In a chilling escalation of state-endorsed persecution, the Pakistani government has been accused of complicity in fostering extremist narratives that directly threaten the lives and safety of members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) , an advocacy group dedicated to protecting vulnerable communities worldwide, has issued an urgent appeal highlighting systemic efforts by Pakistani authorities to marginalize Ahmadis through inflammatory campaigns, educational indoctrination, and judicial platforms for hate speech.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in Qadian, India, is one of Islam’s most peaceful sects. Its adherents emphasize non-violence, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian service. Despite their commitment to peace, Ahmadis have faced relentless persecution since Pakistan’s inception in 1947, with discriminatory laws branding them as heretics under the country’s controversial blasphemy statutes. This latest development underscores how institutionalized hatred continues to endanger this already beleaguered community.
State-Backed Campaign Against Peaceful Citizens
At the heart of the IHRC’s appeal lies a disturbing directive from Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs mandating a nationwide “awareness campaign” against so-called “blasphemous content.” Scheduled for March 15, 2025, the initiative includes sermons at Friday prayers and observances marked as “Youm Tahafuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat ” (Day for the Protection of the Honor of Prophethood). While seemingly innocuous on paper, these measures serve to legitimize accusations of blasphemy—a charge often weaponized against religious minorities like the Ahmadis.
This campaign extends beyond rhetoric into classrooms, where private schools are instructed to conduct lectures reinforcing blasphemy laws. Such directives not only perpetuate misinformation but also indoctrinate children with hostility toward Ahmadi Muslims, framing them as enemies of Islam. One video shared by IHRC shows students being taught to view Ahmadis as blasphemers—a narrative that justifies violence against them. Link to Video
Equally alarming is the Lahore High Court Bar Association’s invitation to Hafiz Saad Rizvi , leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) , an extremist organization notorious for inciting attacks on Ahmadi places of worship. In another video provided by IHRC, Rizvi openly calls for vigilante killings of those accused of blasphemy if courts fail to impose death sentences. Referencing the infamous murder of Mashal Khan, he states:
“If that law doesn’t work, then we are sitting outside carrying the knife of Alimuddin. This is my first and last request.” Link to Video
These actions amount to tacit approval of mob justice, placing innocent lives at grave risk.
Escalating Violence and Impunity
The consequences of such state-sanctioned extremism are devastating. According to IHRC reports, there has been a sharp rise in attacks targeting Ahmadi mosques, homes, and businesses. Innocent worshippers have been imprisoned without evidence, while others live in constant fear of vigilante retribution. For instance, recent incidents include arson attacks on Ahmadi places of worship and extrajudicial killings carried out by self-proclaimed defenders of Islam.
Nasim Malik, General Secretary of IHRC based in Kalmar, Sweden, emphasized the urgency of addressing this crisis. “Ahmadis are facing the worst type of life threats and persecution in Pakistan,” he stated in his communication. “By legitimizing blasphemy accusations through national campaigns, enforcing extremist ideologies in schools, and giving a platform to dangerous leaders, the state is sanctioning targeted violence against this peaceful community.”
A Global Call for Action
The IHRC’s appeal serves as both a warning and a plea for international intervention. By disseminating press releases and videos documenting these atrocities, the organization seeks to raise awareness among global stakeholders about the plight of Ahmadi Muslims. It urges governments, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens worldwide to pressure Pakistani authorities to dismantle policies that fuel hatred and violence.
Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion—or so it claims. Yet, its treatment of the Ahmadiyya community exposes the stark gap between legal promises and lived realities. Article 260 of the constitution explicitly declares Ahmadis non-Muslims, barring them from identifying as such or practicing their faith publicly. Combined with draconian blasphemy laws, this legal framework creates a climate of impunity for perpetrators of anti-Ahmadi violence.
Why This Matters
The persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is not merely a domestic issue; it reflects broader trends of rising intolerance and religious extremism globally. When states actively promote hatred against minority groups, they undermine democratic principles and human dignity. Moreover, silence from the international community emboldens oppressors, signaling tacit acceptance of their actions.
It is imperative that we stand in solidarity with the Ahmadiyya community and demand accountability from the Pakistani government. Their struggle is our struggle—for justice, equality, and the right to live free from fear. As Nasim Malik aptly noted, “Kindly contact IHRC if you need more information or the latest updates regarding the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslims.” His words remind us that every voice counts in the fight against injustice.
As journalists, activists, and compassionate individuals, we must amplify the voices of those silenced by oppression. Let us denounce the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslims and hold accountable those who seek to stoke the flames of hatred. Together, we can ensure that no community is left to face the storm alone.
For further details or to support the cause, readers are encouraged to reach out to the International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) via their website (www.hrcommittee.org ) or Twitter handle (@IHumanRightsC). Alternatively, contact them directly at their address:
Suite 25, 95 Miles Road, Mitcham, Surrey, England, CR4 3FH.
