Pakistani civil rights activists protest the killings of Ahmadis outside a mosque.
The Ahmadiyya community, which originates back to the late 19th century, has a membership of nearly 600,000 people worldwide. Founded in India by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who claimed to be the Mahdi (Messiah) as foretold by the Prophet Muhammad, this community has always been focused on education, spiritual reform, and the pursuit of learning. Their leadership is spiritual, and today they are guided by Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who resides in the United Kingdom. Despite the group's commitment to peaceful religious practice and intellectual growth, they face severe legal and social discrimination, particularly in Pakistan.
In Pakistan, the Ahmadiyya community faces legal discrimination that impacts many aspects of their lives. Considered a religious minority, Ahmadis identify as Muslims, but Pakistani law prohibits them from referring to themselves as such. The enforcement of Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws has placed Ahmadis in a perilous position, where even the practice of their faith is fraught with danger.
Central to this legal persecution is the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, an oath declaring belief in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad's prophethood. Ahmadis, who believe in the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the promised Mahdi, are not able to make such an oath. Consequently, they are barred from key social rights. From their inability to vote to the requirement to state their adherence to the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat on passports and marriage certificates, the law forces them into an uncomfortable choice between hiding their religious identity or facing legal repercussions. Often, Ahmadis are charged with blasphemy on weak or insubstantial evidence, making them even more marginalized. In addition, they are arbitrarily arrested, detained for long periods of time, and subject to violence.
Discrimination towards Ahmadiyya persists in 2024. Amnesty International has documented at least 36 cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions of Ahmadis, highlighting the ongoing abuse of the community at the hands of the state. Dozens of instances of police harassment have also been reported, showing that the authorities are actively participating in the targeting of Ahmadis.
Young Ahmadis praying.
The destruction of places of worship and attacks on Ahmadi-owned businesses are becoming increasingly common. These acts not only violate the community’s right to practice their religion but also threaten their economic stability, making it even harder for Ahmadis to survive.
One of the most distressing aspects of this persecution is its impact on children. Accusations of blasphemy are often imposed on children. In addition, children in the Ahmadiyya community are targeted, expelled from schools due to their religious identity, and subjected to the same discriminatory laws that their parents face. Worse, anti-Ahmadi propaganda is often directed toward children, teaching intolerance from a young age.
The persecution of Ahmadis is an urgent human rights issue that requires international attention. Organizations like Human Rights Watch are working tirelessly to document abuses, raise awareness, and empower victims through research and advocacy. Human Rights Watch funds research that exposes tyranny and injustice, working to hold abusers accountable while shining a light on the struggles of minority communities like the Ahmadis.
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Works Cited
“Anti-Ahmadiyya video targeting little children is going viral to sow the seeds of hatred, fanaticism, and bigotry in the minds of innocent Pakistani children.” CAP Freedom of Conscience, 20 April 2024, https://freedomofconscience.eu/anti-ahmadiyya-video-targeting-little-children-is-going-viral-to-sow-the-seeds-of-hatred-fanaticism-and-bigotry-in-the-minds-of-innocent-pakistani-children-2/. Accessed 26 August 2024.
Berehulak, Daniel. “Escalating attacks on minority Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan must end.” Amnesty International, 21 June 2024, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/06/end-escalating-attacks-on-minority-ahmadiyya-community/. Accessed 26 August 2024.
Dann, James, and Mahshad Afshar. “Ahmaddiyas in Pakistan.” Minority Rights Group, https://minorityrights.org/communities/ahmaddiyas/. Accessed 26 August 2024.
“Donate to Defend Human Rights.” Donate to Defend Human Rights | Human Rights Watch, https://donate.hrw.org/page/107245/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=EP2022EVpgdonate&promo_id=1000. Accessed 26 August 2024.
Introvigne, Massimo. “Pakistan: A Beaconhouse School Expels Children for Being Ahmadis.” Bitter Winter, 11 October 2022, https://bitterwinter.org/pakistan-school-expels-children-for-being-ahmadis/. Accessed 26 August 2024.
“Treatment of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan - House of Commons Library.” The House of Commons Library, 15 March 2024, https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2024-0061/. Accessed 26 August 2024.
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