Mullahs, military and politicians against Ahmadis
In a report on abuses suffered in 2005, the group charged political and religious leaders with ruthless discrimination against them and other minorities.
Lahore (AsiaNews) The Ahmadis have blamed religious, political leaders and media for persecution they suffered in 2005 in Pakistan. In a report detailing this persecution, the Ahmadis gathered more than 1,379 documents and other writings, published by the Pakistani media and inciting hatred against this sect of Islamic origin, considered by Sunni Muslims to be heretical. Their collection included decrees on murdering Ahmadis, allegations that they conspired against Pakistan, calls on the government to take aggressive steps against Ahmadis, to create "hurdles" in their worship. The review report, supported with copies of newspaper clippings, said that in many cases government bodies supported the people promoting hatred. It also claimed high-ranking circles persisted in pressing ahead with the persecution policy started by General Zia ul Haq 21 years ago. In fact, there seems to be a tacit agreement between the "mullahs and military" against the Ahmadis.
During 2005, 11 Ahmadis were killed and 60 were subjected to charges and penalties in religion-based cases. Sixteen were falsely booked for blasphemy, 24 were booked under laws specifically against Ahmadis, 19 in religion-based circumstances. The authorities and the courts continued to implement Ahmadi-specific and other religious laws, continued the report.
In the city of Rabwah, the Ahmadi headquarters, close connections between mullahs and political circles led to continuing discrimination. Repeated statements by public authorities on safeguarding human rights have not made any difference on the ground.
The report said the Ahmadi community had sustained the movement for Pakistan's independence and always maintained close ties with the Quaid-e-Azam [the father of Pakistan, Ali Jinnah], so it contested accusations of betrayal against the State.
The report ended by saying genuine protection of human rights implied the defence of religious minorities: it is urgent that the government and media promote tolerance and inter-faith harmony and stop discrimination.
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16/06/2006
29/03/2006
