The Ahmadi community marked Eid amid threats, fear, and harassment and was not permitted to sacrifice animals on the occasion. Several members of the Ahmadi community were detained and FIRs lodged for sacrificing animals inside their homes.
Amir Mehmood, a spokesman for the Ahmadi community in Chakwal, said police earlier this week detained three representatives in "preventive detention" for 30 days, asking for a written assurance that they would not sacrifice animals.
Mehmood stated that the community representatives were released on Thursday as a result of discussions and pressure from rights groups, as well as a verbal agreement to perform religious ceremonies at their houses, something Ahmadis already do.
"The law enables us to practice our faith within the four walls of our houses. But even that has become a problem recently," Mehmood said.
According to the Punjab Deputy Commissioner's Office, the detention order was issued to "maintain law and order" in response to public concerns.
"This opposition to our performing the sacrifice is something new that we have observed occurring in the past three or four years," Aslam stated.
"Shocking reports of police and radicals invading Ahmadi houses and seizing meat. What type of Eid festivities are these for Ahmadis in the country?" the spokesperson said, noting that the Supreme Court's (SC) clear orders had been violated.
A 2022 Supreme Court decision declared that preventing non-Muslims from practicing their religion inside the bounds of their place of worship violated the Constitution.
He added that at least nine FIRs had been filed against members of the Ahmadi community in Punjab.
According to the spokesman, three FIRs were registered in Sheikhupura, with one each in Gujranwala, Rahim Yar Khan, Toba Tek Singh, and Sargodha.