This issue needs to be raised with the Government of Pakistan for a call to immediately protect our people
NEWCASTLE: On December 12, a charged mob of 1,000 people reportedly besieged an Ahmadi place of worship in Chakwal. The attack coincidentally occurred on Rabiulawwal 12, marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A group entered the place, despite some resistance by police, hurling stones and bricks and firing weapons.
The place of worship was built by the community in 1860 and has been in use since then. The attackers likely attacked because they suspected the worshippers were breaking the law by commemorating the holiday. Our community’s district head had already sent a letter to request security on December 5. It was also claimed in the letter that similar reports had been received from the villages of Bohn and Puchnand.
Pakistan’s parliament declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in 1974, and we have repeatedly been targeted with violence by militant protesters and been taken to court on blasphemy charges. This issue needs to be raised with the Government of Pakistan for a call to immediately protect our people, our properties and our places of worship.
Muzaffar Ahmed
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2016.
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