The latest wave of anti-Ahmadi violence in Punjab expanded to the holy city of Nankana, after police officers allegedly demolished minarets and the niche of an Ahmadiyya place of worship, reportedly under pressure from extremist elements.
Meanwhile, more graves were desecrated in Sialkot as extremists continue to target the minority community.
On the night of the October 1 and 2, a contingent of local police officers, reportedly under pressure from extremists, arrived at an Ahmadi place of worship and demolished the minarets erected atop the building and the niche in the wall.
The incident has sparked outrage among minority rights groups, calling on the government to uphold the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their faith.
Meanwhile, in Dugree Ghumna, in District Sialkot, another 25 Ahmadi graves were desecrated, with their gravestones destroyed by unidentified people. This follows the desecration of 47 gravestones in the same area just two days prior. The repeated targeting of Ahmadi cemeteries highlights a growing pattern of extremist violence and religious persecution, threatening not only the social fabric of Pakistan but also its global reputation.
Human rights activists and community leaders have urged the government to take swift, decisive action to curb the spread of extremism. They emphasise the need for effective measures to protect Pakistan's peaceful and loyal Ahmadi population, who continue to face increasing persecution. Failing to address these incidents could encourage extremists and weaken Pakistan's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.