On 16 January, an historic Ahmadi Muslim mosque in Daska, Punjab, Pakistan, was demolished by the local administration. This mosque, constructed before 1947, was a significant historical and cultural landmark, built under the patronage of Sir Muhammad Zafarullah Khan, one of the founding fathers of Pakistan and an esteemed figure in the nation’s history.
A video of the act can be seen here.
The mosque, a symbol of the enduring legacy of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan, was demolished using heavy machinery despite its historical relevance and with no legal basis for the demolition.
While the authorities have claimed the demolition was part of an operation against encroachment, notices from the Municipal Committee were reportedly issued only two days prior. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in consultation with authorities, identified the impugned area, yet the operation proceeded under questionable circumstances.
Disturbingly, the demolition took place during the night, with no transparent legal basis, and deprived the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of their fundamental right to practice their faith. Based on the context and timing, this act appears to have been an orchestrated attack on the mosque. It adds to a grim tally—last year alone, 22 Ahmadi Muslim mosques were desecrated in Pakistan.
The mosque before and after the demolition.
Over the past 50 years, Ahmadi Muslims have faced systemic violence, with hundreds murdered, the destruction of their mosques, desecration of over 421 graves, and widespread deprivation of basic human rights. This shocking act in Daska is a stark reminder of the ongoing state-sponsored persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
These extrajudicial actions are not only a violation of fundamental rights but also tarnish the reputation of Pakistan on the global stage. By targeting an already marginalised community, the authorities send a dangerous message that they prioritise oppression over the protection of vulnerable communities. Such actions create an environment where no one feels safe.
The authorities must refrain from such unlawful measures, uphold the decisions of superior courts, and ensure the protection of all vulnerable communities in Pakistan, including the Ahmadiyya Community. Immediate accountability is essential, and the state must take concrete steps to hold those responsible for these acts accountable.
Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK.
source https://stopthepersecution.org/historic-ahmadi-muslim-mosque-torn-down-by-police/
Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadis And Pakistan, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Asia, Pakistan, Pakistan Police
Some thoughts that come to mind:
quote Another comment about Pakistan attributed to Lee Kuan Yew, but not mentioned in his memoirs: “How can you help people who are more interested in the afterlife than life in this world?”
and: I have never seen a country like Pakistan so keen to commit suicide’ … unquote.
And some more thoughts of myself:
The biggest promoter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was actually the very late General Zia ul Haq. He wanted to eliminate the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from Pakistan and did a good job of it. Prohibition of all activities and all that. What was the effect? The Ahmadis disbursed into the world. Instead of paying their monthly contributions from their humble Pakistani salaries in Pakistani Rupees they now pay their contributions from much better salaries in US and Canadian dollars, Euros, Swiss Francs, and, yes, other currencies we do not talk about such as Kuwaiti and Emirati Dinars, Saudi Rials etc.
If General Zia ul Haq would have permitted the community to function properly in Pakistan its Head would not have escaped to UK. We would therefore probably not have the worldwide satellite TV station Muslim Television Ahmadiyya. Our worldwide mosque construction would have happened at a slower pace.
Should we say : ‘Thank you General Zia ul Haq’ ? You would turn in your grave, if you could. But I forgot, there was nothing to put in your grave except the teeth i think…
And Allah knows best.
Yes, sorry, our brothers and sisters remaining in Pakistan suffer. May Allah protect them.