Staff Reporter, Al Hakam
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in Pakistan has issued a dire report detailing ongoing severe persecution and systemic discrimination against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Based on extensive fact-finding missions and statistical analysis, the NCHR calls for immediate government intervention to safeguard the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from persecution.
Historical context and legal discrimination
The NCHR report revisits the enactment of Ordinance XX in 1984, which criminalised Ahmadis practising Islamic rituals and identifying as Muslims under blasphemy laws. Since then, Ahmadis have faced widespread societal exclusion and legal harassment, and have been effectively marginalised and denied basic religious freedoms.
Incidents of targeted violence
According to the NCHR, the Ahmadi community in Pakistan has been subjected to continuous attacks on their mosques, desecration of graves, and physical violence. In 2023 alone, numerous Ahmadi mosques were vandalised or destroyed, and there were significant reports of graves being desecrated. The report also documents cases of Ahmadi Muslim individuals being attacked and even martyred due to their faith.
Statistical overview of persecution
The NCHR provided alarming statistics on the persecution faced by Ahmadis:
— Over 765 legal cases filed against Ahmadis for displaying Islamic creeds, while 533 for simply ‘posing’ as Muslims.
— 334 blasphemy charges leading to arrests and trials.
— 280 Ahmadis martyred in targeted attacks since 1984.
— Destruction or sealing of 97 Ahmadiyya mosques.
— Systematic social and economic ostracisation, impacting their education and employment.
Government and legal response
The report notes the lack of effective response from Pakistani authorities to protect Ahmadis despite clear evidence of violations. It noted some governmental communications but highlighted the absence of substantial actions to curb the violence or discrimination against the Community.
Personal stories
The report includes personal accounts to underscore the human cost of this persecution. One poignant story is of an Ahmadi Muslim from Nankana Sahib, whose son was martyred in a targeted attack. Despite the severity of the attack, the response from law enforcement has been minimal, reflecting the broader neglect Ahmadis face.
Conclusions and calls to action
The NCHR concludes that the discrimination against Ahmadis not only contravenes international human rights laws but also Pakistan’s own constitutional promises of religious freedom. It recommends urgent actions, including the enforcement of legal protections for Ahmadis, the establishment of oversight mechanisms to monitor violations, and public awareness campaigns to promote religious tolerance.
Summary
The situation for Ahmadis in Pakistan remains precarious, with legal, social, and physical threats being a daily reality for many. The NCHR’s report is a crucial document that sheds light on these issues and serves as a call to action for both national authorities and the international community to intervene and ensure the protection of human rights for all citizens, regardless of faith.
For more details, you can read the full report issued by the National Commission for Human Rights on their website: www.nchr.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ahmadiya-Report.pdf.
