120-year-old Ahmadi Religious Structure Demolished by Police in Pakistan

Ahmadi religious structure demolished by police in Pakistan, marking yet another instance of the ongoing persecution of the Ahmadiyya community in the country. The 120-year-old place of worship, located in the Chatha area of Gujranwala, Punjab province, was razed under pressure from the radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

The demolition, carried out by the police, has sparked outrage and concerns over the worsening religious intolerance in Pakistan. Reports suggest that police officials, accompanied by members of the TLP, entered the site, forcefully removed worshippers, and used heavy machinery to destroy the minarets and structure of the building.

Legal and Social Context of Ahmadi Persecution in Pakistan

The demolition of the historic Ahmadi worship place is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting the Ahmadiyya community, which has long faced discrimination in Pakistan.

Under the country’s laws, Ahmadis have been declared non-Muslims since 1974, and their religious practices are often criminalized under various provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. Despite legal protections that prohibit the destruction of Ahmadi places of worship built before 1984, extremist groups and local authorities have repeatedly ignored these safeguards.

The destruction of the 120-year-old structure highlights how laws meant to protect religious minorities are often disregarded in practice.

Police action against Ahmadis is often driven by political pressure, as seen in this case where authorities acted under the influence of the TLP, a party known for its extremist views and violent campaigns against religious minorities.

Read : 23 Ahmadis Arrested for Offering Friday Prayers at Daska

The TLP has previously led violent protests across Pakistan, demanding stricter enforcement of blasphemy laws and harsher punishments for those they accuse of violating Islamic tenets.

Read : Palestinian Footballer Ahmad Abu al-Atta Dies After Airstrike Hits His Home in Gaza City

The Ahmadiyya community has been facing increasing hostility in recent years, with incidents of mob violence, desecration of their graves, and attacks on their homes and businesses. Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the Pakistani government to take measures to protect the Ahmadi community, but little has been done to address their concerns.

International Condemnation and Government Inaction

The demolition of the Ahmadi religious structure in Gujranwala has drawn international condemnation, with human rights organizations, diplomats, and activists criticizing Pakistan for its continued failure to protect religious minorities.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued statements condemning the act and calling for immediate action against those responsible.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has also expressed concern, noting that Pakistan has repeatedly failed to uphold religious freedoms despite its commitments under international human rights treaties.

The USCIRF has previously recommended that Pakistan be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” for its systematic violations of religious freedom, including its treatment of Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus, and Shia Muslims.

However, the Pakistani government has remained largely silent on the issue. Officials have refrained from condemning the demolition, and there has been no indication of any investigation into the actions of the police officers involved. This inaction further emboldens extremist groups and reinforces the perception that the state tacitly supports anti-Ahmadi persecution.

In past instances, Pakistani authorities have justified such demolitions by citing complaints from local communities, claiming that Ahmadi worship places resemble mosques, which is prohibited under Pakistan’s anti-Ahmadi laws. This argument has been used repeatedly to target Ahmadi religious structures, leading to their destruction or forced modification.

Impact on the Ahmadi Community and Future Concerns

The demolition of the 120-year-old worship place has left the local Ahmadi community devastated. Many Ahmadis in the area fear further violence and persecution, with some considering relocating to safer regions or even seeking asylum abroad.

The increasing hostility towards Ahmadis in Pakistan has led to a growing number of asylum seekers in countries like Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

For many Ahmadis, the destruction of their worship places is not just an attack on their religious identity but also a broader attempt to erase their presence from Pakistani society. The targeting of Ahmadi graves, removal of their religious symbols, and violent attacks against their leaders indicate a systematic effort to marginalize and intimidate the community.

This latest incident also raises concerns about the broader state of religious tolerance in Pakistan. While the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the reality is far different for religious minorities, who often face legal and social discrimination.

The misuse of blasphemy laws, the influence of extremist groups, and the lack of government intervention continue to create an environment where religious persecution goes unchecked.

The international community has repeatedly urged Pakistan to reform its discriminatory laws and take concrete steps to protect its religious minorities. However, without political will and a commitment to upholding human rights, the situation is unlikely to improve.

The demolition of the Ahmadi religious structure in Gujranwala is yet another reminder of the urgent need for legal and social reforms to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, can live freely and without fear.