Mob Kills Ahmadi Man in Karachi Amid Rising Religious Tensions

A member of Pakistan's Ahmadi religious minority was killed in Karachi on Friday when a mob attacked their place of worship, marking the latest instance of violence against the persecuted community. The incident underscores the growing religious extremism and discriminatory laws that Ahmadis face in the country.

The Attack

The violence unfolded in the Saddar area of Karachi, where a mob of 100 to 200 people descended upon an Ahmadi place of worship. According to Ahmadi community spokesperson Amir Mahmood, the mob brutally attacked Laeeq Cheema, a 47-year-old owner of a car workshop, with bricks and sticks. Cheema succumbed to his injuries before he could receive medical treatment.

Police confirmed the death and reported mobilizing to disperse the crowd. Mohammad Safdar, superintendent of police for Karachi's Saddar neighborhood, told Reuters that authorities were working to subdue the mob and restore order. Initial reports indicated that approximately 30 people were trapped inside the building during the attack; however, police later rescued around 15 individuals.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza stated that the attackers were allegedly workers of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a religiopolitical party. He added that police had already been deployed in the area due to similar incidents in other parts of Karachi. According to the DIG, Cheema was attacked near the auto parts market, located close to the Ahmadi community hall.

Ahmadi Community's Plight

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious minority that originated within the Sunni tradition of Islam in 1889. The group considers itself Muslim but is viewed as heretical by many mainstream Muslims because they believe Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the movement, to be the promised Mahdi and Messiah.

In Pakistan, Ahmadis face significant legal and social discrimination. In 1974, a constitutional amendment declared Ahmadis non-Muslims. Further restrictions were imposed in 1984 through Ordinance XX, which amended the Pakistan Penal Code to criminalize Ahmadi practices of Islam. These laws prevent Ahmadis from identifying as Muslims, building mosques, or proselytizing their faith. Violators can face imprisonment.

These legal restrictions foster an environment of persecution and violence against Ahmadis. They are often targets of blasphemy accusations, which can carry the death penalty. Militant groups and religious parties like the TLP frequently accuse Ahmadis of "posing as Muslims," further endangering the community.

A History of Discrimination and Violence

The recent attack in Karachi is not an isolated incident. The Ahmadi community has long faced systematic oppression in Pakistan, including mob violence, дискриминация, and legal challenges.

In March 2025, police took 25 Ahmadis into "protective custody" in Surjani Town, Karachi, after a mob gathered outside their place of worship. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has observed a growing trend of mob-led attacks on religious minorities, including Ahmadis.

In 2023, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported at least 34 attacks targeting Ahmadi religious sites. The US State Department's 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom noted escalating violence and discrimination against the Ahmadi community, including religiously motivated murders and the desecration of Ahmadi mosques and graves.

Amnesty International has also documented numerous cases of arbitrary arrests, detention, and police harassment of Ahmadis. The organization has called on Pakistani authorities to end the attacks and uphold the community's right to freedom of belief and religion.

International Concerns and Calls for Protection

The persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan has drawn international condemnation. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have documented the legal and social discrimination faced by the community. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief has also highlighted the plight of the Ahmadiyya.

Governments and international organizations have urged Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy laws and anti-Ahmadi legislation. They have also called on the government to ensure the safety and security of the Ahmadi community and to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.

The Blasphemy Law

Pakistan's blasphemy laws are often used to target religious minorities, including Ahmadis. These laws criminalize speech or actions deemed to insult Islam, with punishments ranging from fines to the death penalty.

Critics argue that the blasphemy laws are vaguely worded and easily abused. False accusations are common, and even unproven allegations can incite violence. The laws have been used to settle personal scores and to persecute religious minorities.

In many cases, those accused of blasphemy are subjected to extrajudicial killings by vigilantes. The government's failure to protect the accused and to prosecute those who incite violence has further emboldened extremists.

The Future for Ahmadis in Pakistan

The attack in Karachi highlights the precarious situation of Ahmadis in Pakistan. The community faces ongoing threats to their safety and security, as well as systemic discrimination and legal restrictions.

Unless the government takes concrete steps to protect the Ahmadi community and to repeal discriminatory laws, the cycle of violence and persecution is likely to continue. The international community must continue to press Pakistan to uphold its human rights obligations and to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, are treated with equality and respect.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for religious tolerance and the protection of minority rights in Pakistan. Without meaningful reforms, the Ahmadi community will remain vulnerable to violence and discrimination.