A group of individuals has once again vandalised an Ahmadi worship place located in the Martin Road area of Karachi. This marks the second attack on the place of worship in just nine months. The incident was confirmed by both the police and a spokesperson for the Ahmadi community.
The police immediately responded to the situation and gathered information from the watchman on duty. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kamal informed that they are currently attempting to obtain CCTV footage in order to identify the suspects involved. However, due to a power outage during the incident, there is no available footage at the moment.
In January 2023, the same Ahmadi worship place was attacked for the first time. Although a first information report (FIR) was registered, no arrests were made in connection with the incident. Amir Mehmood, the spokesperson for the Jamaat Ahmadiyya in Pakistan, expressed concern over the recurring attacks. He shared that today’s attack occurred around noon, where a group of 8 to 10 extremists entered the premises using a ladder.
As a result of the attack, significant damage was inflicted upon the property of the Ahmadi community, including windows, doors, cameras, LED lights, and furniture. The police were notified promptly, but unfortunately, the perpetrators managed to escape before their arrival. Efforts are currently underway to file an FIR for the crime.
This recent incident marks the fifth attack on an Ahmadi worship place within the past nine months. Mehmood emphasized the importance of taking strict action against the attackers to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Earlier this month, the Karachi police took action against three individuals who vandalised another Ahmadi place of worship in Saddar. The suspects were charged under Sections 186, 353, 382, and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which include obstructing a public servant, assault, theft, and common intention.
During Eidul-Azha, several complaints and cases were filed in Punjab against the Ahmadi community, aiming to restrict their religious practices, such as sacrificing animals. The community faced allegations and sought action against them for performing their rituals.
The recurring attacks on Ahmadi worship places and the unjust treatment of the community highlight the need for tolerance, respect, and protection of religious freedom in Pakistan.