Executive summary

In 1974, the Pakistani government officially declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims. This status remains and is reinforced through various laws and anti-Ahmadi rhetoric. Provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code restrict the ways in which Ahmadis can openly express and practise their beliefs.

Whilst official figures record the Ahmadi population at 162,684, the true population is considered higher, estimated at between 400,000 and 600,000.

Anti-Ahmadi rhetoric by public officials, attacks on Ahmadi places of worship, graves and gravestones occur, including demolition of minarets, graffiti, and arson – at times with police complicity. Ahmadis are at risk of prosecution under blasphemy laws and specific anti-Ahmadi laws.

Ahmadis who openly practise their faith (beyond the restricted basis permitted by domestic law) are likely to face a real risk of persecution or serious harm from the state.

Widespread societal harassment and discrimination against community members occurs, including hate speech, physical attacks including murder, and destruction of property.

Societal treatment and attitudes towards Ahmadis, particularly those who openly practise their faith, may, depending on the nature and repetition of such treatment, reach the threshold of persecution or serious harm.

Effective protection is limited due to restrictive legislation against Ahmadis who are reluctant to report incidents due to potential blasphemy charges. Whilst AW (sufficiency of protection) Pakistan [2011] UKUT 31(IAC) concluded that it ‘cannot be said that such a general insufficiency of state protection has been established [in Pakistan]’, this does not apply to Ahmadis. In general, the state is able but unwilling to provide effective protection.

In the light of the nationwide effect in Pakistan of the anti-Ahmadi legislation, internal relocation is unlikely to be reasonable for a person who wishes to openly practise their faith.

Where a claim is refused, it is unlikely to be certifiable as ‘clearly unfounded’.

All cases must be considered on their individual facts, with the onus on the person to demonstrate they face persecution or serious harm.

For source and full report please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pakistan-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-ahmadis-pakistan-march-2025-accessible