On 22 November, individuals associated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a far-right religious extremist organisation, stormed an Ahmadi Muslim Mosque located in Kot Karam Bakhsh, Sialkot. The aggressors claimed that the use of Islamic inscriptions in the mosque offended their religious sentiments.
This attack followed a warning issued by the TLP to the police last week, demanding the demolition of the mosque’s minaret.
This mosque was constructed before the introduction of the anti-Ahmadi laws in 1984, in 1950.
Notably, Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh of the Lahore High Court, in a judgement emphasised in paragraph 16 that the provisions of the 1984 anti-Ahmadi laws do not permit the demolition or alteration of religious buildings that existed prior to its enactment.
Despite this, 150 extremists attacked the mosque, and nearby Ahmadi Muslim homes, damaging doors, three motorcycles, and pelting stones at the structures.
The situation was further aggravated by the police registering a case against 11 named and 20 unidentified Ahmadi Muslims who were protecting their mosque. These charges, under sections 324, 148, and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code, were filed at Motra Police Station in District Sialkot under FIR No. 2083.
The attack on the mosque, coupled with the police’s inaction and unjustified legal action against innocent Ahmadi Muslims, has caused significant distress and fear among the community. Despite the prior warnings and ongoing violence, the authorities have failed to take adequate measures to protect Ahmadi Muslims and their mosque.
The situation remains highly volatile and alarming, highlighting the persistent threats and violence faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community without sufficient intervention or support from the authorities.
A video of the incident can be seen here.
The targeting of Ahmadi Muslim mosques by religious extremists, particularly in Punjab, is a continuing and serious concern. More than 50 mosques have been attached since 2023 with the state complicit in these actions.
Extremists pelting stones at the mosque and Ahmadi Muslims present.
Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.