Second Armed Attack in Eight Months Targets Ahmadis in Rabwah, Pakistan
Targeted Shooting Outside Ahmadiyya Headquarters Leaves Three Ahmadis Critically Injured in Rabwah, amid escalating anti-Ahmadi hostility and renewed concerns for the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan.
The International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) is deeply concerned by a targeted shooting that took place on the evening of 5 June 2026 outside the Bait-ul-Aqsa Mosque, located within the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar), Punjab, Pakistan.
An unidentified assailant on a motorcycle opened fire on a vehicle carrying Ahmadiyya Muslim Community security volunteers stationed at Aqsa Chowk as part of routine security arrangements. Three Ahmadi men sustained gunshot wounds, two of whom were reported to be in critical condition following emergency surgery.
The attack represents the second major shooting targeting Ahmadis in Rabwah within the last eight months and comes amid a nationwide escalation in anti-Ahmadi rhetoric, intimidation and restrictions surrounding Eid-ul-Adha.
IHRC condemns this attack in the strongest possible terms and calls upon the Pakistani authorities to immediately apprehend those responsible, investigate the wider circumstances surrounding the attack, and take urgent measures to protect the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Aftermath of the shooting near Bait-ul-Aqsa Mosque, Rabwah, on 5 June 2026. Three Ahmadi Muslim security volunteers were injured. Evidence: View Video Footage
Details of the Incident
At approximately 9:00pm on 5 June 2026, a vehicle carrying Ahmadiyya Muslim Community security volunteers was stationed at Aqsa Chowk outside the Bait-ul-Aqsa Mosque in Rabwah.
According to eyewitness reports, an unidentified assailant approached the area on a motorcycle with his face concealed before opening fire on the vehicle. Following the attack, the assailant fled the scene towards College Road and remained at large at the time of reporting.
Three Ahmadi men sustained gunshot injuries:
- A 23-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was reported to be in critical condition.
- A 30-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and underwent emergency treatment.
- A 39-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was reported to be in critical condition.
All three victims were transported to hospital where emergency medical treatment was administered. Members of the local community reportedly attended the hospital in significant numbers to donate blood for the injured.
Police and security agencies subsequently launched a search operation in the area.
Escalating Violence Against Ahmadis in Rabwah
This attack is not an isolated incident.
On 10 October 2025, six Ahmadis were injured in a separate shooting outside the Bait-ul-Mahdi Mosque in Rabwah. The recurrence of armed attacks against Ahmadis in the community’s spiritual and administrative headquarters highlights an alarming deterioration in security conditions.
The latest shooting also occurred despite reports that security agencies had issued warnings regarding potential terrorist activity in Rabwah during the Eid-ul-Adha period.
The fact that an armed attacker was nevertheless able to target Ahmadi security volunteers stationed outside a place of worship raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of measures taken to protect vulnerable religious communities facing known threats.
Wider Context of Anti-Ahmadi Persecution
The shooting took place against a backdrop of escalating anti-Ahmadi hostility across Pakistan.
The deteriorating security environment facing Ahmadis has also been reflected in attacks on Ahmadi places of worship. Just a few weeks ago in May 2026, authorities oversaw the demolition of minarets and the prayer niche (mihrab) of an Ahmadiyya place of worship in Jamalpur, District Khairpur, Sindh, following pressure from anti-Ahmadi groups. The incident formed part of a wider pattern of restrictions on Ahmadi religious expression and demonstrated the extent to which state authorities have failed to protect the community’s fundamental rights. Evidence relating to the incident can be viewed here: View Evidence
In the weeks preceding Eid-ul-Adha 2026, IHRC documented a coordinated campaign by extremist groups, religious organisations and local actors seeking to prevent Ahmadis from freely observing the religious festival. These efforts included public threats, pressure on authorities, attempts to restrict religious practices, police interventions, arrests and the confiscation of sacrificial animals belonging to Ahmadis.
Across Pakistan, anti-Ahmadi hate speech continues to be disseminated with alarming frequency through public gatherings, religious sermons, social media campaigns and printed materials. Calls for the social and economic boycott of Ahmadis remain widespread, while extremist narratives portraying Ahmadis as legitimate targets continue to circulate largely unchecked.
The persistent failure of authorities to address incitement to violence has contributed to an environment in which attacks against Ahmadis are increasingly normalised.
IHRC Assessment
IHRC is gravely concerned that this attack occurred amid a sustained climate of hostility directed towards the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The continued spread of anti-Ahmadi hate speech, combined with a longstanding pattern of impunity for those responsible for violence and incitement, creates conditions in which such attacks become increasingly likely.
Particularly troubling is the fact that this shooting occurred at the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, despite reported threat warnings and despite the existence of previous attacks targeting Ahmadis in the same city.
The failure to effectively prevent, investigate and prosecute acts of anti-Ahmadi violence risks emboldening further attacks and undermines Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights law.
IHRC Calls Upon
The Government of Pakistan and Punjab Authorities to:
- Conduct a prompt, thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the shooting.
- Immediately apprehend and prosecute those responsible, including any individuals who may have planned, facilitated or incited the attack.
- Provide enhanced protection for Ahmadi places of worship and community institutions, particularly in Rabwah.
- Investigate and prosecute individuals and organisations responsible for incitement to violence against Ahmadis.
- Ensure that law enforcement agencies respond effectively to known threats against religious minorities.
The International Community to:
- Closely monitor the deteriorating human rights situation facing Ahmadis in Pakistan.
- Raise concerns regarding anti-Ahmadi violence and incitement in bilateral and multilateral engagements with Pakistan.
- Support efforts to protect freedom of religion or belief and ensure accountability for attacks targeting religious minorities.
United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms to:
- Urgently examine the growing pattern of violence directed against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
- Engage with Pakistani authorities regarding their obligations to protect religious minorities.
- Monitor the implementation of recommendations concerning freedom of religion or belief and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
The shooting of three Ahmadi security volunteers outside the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community headquarters in Rabwah represents another serious escalation in the campaign of hostility faced by Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Without meaningful action to address incitement, protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable, the risk of further violence remains acute.
IHRC reiterates its call for immediate accountability, effective protection measures and urgent international attention to the worsening situation facing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan.
