The Ahmadiyya Community in Pakistan has condemned the action taken by local police in Jhelum to destroy symbolic minarets built on a community worship place and has expressed concern over the emerging nexus between religious extremists and local law enforcement.
This was the 10th such incidence in the ongoing calendar year and the 45th such incidence since January 2020, the community said. In 2022, 14 Ahmadi places of worship were targeted, while in 2021, another 14 places were targeted, and seven in 2020.
Last week, police in Jhelum demolished the minarets in the middle of the night following threats from local leaders of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Members of the local Ahmadi community said that a few days ago, Asim Ashfaq Rizvi, a member of the local chapter of the religiopolitical group TLP, had warned the Jhelum District Police Officer and the district administration to demolish the minarets before Muharram 10.
Subsequently, the police sprung into action.
READ MORE: Police Rip Off ‘Minarets’ From Ahmadi Worship Place In Jhelum
The local Ahmadi community said that despite their efforts to engage in a dialogue with the police regarding the legality of the construction of the minarets, the police proceeded to demolish them.
In its statement, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Foreign Missions Office said that the building targeted had sported their community's motto: Love for all, hatred for none" on its front wall.
"This motto represents the Ahmadiyya community's commitment to love, peace, and inclusivity, transcending religious differences and fostering unity among all humanity," the statement said. "Ahmadis firmly believe in promoting love and compassion, rejecting hatred and animosity towards any individual or group."
The statement added that this incident further underscores the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Ahmadis, who have endured targeted persecution for years.
READ MORE: Stopping Ahmadis From Practicing Faith Is Gross HR Violation
"This collaboration between law enforcement agencies and extremist elements is disheartening, reflecting a disturbing trend of hatred and intolerance," the statement said, adding, "It serves as a stark reminder of the obstacles encountered by religious minorities and the urgent need for their protection and security."
A spokesperson for the Ahmadi community said, "The administration's decision to demolish the minarets of our place of worship, instead of safeguarding the Ahmadis, is deeply disheartening and a blatant infringement on the rights of the Ahmadiyya Community. It is distressing to witness such actions taken to appease hate mongers, undermining the principles of religious freedom and tolerance."
The official further stated, "We would like to highlight that the Supreme Court, through SMC No. 1 of 20142, issued guidelines for the protection of places of worship, emphasizing the establishment of a specialized police force for their security. We urge the authorities to uphold these guidelines, thoroughly investigate this incident, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The Ahmadiyya Community remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, harmony, and the motto of 'Love for All, Hatred for None.'"
The spokesperson added that the Pakistani government must swiftly implement measures ensuring the safety and security of Ahmadis.
READ MORE: Hurt Sentiments In The Islamic Republic
Additionally, the official said that the government must uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals, including Ahmadis, foster an inclusive society and bring long-term benefits to Pakistan.
This was the 10th such incidence in the ongoing calendar year and the 45th such incidence since January 2020, the community said. In 2022, 14 Ahmadi places of worship were targeted, while in 2021, another 14 places were targeted, and seven in 2020.
Last week, police in Jhelum demolished the minarets in the middle of the night following threats from local leaders of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Members of the local Ahmadi community said that a few days ago, Asim Ashfaq Rizvi, a member of the local chapter of the religiopolitical group TLP, had warned the Jhelum District Police Officer and the district administration to demolish the minarets before Muharram 10.
Subsequently, the police sprung into action.
READ MORE: Police Rip Off ‘Minarets’ From Ahmadi Worship Place In Jhelum
The local Ahmadi community said that despite their efforts to engage in a dialogue with the police regarding the legality of the construction of the minarets, the police proceeded to demolish them.
In its statement, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Foreign Missions Office said that the building targeted had sported their community's motto: Love for all, hatred for none" on its front wall.
"This motto represents the Ahmadiyya community's commitment to love, peace, and inclusivity, transcending religious differences and fostering unity among all humanity," the statement said. "Ahmadis firmly believe in promoting love and compassion, rejecting hatred and animosity towards any individual or group."
The statement added that this incident further underscores the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Ahmadis, who have endured targeted persecution for years.
READ MORE: Stopping Ahmadis From Practicing Faith Is Gross HR Violation
"This collaboration between law enforcement agencies and extremist elements is disheartening, reflecting a disturbing trend of hatred and intolerance," the statement said, adding, "It serves as a stark reminder of the obstacles encountered by religious minorities and the urgent need for their protection and security."
A spokesperson for the Ahmadi community said, "The administration's decision to demolish the minarets of our place of worship, instead of safeguarding the Ahmadis, is deeply disheartening and a blatant infringement on the rights of the Ahmadiyya Community. It is distressing to witness such actions taken to appease hate mongers, undermining the principles of religious freedom and tolerance."
The official further stated, "We would like to highlight that the Supreme Court, through SMC No. 1 of 20142, issued guidelines for the protection of places of worship, emphasizing the establishment of a specialized police force for their security. We urge the authorities to uphold these guidelines, thoroughly investigate this incident, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The Ahmadiyya Community remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, harmony, and the motto of 'Love for All, Hatred for None.'"
The spokesperson added that the Pakistani government must swiftly implement measures ensuring the safety and security of Ahmadis.
READ MORE: Hurt Sentiments In The Islamic Republic
Additionally, the official said that the government must uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals, including Ahmadis, foster an inclusive society and bring long-term benefits to Pakistan.