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for the community.

The statistics paint a grim picture:

In 2025, so far, extremists have desecrated approximately 169 Ahmadiyya graves and 8 places of worship. Adding to the community’s plight, 42 Ahmadis are currently behind bars in various jails of Pakistan for reasons of faith.

The registration of frivolous criminal cases and the denial of bail results in wrongful and prolonged detention, depriving individuals of their fundamental right to liberty and due process.

Ahmadis in Pakistan have long been subjected to systemic discrimination, with their right to worship increasingly under threat. In recent times, this persecution has escalated with alarming frequency, as hardline elements continue to pressure authorities to crack down on the community. The sealing of their places of worship is not just an attack on their religious freedom but also a blatant violation of fundamental human rights.

The repeated targeting of Ahmadiyya places of worship underscores the increasing intolerance Ahmadis face across Pakistan. Beyond legal restrictions, the community also contends with social ostracization, threats, and violence. The state’s failure to protect Ahmadis rights only emboldens those who seek to erase their presence from the public sphere. Such actions are in direct violation of Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, as well as international human rights standards.

The situation is further illustrated by visual evidence, as indicated by excerpts of images taken during the Eid Day events. Following is some of the excerpts of images taken today during Eid Day showcasing the violent attacks that the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan has faced.

Ahmadis face widespread restrictions on Eid prayers, escalating persecution

voicepk.net

 

[Devadwal]

47-year-old Laeeq Cheema was brutally attacked and murdered with bricks by a mob in Karachi’s Preedy area for being Ahmadi. The government watches in silence.

Ahmadi man killed as religiopolitical party members storm Saddar worship place: police

Police say deceased was "filming TLP workers near Hashu Centre when the mob started beating him and killed him".

www.dawn.com

 

[Devadwal]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1913227131061960714

 

[HalBass9]

The subcontinent’s proud inheritance, lynching, practically a national pastime, especially when religion steps into the spotlight.

 

[emranabbas]

Don't know what's happening in the world everyone's going crazy.

Not long ago....

Muslim man beaten to death by Hindu mob for resisting colours while on his way to mosque

UP: Muslim man beaten to death by Hindu mob for resisting colours while on his way to mosque

A 48-year-old Muslim man was brutally assaulted and killed while on his way to a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao on Saturday after he resisted having colours thrown on him during Holi. Hindu mob, Holi, Muslim man, Uttar Pradesh A 48-year-old Muslim man was brutally assaulted and killed while on...

maktoobmedia.com

government sleeping in shiny India?

 

[Devadwal]

International media is reporting This news.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1913223116613902607

 

[BouncerGuy]

HRCP concerned over letter to bar Ahmadis from observing Eid

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA)’s letter urging the Punjab police to prevent members of the Ahmadiyya community from observing their religious rituals during Eid.

In a statement, the HRCP said this action, coupled with the requirement that Ahmadis should submit affidavits disavowing their beliefs, violates the community’s constitutional right to freedom of religion or belief under Article 20 as well as their right to equal citizenship.

The commission feared that this continued institutionalised discrimination against the Ahmadiyya community would empower vigilante actors and extremist groups to enforce a defacto ban on the community’s freedom of movement and public participation.

It said the LHCBA must withdraw its letter and the Punjab government should instruct local authorities to protect members of the Ahmadiyya community at a time when they were especially vulnerable to vigilantism.

In its letter to the Punjab IGP, the LHCBA sought to prevent the Ahmadiyya community from observing Islamic rituals on the occasion of Eidul Azha and action against its members if found violating the law.

Child marriage act challenged before FSC

The “Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025” has been challenged before the Federal Shariat Court (FSS) for being ‘un-Islamic’.

Shahzada Adnan, a resident of Lahore, filed a petition through Advocate Mudassar Chaudhry pleading that the impugned law has been enacted in clear conflict to the Shariah, the Constitution and the fundamentals of Islam. The petition argues that the impugned legislation has totally negated the Islamic concept of marriage as according to the injunction of Islam, age does not matter but puberty is the key of ceremony of Nikah as well as marriage.

Citing Quranic verses, the petition says the impugned law is ultra vires and against the basic principles of Islamic Shariah.

It alleges that the implementation of the impugned law would open a door for pre-marriage sex in the country.

The petition argues that the parliament did not consider the legislation work of Quran, Hadith, Muslim jurists and other Islamic countries.

It said the legislative body also ignored the opinion of Council of Islamic Ideology, a constitutional body, which already declared the impugned law against the spirit of Islam as well the Constitution of the country. The petition asks the FST to declare the impugned law as unconstitutional and against the Islamic principles.

DAWN NEWS

 

[Farhan The Man]

The subcontinent’s proud inheritance, lynching, practically a national pastime, especially when religion steps into the spotlight.

Sanity prevails.

Once plague of religion is realized. Followed up with actions to defang this poison.

No civilized society can coexist with murderous doctrines.

 

[HalBass9]

Sanity prevails.

Once plague of religion is realized. Followed up with actions to defang this poison.

No civilized society can coexist with murderous doctrines.

The real threat to any society isn’t faith or disbelief, it’s extremism in all its forms. Whether it comes wrapped in scripture or disguised as atheism to mask personal biases, the outcome is the same, division, hate, and destruction. A civilized society must confront all forms of radicalism, not just the ones that are politically convenient.