Statement on the Escalating Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan

South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) strongly condemns the ongoing and escalating persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan, as evidenced by the recent mass arrests, mosque demolitions, and systemic targeting of Ahmadi Muslims solely for practising their faith. The recent events in Daska, Sargodha and Gujranwala are deeply alarming, marking a dangerous intensification of religious persecution that violates fundamental human rights and freedoms.

On February 28, 2025, at least 22 Ahmadiyya Muslims, including minors were arrested in Daska, Punjab, for merely gathering for Friday prayers. Instead of protecting them from an extremist mob, law enforcement officials, acting under pressure, detained these peaceful worshippers and registered charges under discriminatory laws. Similar incidents occurred in Sargodha, where 23 Ahmadi Muslims were booked for offering prayers and in Gujranwala, where a historic mosque’s minarets were demolished. These actions reflect a disturbing pattern of state-backed repression, influenced by extremist groups and a blatant disregard for religious freedom.

The targeting of religious minorities, including the Ahmadiyya community is a direct violation of Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom as well as international human rights treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The government’s failure to protect its Ahmadi citizens, with increasing mob violence, mass arrests and destruction of places of worship, demands urgent international attention and intervention.

We call on the Government of Pakistan to:

• Immediately release all detained Ahmadi Muslims and drop unjust charges against them.
• Ensure the protection of Ahmadi places of worship from destruction and desecration.
• Uphold its international human rights commitments and ensure all its citizens’ safety, dignity and freedom, regardless of faith.

The international community must not remain silent in the face of such blatant persecution. We urge the international community, human rights organisations and global leaders to hold Pakistan accountable for these violations and to advocate for the fundamental right of every individual to freely practice their religion without fear of persecution.

We firmly believe that freedom of religion or belief is a universal right, not a privilege. SAFFoRB remains committed to standing against all religious persecution and advocating for justice, equality, and human rights for all.

19th March, 2025