On the night of 30 September, a group of 50-60 extremists, led by anti-Ahmadi Muslim activist Hasan Muawiyah, gathered outside the Bait-ul-Zikr mosque in Baghbanpura (Lahore), demanding the closure of both the mosque and the adjacent Ahmadi Muslim property, Bait-ur-Rahman. Muawiyah incited the mob, alleging violations of anti-Ahmadi laws, which attracted a larger crowd, escalating tensions.
Upon police arrival, they negotiated access for a search of the property, which was initially delayed. Despite an agreement that only police officers would enter, Muawiyah forced his way inside and conducted a more invasive search than the police. They found nothing incriminating. Frustrated, Muawiyah and his associates then searched the adjacent house of an Ahmadi Muslim, Mr. Asghar.
Inside Mr. Asghar’s home, they seized copies of Ahmadi Muslim literature. Using these materials as justification, police, under Muawiyah’s influence, arrested several Ahmadi Muslims: Amir Irshad (local missionary), his wife and daughter, Aziz-ur-Rehman (community president), and Mr. Asghar’s wife and son.
The detainees were taken to a local police station, and as the crowd outside the Ahmadi Muslim property grew larger, the police presence intensified. By 1:00 AM, the women were released, but the men were transferred to another police station, prolonging their detention.
At Muawiyah’s insistence, an FIR was registered under FIR number 3255/24 at the local police station. Charges were laid under sections 298-B, 298-C, and 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, targeting the religious practices of Ahmadi Muslims. Amir Irshad, Aziz-ur-Rehman, and Sharjeel Ahmed remain in custody.
After the raid on the property, Muawiyah’s group visited the home of Aziz-ur-Rehman, the local community president, further intimidating the family by photographing the premises. Police remain stationed near the property, preventing access and locking its doors, effectively shutting down the prayer facility. Despite the community’s peaceful efforts, they continue to face persecution, with the detainees still held on false charges.
Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.