Religious persecution takes a turn for the worse in Pakistan

Year 2020 has been the most difficult year for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan where coordinated killings and persecution has increased over the last many months. These killings of innocent and peaceful members of the community are being instigated by the clerics with the help from law enforcement as well as government officials.

At least three people have been killed with another 11 put behind bars under the notorious blasphemy laws of Pakistan which are used as a tool to persecute members of minorities especially Ahmadis.

In such an incident, an Ahmadi Professor Dr. Naeem-ud-Din Khattak has been brutally murdered in Peshawar, Pakistan because of his faith. This murder is direct result of an ongoing hate campaign against the Ahmadiyya community who remain vulnerable to such attacks.

One after another, Ahmadis are being targeted in Peshawar while the Government has repeatedly failed to protect and stop the violence. The state institutions has taken no measures regarding the protection of Ahmadis.

Dr. Naeem-ud-Din Khattak was an Ahmadi and killed in Peshawar because of his faith. He was 56 years old Naeem-ud-Din Khattak with a doctorate in Zoology. He used to teach at Superior Science College, Wazir Bagh Road, Peshawar. On October 5, 2020 at 1:30 pm when he was on his way back home, unknown assailants opened fire at his car. He was shot multiple times and received 5 bullets. He died on the spot. He has left behind a widow, 2 sons and 3 daughters.

Mr. Naeem-ud-Din was facing persecution and threats because of his faith. He was receiving threats and was also facing a boycott. It is a 3rd incident within this year of such nature in Peshawar against members of Ahmadiyya community.

Ahmadiyya Community’s spokesperson Mr. Saleem-ud-Din has strongly condemned this incident and has declared this unfortunate incident the result of religious hatred. According to him, in general in Pakistan and specifically in Peshawar, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are being targeted due to their faith. As a result of such hatred and targeted attacks, there is a growing fear of lack of security amongst the Ahmadiyya Community. Such incidents lead to the conclusion that the Government and the law enforcement agencies least care about the lives and properties of members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. He further said that there is a significant increase in hate campaign against Ahmadis. The Government of Pakistan has turned a blind eye towards the plight of members of Ahmadiyya community and failed to act against those behind this hate campaign.

The Spokesperson of Ahmadiyya community demanded the government and law enforcement agencies to take swift and strong actions against the culprits and make sure that they are held accountable. He further stated that we also expect the government to ensure such future hate campaign against Ahmadis are dealt with practical measures against the perpetrators. We hope that the Government will not abandon the peace loving, patriotic, innocent and law-abiding Ahmadis at the mercy of these terrorists.

Ahmadi Muslims have been under heavy persecution in Pakistan for many decades since the constitutional amendments declaring them as non-Muslims. Despite being the most peace-loving community, its members often face threats against their property, businesses and life from the clergy and their supports alike with full impunity from the law enforcement and many at the highest levels of the government alike.

Reach out for further information at the contact:

Imam Shamshad Nasir |909-636-8332 | Shamshad.Nasir@Ahmadiyya.us

About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans over 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the oldest American-Muslim organizations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad.

The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and re-institute morality, justice, and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.