Geneva: A group of independent experts today expressed significant concerns over the increased discrimination and violence against Ahmadis in Pakistan, including extrajudicial killings and attacks on their places of worship. They called on the Pakistani authorities to take urgent measures to protect the community and uphold their rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the experts noted disturbing events such as the extrajudicial killings of Ahmadis in Saad Ullah Pur on July 8 and the President of the Bahwalpur Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on March 4. The escalating number of attacks has also been marked by severe injuries to worshippers. The experts stressed the need for immediate government action to prevent further violence and address the root causes of discrimination.

Further concerns were raised about the arbitrary arrests and detentions of Ahmadis, particularly during their religious holidays, which hinder their right to freely practice their religion. The experts condemned these actions as violations of human rights and indicative of a broader normalization of violence against Ahmadis by non-state actors.

The recent adoption of a resolution by Pakistan’s National Assembly on June 23, calling for the protection of all citizens, including religious minorities, was acknowledged by the experts. However, they criticized it for not adequately addressing the structural causes of discrimination, such as blasphemy laws and other legal provisions that endanger Ahmadis and other religious minorities.

The experts urged Pakistan to implement recommendations from the Human Rights Committee, including the repeal of blasphemy laws to align with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They also offered their support to the Pakistani Government to effectively fulfill its international human rights obligations.