In a shocking and alarming violation of basic human rights and religious freedom, the Lahore and Gojra Bar Association in Pakistan has issued instructions to local police forces to prevent Ahmadi Muslims from participating in the religious practice of Qurbani during Eid-ul-Adha.
This discriminatory edict denies the Ahmadiyya community the right to perform ritual animal sacrifice and gather for prayers on this significant occasion for the Islamic world.
The enforcement of such measures by a state institution further exposes the deeply entrenched discrimination faced by religious minorities in the country.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds immense religious and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated unwavering faith in Allah by willingly agreeing to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael). As a sign of Allah’s mercy and approval of his dedication, a ram was provided for sacrifice instead. To honor this event, Muslims around the world perform Qurbani by sacrificing animals and distributing the meat among family, friends, and those in need.
Following the edict of several Bar Associations , the 2023 Eid ul Adha was marred by an alarming announcement made by Sub-Inspector Ghulam Raza from Factory Area Police Station Gujrat. He warned the local Ahmadiyya community against offering sacrifices on the occasion, stating that ‘they must convert to Islam if they wish to participate in the ritual.’ This announcement reflects the deeply entrenched discrimination and persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan.
The Ahmadiyya community, a religious minority in Pakistan, constitutes approximately 0.22% to 2.2% of the country’s population. The Ahmadiyya faith is considered a minority after Pakistan’s second amendment in the constitution during the Bhutto era, which declared them non-Muslims. Unfortunately, this minority group has been subjected to severe discrimination and persecution by radical Muslim communities within the country.
Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, this community faces relentless pressure from radical elements within the society, including state institutions. The recent edict by the Lahore and Gojra Bar Association not only violates the Ahmadi Muslims’ right to freely practice their faith but also adds to the climate of fear and insecurity they endure.
The Lahore and Gojra Bar Association, which was once seen as an impartial and open-minded resource for citizens, has now demonstrated a bias against the Ahmadiyya community. By instructing the police to prevent Ahmadi Muslims from participating in Eid-ul-Adha rituals, the association is complicit in perpetuating discrimination and intolerance towards religious minorities. This misuse of power further undermines the notion of justice and impartiality within the legal system.
A report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, published in August 2022, sheds light on the systematic enforcement of blasphemy laws in Pakistan. The report accuses the government of failing to protect religious minorities, including the Ahmadiyya community. The implementation of anti-Ahmadiyya cybercrime laws has further marginalized and oppressed the community, perpetuating their vulnerability.
Pakistan’s penal code includes severe punishments for blasphemy, ranging from lengthy prison sentences to the death penalty. The code also designates the Ahmadiyya as non-Muslims and prohibits them from acting as Muslims. Any speech or action intended to incite religious hatred is punishable by law. These legal provisions have been misused to suppress the Ahmadiyya community’s religious practices and freedoms.
The recent announcement, demanding that the Ahmadiyya community convert to Islam to participate in Eid ul Adha’s ritual, is a distressing reminder of the challenges religious minorities face in Pakistan. It exposes the religious bigotry prevailing in the Muslim majority, endorsed and supported by the state.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“The Ahmadiyya community’s plight in Pakistan serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for religious freedom faced by minorities in the country.
“Despite constitutional guarantees, the implementation of laws and government actions continually suppress their rights and marginalize them.
“As the international community raises awareness of these issues, it is essential for Pakistan’s authorities to reevaluate their policies and work towards ensuring the protection and equality of all religious groups in the nation.
“Only through genuine efforts to promote tolerance and inclusivity can Pakistan truly uphold its constitutional commitment to religious freedom for all its citizens.”
