Another minority killing in Pakistan

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

LONDON, 8 August 2009

PRESS RELEASE

ANOTHER MINORITY KILLING IN PAKISTAN

It is with great sadness that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that another member of its community, Rana Ata-ul Karim (36) was killed on 6 August 2009 in Multan, Pakistan. He was murdered simply for being an Ahmadi. Mr Karim, a well educated agriculturist, left his home for a few minutes in the afternoon and returned to find that his wife had been locked in their bedroom by three young men who had entered his home. Mr Karim was shot 3 times and died on the spot. The assailants immediately fled the scene. Mr Karim is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The killing came in a week where another minority group in Pakistan, members of the Christian community, have also faced persecution. Speaking about the current situation in Pakistan, the world Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The situation in Pakistan is extremely grave. So called Muslims continue to tarnish the name of Islam. Recently extremists in Pakistan have inflicted horrific cruelties on the Christian minority. The country is plagued with a lack of law and order, even though the authorities try to claim the contrary. In practice, where it comes to upholding the rights of a vulnerable citizen or group, all law and order is forgotten.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat condemns in the strongest terms the persecution faced by the Christian minority in recent days. What has happened there and also the continued persecution of Ahmadis is completely alien to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The Holy Qur’an clearly states that ‘there should be no compulsion in religion’ but unfortunately this is an injunction that has been forgotten by parts of the Muslim world. This is the reason why Ahmadis such as Rana Ata-ul Karim are martyred on a regular basis in Pakistan and why the Government continues to uphold anti-Ahmadiyya legislation passed in 1974 and 1984.

For Pakistan to emerge from this period of self-destruction it must be governed with honesty and integrity. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In Pakistan the politicians are fearful of the power of the extremist clerics. Because of this no example of justice can be seen in the country.”

End of Release

Further Info: Abid Khan, Tel: +44(0)7795490682, Email: press at ahmadiyya.org.uk

Ahmadi Children released on Bail after nearly Six Months imprisonment

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

7 July 2009

PRESS RELEASE

AHMADI CHILDREN RELEASED ON BAIL AFTER NEARLY SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is pleased to announce that the four Ahmadi children and one Ahmadi adult who have been imprisoned for nearly six months, following arrest in District Layyah, Pakistan, have today been granted bail.

Bail was granted by Justice Pervez Inayat, presiding in the Multan High Court, on condition of a fiscal guarantee of Rs200,000 being paid per person.

During the hearing the Superintendant of Police (SP), Mr Sardar Pervez Tareen was called by the presiding Judge to give evidence. The SP made it clear that there was absolutely no evidence connecting any of the accused with the alleged crime.

The five Ahmadis currently remain in jail, however it is expected that they will be released on 9th July 2009.

Press Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Abid Khan said:

“We are pleased that the five Ahmadis arrested have been granted bail and that they should now be released in a couple of days. All five have conducted themselves in a way that has been a credit to themselves, their families and to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

However these fabricated charges have not been withdrawn and because of this the matter remains of huge concern. It must be hoped that the local prosecutors see sense and bear in mind the evidence of the local SP and drop all charges against the accused. Only then will justice prevail.”

End of Release

Further Info: press @ ahmadiyya.org.uk

Another Ahmadi Muslim murdered in Pakistan

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

29 May 2009

PRESS RELEASE

ANOTHER AHMADI MUSLIM MURDERED IN PAKISTAN

It is with great sadness that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that yet another member of its Community has lost his life in a senseless attack in Pakistan. Mian Laiq Ahmad (54), a well known Ahmadi trader in Faisalabad, died earlier today after being brutally attacked last evening. He becomes the 5th Ahmadi to be martyred in 2009 and the 101st to be killed in Pakistan since anti-Ahmadiyya laws were introduced by the Government of General Zia-ul-Haq in 1984.

Yesterday evening the deceased was returning to his home in ‘Peoples Colony’, when he saw a parked Toyota Corolla blocking the road outside his home. As Mr Ahmad neared his home he slowed down and at that point unknown persons jumped out of the Toyota and ran towards his car. It seems that at this point Mr Ahmad tried to reverse but just as he did so he was shot in the head. At that point the attackers closed in on Mr Ahmad and fired repeatedly at his stomach and arms. The assailants then fled the scene.

Mr Ahmad was taken to the local hospital immediately and then transferred to the ‘Allied Hospital’ but was unable to recover and today at 11.30am local time he passed away. Mr Ahmad is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.

Currently throughout Pakistan and in particular within the Punjab, anti-Ahmadiyya conferences are taking place on a regular basis. During these conferences audiences are instructed that there is a duty to kill Ahmadis and as a result uneducated yet indoctrinated people are led to believe that the bloodshed of innocent Ahmadis is something that will be greatly rewarded. It is of serious note that yesterday a similar such Khatme Nabuwwat was held near to where the deceased lived.

The International Community, Media and Human Rights organisations are all urged to take action to safeguard the basic human and civil rights of Ahmadi Muslims both in Pakistan and in other countries where they face discrimination. In an era where freedom of religion and belief is accepted as a basic human right throughout the world it is of disbelief that anti-Ahmadiyya legislation is still active and indeed still being enforced in Pakistan.

End of Release
Further Info: Abid Khan (press @ ahmadiyya.org.uk)

Attempt to behead Ahmadi Professor in Pakistan

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

22 May 2009

PRESS RELEASE

ATTEMPT TO BEHEAD AHMADI PROFESSOR IN PAKISTAN

It is with great regret that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that one of its members, Professor Mubashar Ahmad (46) of Chakwaal, Pakistan, was the victim of a brutal and murderous attack last evening. The victim, who is a Professor at the Government Degree College, was attacked in his home by two young males who are students at the local madrassa (Islamic Religious College).

Just after the Maghrib prayer, the two students entered the home of Professor Ahmad and shouted:

“You are a Qadiani and so we have come to kill you.”

In act of gross violence the two students thereafter attempted to kill the victim by cutting off his neck. Professor Ahmad survived the attack however suffered extremely severe injuries. He was rushed to hospital immediately after the assailants fled his home and he remains in a critical condition.

One of the assailants was caught by neighbours of Professor Ahmad and is now in Police custody; the other assailant remains at large.

Grievous attacks on Ahmadis are becoming ever more common in Pakistan. Recently there has been a spate of anti-Ahmadiyya conferences and rallies that have been conducted by religious extremist organisations. Some of these rallies have been supported or even sponsored by the Government of Pakistan.

The Press Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Abid Khan said:

“It is extremely worrying that anti-Ahmadiyya public rallies are being staged throughout Pakistan and in particular the Punjab. During these conferences audiences are instructed that there is a duty to kill Ahmadis and as a result uneducated yet indoctrinated people are led to believe that the bloodshed of innocent Ahmadis is something that will be greatly rewarded.

This horrific attack on Professor Ahmad is but one example of an Ahmadi being targeted. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Pakistan continually brings incidents like this to the notice of the Pakistani authorities but repeatedly no action is taken. Consequentially the attacks continue to increase and occur with ever greater brutality. These attacks and threats have to stop and the Government must take immediate action to protect its citizens.”

End of Release

Further Info: Abid Khan (press @ ahmadiyya.org.uk / 07795490682)

Note: The term ‘Qadiani’ is often used by non-Ahmadi Muslims to describe members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The term refers to ‘Qadian’ which was the home town of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Brutal murder of Ahmadi hubsand and wife in Pakistan [Update]

---Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

16 March 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Yesterday the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirmed that two of its members in Multan, Dr Shiraz Ahmad Bajwa and Dr Noreen Bajwa, were martyred in a brutal attack at their home in Wapda Colony.

Further details that have since been reported:

Dr Shiraz Bajwa was 37 years old and Dr Noreen Bajwa was 29 years of age. Both persons enjoyed extremely good reputations both professionally and personally. Both were extremely popular amongst their colleagues. Although they had faced threats for some time due to their being Ahmadi, neither of them ever reacted to the provocation that they faced.

On 14 March 2009 both bodies were discovered by their housekeeper at their home. The body of Dr Shiraz Bajwa was found lying in the bedroom, hands tied behind his back, mouth gagged, eyes blindfolded and with visible marks of strangulation apparent. The body of Dr Noreen Bajwa was found in the living room, hands tied behind her back, mouth gagged, blindfolded and bleeding from the nose.

All available evidence clearly demonstrates that this was a case of targeted murder. Both of the deceased were killed because they were Ahmadi Muslims.

These two murders bring the number of Ahmadis killed in Pakistan since 1984 to a staggering total of 100. That was the year when anti-Ahmadiyya laws were passed by the martial regime of President Zia ul Haq.

In 2009 alone 4 Ahmadis have been killed in Pakistan because of their faith.

End of Release
Further info: Abid Khan, (44) 07795490682

Fifteen Ahmadis charged in Pakistan under Anti-Ahmadiyya Legislation

---Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

15 March 2009

PRESS RELEASE

FIFTEEN AHMADIS CHARGED IN PAKISTAN UNDER ANTI-AHMADIYYA LEGISLATION

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that a police case has been registered against fifteen Ahmadis at Sillanwali Police Station in District Sargodha, Pakistan. The Ahmadis are charged under Section 298C of the Pakistani Penal Code which is specifically an anti-Ahmadiyya piece of legislation. The accused Ahmadis are charged with having a place of worship, which they call a Mosque and use to offer Friday prayers and Eid prayers. Furthermore they are charged with ‘posing’ as Muslims because under the aforementioned Penal Code, Ahmadis are not allowed to class themselves as such.

Three persons, Mr Abdul Aziz, Mr Muhammad Ashraf and Mr Khizer Hayat have already been arrested and police raids are being conducted to in an attempt to arrest the remaining persons.

The background to this incident is that an Ahmadi in Sillanwali, Mr Khan Muhammad owns a few shops adjacent to the Ahmadiyya building, Baitul Zikr. A non-Ahmadi desired to hire these shops; however the owner refused this request, as was his absolute right. Thereafter the non-Ahmadi met with a local Mullah and together they conspired to fabricate a story in order to register a case against local Ahmadis. The complainant in this case is Maulvi Mushtaq.

It is of great regret that the discriminatory laws in place are a tool for religious extremists whose only wish is to deny Ahmadis the right to practice their religion peacefully and free from threats or violence.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is actively involved in dialogue in an attempt to secure the release of the three Ahmadis and to have the charges dropped, however thus far such attempts have failed. The three men arrested continue to be detained and yesterday a local Judge refused their application for bail.

End of Release
Further info: Abid Khan, press@ahmadiyya.org.uk / (44) 07795490682

Update on situation in District Layyah, Pakistan

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

6 February 2009

PRESS RELEASE

UPDATE ON SITUATION IN DISTRICT LAYYAH, PAKISTAN

Further to Press Releases issued on 30th January and 2nd February 2009. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that the situation in District Layyah, Pakistan continues to deteriorate. Although there are elements within the local community who are supportive of the Jamaat, the pressure of the local Mullahs is such that the situation is becoming increasingly tense.

The four children arrested by the authorities on fabricated charges under section 295-C of the Pakistani Penal Code were moved to Dera Ghazi District Jail on 4th February. Even though they have been in custody for over a week they continue to be denied access to Jamaat officials and to their family. An official at the Jail has said that some limited access to family will be granted in the near future however until such meetings actually occur, doubt remains.
A natural consequence of the continued detention of the children is that they are falling behind in their studies. They are all due to sit exams in one month and therefore are all concerned at their lack of preparation and schooling.

In a further worrying move the local Mullahs have announced that a large scale rally will be held at Chak TDA/172 in opposition to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. It is more than likely that this event will be used to incite hatred against the Jamaat and to urge people to act against Ahmadis. The organisers of this event are inviting people from nearby cities such as Dera Isamael Khan and Muzafergarh to take part in this rally. The local authorities and police are seriously concerned about the event which they fear they will be unable to control.

Ahmadi Muslims throughout the world are urged to write to their local media and officials in protest of what is happening in District Layyah.

The International Community is once again urged to take immediate action.

End of Release

Further info: Abid Khan, (press@ahmadiyya.org.uk / (44) 07795490682)

Pakistan: Situation in District Layyah worsens

-- Press Release

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

2 February 2009

PRESS RELEASE

SITUATION IN DISTRICT LAYYAH WORSENS

It is with great regret that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that the Human Rights situation of its members in District Layyah, Pakistan is worsening. The five Ahmadis, who include four children, arrested on 28 January 2009 remain in police custody. They are not being allowed to meet with any persons, in direct contravention to the provisions laid forth in Article 37 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Pakistan is party.

Further, to the arrests of the five Ahmadis, in the village of Chak 172/TDA the situation is becoming increasingly tense due to the acts of religious extremists in the area. A social boycott against the Ahmadis has started whereby it is not safe for them to travel home via normal routes and they are unable to purchase even food from the local shops.

Inflammatory posters in opposition to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat are being displayed throughout the village.

Once again the International Community is urged to take immediate action to bring an end to the increasingly dangerous and threatening situation that is developing in District Layyah.

End of Release

Further info: Abid Khan, (press@ahmadiyya.org.uk / (44) 07795490682)

Ahmadi children arrested on false charge in Pakistan

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

30 January 2009

PRESS RELEASE

AHMADI CHILDREN ARRESTED ON FALSE CHARGE IN PAKISTAN

It is with great regret that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that five members of its community residing in Chak 172/TDA, District Layyah, Pakistan have been arrested and charged under Section 295-C of the Pakistani Penal Code. In a grave blow to any standards of decency, four of the accused are children studying at the English language ‘Superior Academy’ private school. Under the terms of Section 295-C any person found guilty is subject to either the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The arrests have been formally condemned by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), whilst Asma Jahangir the chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights has also condemned the arrests of the children as ‘heinous’.

The four accused children are Muhammad Irfan, Tahir Imran, Tahir Mahmood and Naseeb Ahmad. There are conflicting reports regarding the exact age of the children however according to both the ‘AHRC’ and ‘The Daily Times’ their ages range between 14 and 16. Mr Mubashar Ahmad, aged 50, has also been arrested under section 295-C.

All five were taken into custody on 28 January 2009 by virtue of a police raid on each of their homes. After four hours in custody each of the accused was charged under the terms of section 295-C on the completely false grounds that they had written the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the walls of a toilet at the Jamia Gulzar-e-Medina Mosque.

Mr Salim-ud-Din, Spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Pakistan said:

“These allegations are completely false and baseless. The police have no evidence whatsoever and have merely succumbed to the pressure of those who spread religious hatred in the region.”

It is of note that none of the persons arrested have any connection to the Gulzar-e-Medina Mosque and they do not live anywhere near it.

The Asian Human Rights Commission has stated:

“Family members were told (by the District Police Officer) that the police were under pressure from fundamentalists to act against the children. If he did not arrest them, the group had threatened to close down the whole city and attack the houses of Ahmadi sect members… The AHRC urges the government of President Asif Zardari to immediately release the illegally detained prisoners.”

The charge laid against the five Ahmadis is completely without foundation. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat reveres the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final law bearing prophet, who brought with him a universal teaching. No disrespect towards him could ever be tolerated by any Ahmadi; man, woman or child. The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wrote:

The charge laid against the five Ahmadis is completely without foundation. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat reveres the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final law bearing prophet, who brought with him a universal teaching. No disrespect towards him could ever be tolerated by any Ahmadi; man, woman or child. The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wrote:

“The man who in his being and his attributes and his actions and through his spiritual and holy faculties set an example of perfection and was called the perfect man was Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat urges the immediate release of the five persons imprisoned and for all charges to be dropped. In a country which seeks to promote an image of tolerance to the Western world, it speaks volumes that peace loving children have been charged with an offence that sanctions the death penalty as a sentence.

The International Community, Media and Human Rights organisations are all urged to take action to secure the release of all of the accused in this matter. In an era where freedom of religion and belief is accepted as a basic human right throughout the world it is of disbelief that anti-Ahmadiyya legislation is still active and indeed still being so cruelly enforced in Pakistan.

End of Release

Further info: Abid Khan, (press@ahmadiyya.org.uk / (44) 07795490682)

Ahmadi Muslim Murdered in Pakistan

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

24 December 2008

PRESS RELEASE

AHMADI MUSLIM MURDERED IN PAKISTAN

It is with great sadness that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat confirms that yet another member of its Community has lost his life in a senseless attack in Pakistan. Mr Saeed Ahmad, 55, from Kotri in the Sindh Province has been murdered for no other reason than for his faith. He becomes the 96th martyr of Ahmadiyyat since the infamous anti-Ahmadiyya Ordinances were issued in 1984 during the Presidency of General Zia-ul-Haq.

On the evening of 19th January 2009, Mr Ahmad had returned from work and was about to enter his home when a person waiting for him fired a shotgun directly at his head. Mr Ahmad died there and then.

The assassin fled the scene and although a case has been registered at the local police station, no person has been arrested thus far.

The deceased leaves behind his wife and four children. He was a much loved member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and was kind and compassionate in his manner towards all.

The Press Spokesman of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Abid Khan said:

“The religious extremists within Pakistan have taken yet another innocent life. What they do not realise is that through their actions they are harming the entire peace and stability of Pakistan as a nation. They say that they are defending their religion, yet they fail to realise that their actions are in direct contradiction to the peaceful teachings of Islam.

In 2008 prominent members of the Jamaat were killed throughout the year and upon the dawn of a new year the extremists have not waited long to continue with their barbaric acts.”

Persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is not limited to incidents of this kind. Due to the influence of Mullah’s (religious extremists) all forms of the media in Pakistan continually propagate and promote hatred of the Jamaat. In September 2008, GEO Television broadcast an edition of its programme ‘Aalim Online’ in which a number of Mullahs openly promoted hatred and violence towards the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

The International Community, Media and Human Rights organisations are all urged to take action to safeguard the basic human and civil rights of Ahmadi Muslims both in Pakistan and in other countries where they face discrimination. In an era where freedom of religion and belief is accepted as a basic human right throughout the world it is of disbelief that anti-Ahmadiyya legislation is still active and indeed still being enforced in Pakistan.

END

Further info: Abid Khan, Press Secretary

State of Selangor, Malaysia issues notice to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat to remove the ‘Kalima Shahada’ from its central mosque

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077 954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

30 December 2008

PRESS RELEASE

Earlier today, the local administration (MPS) in the State of Selangor, Malaysia issued the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat with a notice to remove the ‘Kalima Shahada’ from its central mosque within two days.

This notice follows a series of statements given in the local media by Dr Hassan Mohamed Ali a State Official in opposition to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat condemns this latest act which confirms the rising persecution of its Jamaat in Malaysia. The Kalima Shahada is the basic creed of belief for each and every Muslim and thus being forced to remove this from its Mosque violates the right of Ahmadi Muslims to express their religion freely and without interference.

It is hoped that the State authorities retract from their victimisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, which is and always has been, a peaceful community whose members are totally loyal to their respective Governments.

End of Release

Further Info: Abid Khan (44) 07795490682 / press@ahmadiyya.org.uk

Grievious Attack on an Ahmadi Doctor in Pakistan

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful
International Press and Media Desk
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat International
22 Deer Park, London, SW19 3TL
Tel / Fax (44) 020 8544 7613 Mobile (44) 077954 90682
Email: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Web: Alislam.org

15 December 2008

PRESS RELEASE

TEN AHMADI MUSLIMS ARRESTED ON FALSE CHARGES IN PAKISTAN

It is with regret that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat notes that following the murders of two Ahmadi Presidents in September 2008, vicious attacks on members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat have continued. Recently Dr Muhammad Aslam, the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Haripur, was stabbed several times by a man posing as a patient in his clinic.

The assailant stabbed Dr Aslam four times whilst shouting “You are a Qadiani!” When the doctor’s assistants tried to grab the attacker, he angrily told them to stay away, claiming to be a suicide bomber. Nevertheless, they caught hold of him and brought him under control.

Dr Aslam was stabbed twice in the head as well as in his neck and hand. He was then taken to a nearby hospital, where he miraculously survived. Nonetheless it will be some time before Dr Aslam fully recovers.

The attacker, a young man no more than 20 years old, was handed over to police in the hope that they will now be able to find the group that has been prompting and organizing the murders of selected Ahmadis.

More than 90 Pakistani Ahmadis have been martyred since 1984, 15 of which were medical doctors. In addition to this, persecution continues throughout the country for only one reason, the hatred of the peace loving Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

END

For further information please contact:
Abid Khan, Press Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

Ten Ahmadi Muslims arrested on false charges in Pakistan

-- Persecution Report - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

11 November 2008

PERSECUTION REPORT

TEN AHMADI MUSLIMS ARRESTED ON FALSE CHARGES IN PAKISTAN

In September 2008 ten members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat were falsely arrested under sections 298B and 298C of the Pakistani Penal Code. Although temporary bail had been assured, at a confirmation hearing the presiding Judge cancelled the right to bail of all but one of the accused. Thus on 6th October 2008 the accused were sent to Jhang Prison, at a great distance from their homes in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar).

Police dealing with this case in Rabwah originally registered First Information Report (FIR) No. 443/08 on the grounds that the ten men who are traders published Ramadan Calendars in which the terms ‘Khilafat’ and ‘Imam’ were allegedly used. However the anti-Ahmadiyya specific laws used to charge the ten men do not include either of these two words on its list of ‘Islamic terms’.

The incompetence of the Police is illustrated by the fact that one of the accused, Mian Latif Ahmad, is actually deceased. The ruthless nature of the Police is illustrated by the fact that one of the accused, Shah Zeb Asim, is a young boy who is not yet a teenager.

The International Community is urged to take action against the continued persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Pakistan.