Religious Persecution in Jamalpur: Authorities Demolish Ahmadiyya Minarets Under Mob Pressure
The International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) has received reports concerning the desecration of an Ahmadiyya place of worship in Jamalpur, District Khairpur, Sindh.
Prior to this incident, a hate campaign had reportedly been initiated against Ahmadiyya places of worship in Goth Ali Muhammad Jutt and Jamalpur, within the jurisdiction of Police Station Kot Lalo, District Khairpur. Local police had instructed members of the Ahmadiyya community to cover the minarets and prayer niche before 15 May 2026.
On the night of 13 May 2026, the minarets and prayer niche at the Ahmadiyya place of worship in Goth Ali Muhammad Jutt were reportedly covered by constructing a wall in front of them. This action was later inspected by police officials from the local police station.
Details of the Incident
On 14 May 2026, opponents of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community staged a protest in Karundi and blocked the road while demanding action against the Ahmadiyya place of worship in Jamalpur. The protesters demanded that the minarets and prayer niche of the Ahmadiyya place of worship be demolished.
Following this pressure, local authorities visited the Ahmadiyya place of worship in Jamalpur. The minarets were demolished, and the prayer niche was covered from inside using bricks.
IHRC has reviewed video and photographic material relating to the incident. Publicly available footage of the demolition and desecration has also been posted on X:
https://x.com/faith_defence/status/2056868203863667186?s=20
IHRC has also been informed that an Ahmadi individual was physically assaulted by opponents in Karundi. Following intervention by the local Member of Provincial Assembly, police reportedly took action against the assailants. The attackers then created further disturbance in the area. At present, the situation is reported to be under control.
Human Rights Concerns
IHRC expresses grave concern over the demolition of the minarets and the covering of the prayer niche at the Ahmadiyya place of worship in Jamalpur.
This incident reflects a continuing pattern in Pakistan where Ahmadiyya places of worship are targeted under pressure from extremist groups and hostile local actors. Instead of protecting a vulnerable religious minority, state authorities appear to have acted in response to mob pressure.
The destruction or alteration of religious structures belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community constitutes a serious violation of freedom of religion or belief. It also contributes to a climate of fear, intimidation, and insecurity for Ahmadis, who are already subjected to systematic discrimination under Pakistan’s legal and social framework.
The reported physical assault of an Ahmadi individual further demonstrates the dangerous consequences of unchecked hate campaigns and official failure to protect minority communities.
IHRC’s Position
IHRC strongly condemns the desecration of the Ahmadiyya place of worship in Jamalpur and the assault on an Ahmadi individual in Karundi.
The role of the authorities must be urgently examined. State institutions have a duty to protect all citizens, including religious minorities, from mob violence, coercion, and intimidation. Compliance with extremist demands cannot be justified as law enforcement.
IHRC calls upon the Government of Pakistan and the provincial authorities in Sindh to:
- Conduct an impartial investigation into the demolition of the minarets and the covering of the prayer niche.
- Identify and hold accountable those who incited hatred and demanded the destruction of the Ahmadiyya place of worship.
- Ensure protection for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Jamalpur, Goth Ali Muhammad Jutt, and surrounding areas.
- Take legal action against those involved in the physical assault of the Ahmadi individual.
- Prevent further attacks, intimidation, or forced alterations of Ahmadiyya places of worship.
- Uphold Pakistan’s constitutional and international obligations regarding freedom of religion or belief.
IHRC urges the international community, UN human rights bodies, diplomatic missions, and international civil society organisations to:
- Publicly condemn the desecration of Ahmadiyya places of worship and the continued targeting of Ahmadis in Pakistan.
- Urge the Government of Pakistan to protect Ahmadiyya places of worship from mob pressure, forced alteration, demolition, and desecration.
- Call upon Pakistan to ensure that law enforcement agencies protect religious minorities rather than comply with extremist demands.
- Raise this incident with the Government of Pakistan through diplomatic channels and human rights dialogues.
- Request urgent attention from relevant UN Special Procedures, including the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
- Press Pakistan to uphold its obligations under international human rights law, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, equality before the law, security of person, and protection from discrimination.
- Ensure that Pakistan’s treatment of religious minorities, including the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, remains central in international human rights reviews, including UN treaty body processes and the Universal Periodic Review.
Conclusion
The incident in Jamalpur is not an isolated event. It forms part of a wider and deeply troubling pattern of targeting Ahmadiyya places of worship across Pakistan.The demolition of minarets and the bricking up of a prayer niche under extremist pressure represents a serious failure of state protection and a direct attack on the religious dignity of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
IHRC urges the authorities to act immediately to prevent further escalation and to ensure that Ahmadis are protected from violence, intimidation, and religious persecution.
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