The sealing of Bait-ul-Nasir Mosque is a grave human rights violation that demands urgent attention from both domestic and international stakeholders.
On 14 February 2025, law enforcement authorities in Karachi illegally sealed Bait-ul-Nasir mosque, an Ahmadi Muslim mosque in Malir Colony, following demands from an extremist mob.
Shortly before Friday prayers, a group of individuals gathered outside the Bait-ul-Nasir Mosque and began recording videos of the mosque and its worshippers. When local Ahmadi Muslims refrained from engaging with them, the mob escalated tensions by chanting anti-Ahmadi slogans.
Mob of extremists protesting in front of the Ahmadi Muslim Mosque.
Instead of protecting the worshippers, the police entered the mosque under the pretext of maintaining public order. However, rather than dispersing the mob, they engaged with the agitators, who insisted that Ahmadi Muslims should not be allowed to pray in their own mosque.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community representatives informed the Station House Officer (SHO) that the mosque had been in use for over 40 years and was registered with local authorities. However, their claims were dismissed without due process, and the SHO verbally ordered an end to prayers, despite providing no legal directive.
Following this, police confiscated the recording devices of the agitators and left the premises. Shortly after, personnel from the federal Rangers force arrived, but they were assured by the police that the situation was “under control.”
Later that same day, law enforcement authorities sealed the mosque, even though no legal order was issued to justify this action.
A video of this can be seen here.
Following the incident, extremist groups intensified anti-Ahmadi rhetoric on social media, inciting further hostility against the community. Protesters gathered outside Khokhrapar police station, demanding additional measures against Ahmadis.
Emboldened by the lack of accountability, anti-Ahmadi groups have extended their demands, calling for the closure of other Ahmadi Mosques in Korangi and beyond.
The sealing of Bait-ul-Nasir Mosque contravenes the constitutional right to freedom of worship under Article 20 of Pakistan’s constitution and the extra judicial action by law enforcement authorities undermines the country’s laws.
This case underscores the institutionalised persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan and sets another dangerous precedent for future attacks on Ahmadi Muslim mosques.
Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.