Dozens of Ahmadis Booked For Offering Friday Prayers As Miscreants Demand Closure Of Worship Sites
Dozens of Ahmadis face criminal charges for Friday prayers as miscreants pressure authorities to seal worship sites, violating human rights and Pakistan’s Constitution, with 28 Ahmadis currently jailed
In a concerning development, two separate criminal cases have been registered against dozens of Ahmadis in Lahore for allegedly offering Friday prayers. The cases were filed on March 21, 2025, at the Islam Pura and Raiwind City police stations. Meanwhile, miscreants continue to create hurdles for Ahmadis by gathering outside their prayer centers.
On the same day, an Ahmadi arriving for Friday prayers at Amin Pur Bazaar in Faisalabad was physically assaulted. Similar incidents were reported in multiple locations, including Kartarpur in Faisalabad, Naseera in Gujrat, and Peeru Chak in Sialkot, where assailants gathered outside Ahmadiyya prayer centers. Over the past month, miscreants have attempted to prevent Ahmadis from offering Friday prayers at more than 33 different locations.
These groups are not only obstructing the religious practices of Ahmadis but are also demanding the sealing and closure of Ahmadiyya places of worship. In response to these pressures, authorities have locked down eight Ahmadiyya prayer centers in recent months.
Earlier, on February 28, more than 75 Ahmadis were accused and booked for offering Friday prayers in Daska (Sialkot) and Bhagtanwala (Sargodha). Another incident occurred on March 7 in Surjani Town, Karachi. Out of these, 28 Ahmadis remain incarcerated.
Speaking on the matter, the spokesperson of the Ahmadiyya Community, Amir Mahmood, strongly condemned the registration of criminal cases against Ahmadis and the ongoing efforts to prevent them from practicing their faith. He emphasised that Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees every citizen the right to religious freedom.
“The actions of miscreants in stopping Ahmadis from offering their prayers are condemnable,” Mahmood stated. “These illegal measures are damaging Pakistan’s reputation. What purpose do these miscreants serve for our country?”
The spokesperson urged authorities to protect the fundamental human rights of Ahmadis in Pakistan and reject the unlawful demands of these groups. He called for the immediate release of incarcerated Ahmadis and the dismissal of baseless criminal cases against them.