On 26 September, Mr. Arsalan, an individual known for opposing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Sialkot, filed a complaint with the local police station, asserting that the local Ahmadi Muslim Mosque contained a prayer niche and Quranic inscriptions, which he claimed offended the sentiments of Muslims. Mr. Arsalan cited Pakistan’s anti-Ahmadi and blasphemy laws, arguing that these features violated sections 298-B and 298-C of the penal code, which restrict Ahmadi Muslims from using Islamic symbols and terminologies.
In response, the police summoned Ahmadi Muslim representatives and demanded that the tombstones in their graveyard bearing Quranic inscriptions be removed, as well as the demolition of the prayer niche in the mosque. The Ahmadi Muslim delegation refused, explaining that such actions would violate their religious beliefs.
Shockingly on 29 September, a group of extremists, accompanied by police officers, entered the Ahmadi Muslim graveyard and vandalised 47 of the 48 tombstones, with police actively assisting the extremists. Two Ahmadi Muslims attempting to record the vandalism were arrested, their phones confiscated, and footage deleted. Despite these actions, no legal consequences followed for the perpetrators, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to face pressure from the police.
Images of graves desecrated in the cemetery.
This incident follows similar acts of desecration earlier in the week. On 25 September, in response to demands from extremists, police removed Islamic inscription from the graves of 13 Ahmadi Muslims in District Vehari. The following day, the graves of four Ahmadi Muslims in District Wahari, were similarly desecrated.
The inaction and involvement of local authorities in such incidents violate the constitutional rights of Ahmadi Muslims and undermine the principles of justice. The government must take immediate steps to ensure the protection of the Ahmadi Muslim community’s lives, property, and dignity.
These violations of human rights against Ahmadi Muslims are carried with the backing of state functionaries.
Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.