Pakistan: Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to halt the ongoing persecution of the Ahmadiyya community, urging them to respect the community’s right to religious freedom. The appeal comes in response to a series of incidents leading up to Eid-ul-Adha, where Ahmadis have faced intimidation, harassment, and violence.

The Ahmadiyya community has been subjected to increasing restrictions as Eid-ul-Adha approaches on June 7. Local authorities have reportedly forced Ahmadis to sign affidavits, pledging not to partake in Eid rituals, while police orders have been issued to prevent their celebrations. These actions follow violence against the community since mid-April, resulting in at least three fatalities.

Isabelle Lassée, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, criticized local authorities for failing to protect Ahmadis and instead infringing on their religious rights. The organization has reviewed numerous affidavits and legal notices from various districts aimed at curtailing the community’s Eid festivities.

Preventive detention orders have also been issued, particularly in Sialkot, under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. These measures have led to arbitrary detentions, such as a case in Chiniot where an Ahmadi was detained for attempting to buy a sacrificial animal.

The community’s spokesman, Mahmood Iftikhar, highlighted the anxiety Ahmadis face during Eid, pointing to the state’s demands as evidence of their lack of legal protection. Amnesty International has documented similar episodes of harassment during previous religious occasions, emphasizing the routine nature of these injustices.

The organization has called on Pakistani governments to revoke orders preventing Ahmadi celebrations, ensure the community’s safety, and investigate violence against its members. Amnesty International also urged the repeal of discriminatory laws affecting Ahmadis, advocating for their right to practice their faith without fear.