Ahmadi Muslim Burial Attacked by Armed Group at Cemetery

An Ahmadi Muslim burial was violently attacked on grounds of faith by an armed group in Sheikhupura District, Pakistan.  Local extremist clerics gathered the group together and instructed them to attack the cemetery to prevent the burial of a deceased Ahmadi Muslim lady who had passed away the night before. 

The group, armed with heavy rods violently beat the coffin and close family members and friends who were attending the burial ceremony of the wife of Mr Zafarullah, a local Ahmadi Muslim.  Mourners were left badly injured during what was an already difficult and challenging day as they mourned the loss of their loved one. 

This barbaric incident is yet another act of persecution against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Sheikhupura District.  Earlier this year, a violent group destroyed Ahmadi Muslim gravestones with the assistance of the local police.  

Such acts of violence and persecution against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community must come to an end.   The Government of Pakistan must do more to uphold the rights of all its citizens and to protect Ahmadi Muslims from further attack including allowing those who have died to rest in peace.

Action

The Pakistan Government must urgently:

• Prosecute the culprits of this barbaric act;
• Investigate the continued trend of unprovoked violent attacks against Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan;
• Repeal its blasphemy and anti-Ahmadi specific legislation which is the root cause of ongoing violence and hatred against the community;
• Uphold basic human rights freedoms for all its citizens including Ahmadi Muslims.

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