Amnesty International has released a damning report accusing Pakistan of engaging in the systematic persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The report details widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and targeted violence against Ahmadis, who are declared non-Muslims under Pakistani law.
Systemic Discrimination
According to Amnesty, the persecution is not isolated but is deeply embedded in Pakistan's legal and social systems. The report highlights that Ahmadis face restrictions on practicing their faith, including bans on calling themselves Muslims, propagating their beliefs, and building places of worship. This discrimination has led to a climate of impunity, where attacks on Ahmadis are rarely investigated or prosecuted.
Key Findings
- At least 30 Ahmadis were killed in targeted attacks in 2023.
- Over 100 Ahmadis were arrested under blasphemy laws, which carry the death penalty.
- Several Ahmadi places of worship have been destroyed or forcibly closed.
The report also notes that the Pakistani government has failed to protect Ahmadi communities, often siding with extremist groups. Amnesty calls on the international community to pressure Pakistan to repeal discriminatory laws and ensure the safety of all religious minorities.
International Response
Human rights organizations have echoed Amnesty's concerns, urging the United Nations to investigate. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has dismissed the report as biased and based on unverified claims. However, Amnesty maintains that the evidence is clear and demands immediate action to end the persecution.
