In a disturbing incident, an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi’s Saddar area was vandalized on Monday. City Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that three individuals have been booked and arrested for their involvement in the crime.
Videos circulated on social media platforms depicted masked men using sledgehammers to strike the minarets on the rooftop of the Ahmadiyya Hall. Meanwhile, others were observed chanting slogans outside the building. This prompted the authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) at the Preedy police station. The FIR lists charges under Sections 34, 186, 353, and 382 of the Pakistan Penal Code against 15 to 20 individuals believed to be responsible for the attack.
According to Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Parvez, he and his fellow officers were on duty when they received information about the attack. They rushed to the spot and managed to rescue their colleagues, who had been surrounded by the mob. One of the suspects even stole a cell phone while making their escape. The police were able to apprehend three suspects at the scene of the crime.
Mehmood, a spokesperson for the Ahmadi community, stated that the attackers forcefully entered the place of worship and destroyed the minarets and other belongings. The security guard on duty fired into the air to disperse them, but they regrouped shortly after. Mehmood further mentioned that this was the second attack on the hall, with a previous incident occurring on February 3. At that time, five suspects were arrested but ultimately released.
Mehmood expressed concern over the authorities’ failure to pursue those cases, arguing that it has given the attackers the confidence to continue targeting their community halls in Karachi and other parts of the country. He urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to protect vulnerable communities and send a strong message against such acts of violence.
Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in similar occurrences in recent days. On August 16, a violent mob vandalized and set fire to nearly two dozen churches, as well as attacked residences and government offices in Jaranwala, Faisalabad. The damages amounted to millions of rupees. Earlier in July, an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi’s Drigh Road area was also targeted. Additionally, there have been complaints and cases filed against the Ahmadi community during Eidul-Azha, challenging their right to perform religious rituals.
The continuous attacks on the Ahmadi community’s properties have caused great distress and fear. Mehmood stressed that these incidents not only harm the community but also have a negative impact on society and the country as a whole. He called upon the government to fulfill its promise of standing with the oppressed and take decisive action against those responsible for such acts of violence.