RAWALPINDI: Thousands of traders and activists from religious parties gathered in Rawalpindi on Sunday to call on the government to stop ‘unconstitutional’ activities of the Ahmadiyya community in the city.

The protest, arranged by traders’ associations near the Holy Family Hospital, was attended by activists of Jamaatud Dawa, Jamaat-i-Islami and the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat. Members of the banned militant organisation Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan were also in attendance. Over 5,000 people were part of the protest, led by traders’ union representatives Sherjeel Mir and Shahid Ghafoor Paracha.

The rally took place in Satellite Town, where anti-Ahmadi banners had appeared earlier this month. An Ahmadi worship place, Ewane Tawheed, is also located in the area and traders said it was built without prior official approval.