Ahmadi Worship Site Under Threat In Sargodha Amid Growing Extremist Pressure
Extremists in Sargodha staged a sit-in demanding the sealing of an Ahmadi worship site and legal action for Friday prayers, amid rising attacks, arrests, and harassment, as Ahmadiyya leaders urge authorities to act
In a continued wave of targeted harassment, extremist elements in South Bhagtanwala, District Sargodha, gathered a mob and staged a sit-in to demand the sealing of an Ahmadi worship site and the registration of a new case against Ahmadis for offering Friday prayers. Police were present at the scene as tensions grew.
In recent weeks, extremist groups have intensified efforts to prevent Ahmadis from practicing their faith in Punjab, with repeated incidents of mob intimidation and legal harassment. On February 28, cases were filed against dozens of Ahmadis in Daska and Bhagtanwala, Sargodha, for offering Friday prayers, leading to the arrest of 28 individuals. On March 7, a similar incident occurred in Surjani Town, Karachi.
The violence escalated further on March 13, when extremists attacked an Ahmadi worship site in 209 GB, District Faisalabad. The attackers reportedly opened fire and physically assaulted those present. On March 14, similar incidents of extremist chants and provocations were reported outside Ahmadi places of worship in Faisalabad, Layyah, Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Sialkot.
Aamir Mehmood, spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan, strongly condemned the unlawful sealing of Ahmadi worship sites and the efforts to prevent Ahmadis from practicing their faith. “According to Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution, every citizen has the right to practice their religion freely,” he stated.
Mehmood warned that extremist actions targeting peaceful and law-abiding citizens tarnish Pakistan’s international reputation. “The growing aggression of a radicalized minority and the filing of baseless cases against Ahmadis reflect poorly on the country. We urge authorities to reject this extremist mindset and ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of Pakistani Ahmadis.”
Categories: The Muslim Times