Pakistan is witnessing a shocking escalation in a coordinated wave of anti-Ahmadi violence fuelled by extremists and local police desecrating several mosques in recent months. The following provides a brief summary:
December 2022, Baghbanpura, Gujranwala:
In a shocking incident, police officers removed the minarets of the local Ahmadi Muslim mosque. The police arrived with machinery to demolish the minarets of the mosque.
January 2023, Wazirabad:
Punjab Police demolished the minarets of the Ahmadi Muslim mosque located in Moti Bazar (Wazirabad) at midnight without any lawful reason.
January 2023, Karachi:
An extremist mob wrecked the two minarets of the local Ahmadi Muslim mosque. Upon arrival of the police, perpetrators fled the scene. So far, no arrests have been made.
February 2023, Karachi:
An extremist mob destroyed the minarets of the local Ahmadi Muslim mosque, despite police officers present at the scene. The mosque has been used by Ahmadi Muslims for more than 50 years. Extremists scaled the walls of the building to demolish the minarets with hammers and the shocking video has gone viral on social media.
February 2023, Mirpurkhas, Sindh:
An extremist mob demolished the minarets and set ablaze the Ahmadi Muslim mosque in Mirpurkhas District. Separately, unknown attackers fired gunshots at the mosque. At the time, members of the Ahmadi Muslim community were inside and fortunately were unharmed.
February 2023, Noor Nagar, District Umarkot, Sindh:
An extremist mob breached the wall of the local Ahmadi Muslim mosque at night, poured gasoline and then set it alight. The fire destroyed chairs and prayer mats within.
The right to worship and practice religion freely and safely is a fundamental human right, and it is essential that the Pakistan Government and Pakistan authorities take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of faith.
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