62-year-old member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mr Basharat Ahmad killed because of his faith

On 3rd May 2017, another Ahmadi Muslim, Mr Basharat Ahmad from Khanpur, district Rahimyar Khan (Pakistan) was shot dead because of his faith. Mr Basharat Ahmad was on his way home from his petrol station, when unknown gunmen shot him at point blank range. He died on the spot. He was 62-year-old and has left his widow and 3 children behind.

This is the 3rd killing of an Ahmadi Muslim in 35 days in Pakistan. Before this an Ahmadi Muslim lawyer Malik Slaeem Latif was killed in Nankana district while Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad was killed in Lahore.

The International Human Rights Committee strongly condemns this barbaric attack. IHRC also urges the Government of Pakistan to protect its citizens, uphold and safeguard the fundamental right of freedom of religion.

Background:

In 1974 Prime Minister Bhutto enacted an amendment to the constitution declaring Ahmadis to be non-Muslims. In the 1980s, measures brought in by Zia-ul-Haq to Islamicise Pakistan’s civil and criminal law. It became a criminal offence for Ahmadis to call themselves or ‘pose’ as Muslims. Any such crime would face 3 years’ imprisonment, or if dealt with under the blasphemy laws it could result in death. Since then, many Ahmadi Muslims have been killed and persecuted.