12th February 2024
Another Ahmadi Muslim mosque has been attacked in Bhabra, Kotli, A.J.K.in Pakistan by extremists. Sunday’s attack occurred at 10:45am, when around 60 extremists armed with guns, hammers and shovels destroyed the minarets of the mosque and brutally attacked Ahmadis leaving them needing hospital treatment. Ahmadi men and five women were severely beaten and wounded, with Mr Wajid Hussain and Ms Zahida Parveen seriously injured. The extremists also injured other Ahmadis who went there to protect their fellow worshippers.
Four minarets of the mosque were destroyed in addition to the Mehrab (niche) and CCTV cameras were destroyed. The extremists also scrawled anti-Ahmadi graffiti, writing ‘Brothel’ and ‘Qadiani cursed dog’ inside the mosque.
Prior to this event, extremists had been pressuring the authorities to desecrate the mosque. Police reached the scene too late and have not arrested any of the attackers.
Footage of the incident can be seen here.
This follows an earlier attack in the area on 24 November 2023 when an Ahmadi Muslim mosque in Dollian, Jattan in Kotli attacked and its minarets demolished. This reflects an escalating pattern of threats and violence against Ahmadi Muslims in Kotli.
This is the latest of a series of attacks with more than 40 mosques attacked over the past year. These violations of human rights against Ahmadi Muslims are carried with the backing of state functionaries.
These repeated attacks underscore the urgent need for justice and the implementation of Justice Jilani’s 2014 decision to safeguard the places of worship for all citizens.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community remains committed to promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony, and calls for an end to all forms of religious persecution and discrimination.
We implore the global community to voice their opposition to this serious injustice and make sure that the Pakistani government assures the safety of all religious places for its citizens.