Persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan

Sir, – It is with profound sorrow that I write to highlight the tragic and alarming incident that occurred on June 8th in Saad Ullah Pur, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakistan, where two members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Ghulam Sarwar and Rahat Ahmad Bajwa, were brutally murdered in broad daylight. These innocent lives were taken solely due to their faith, reflecting an escalating wave of anti-Ahmadiyya sentiment in Pakistan. The alleged perpetrator, a teenage student from a local madrassah (religious school) has confessed to these heinous acts, citing religious motives. This disturbing trend of faith-based violence, fuelled by unchecked hate speech and indoctrination, has turned Pakistan into a perilous landscape for Ahmadis. Ghulam Sarwar (62) and Rahat Ahmad Bajwa (30) leave behind grieving families and a community in fear. The relentless hate campaign against Ahmadis has reached alarming levels, with even pregnant women and Ahmadi police officers being openly threatened. The international community must urgently address this crisis. We implore human rights organisations and global leaders to press the Pakistani government to take decisive action against those spreading hate and violence. Silence and inaction will only perpetuate this cycle of persecution. – Yours, etc,

Dr MUHAMMAD ANWAR MALIK,

President,

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – Ireland,