Extremist groups celebrate after campaign to remove Ahmadi Muslim government official
An Ahmadi Muslim government official in Punjab, Pakistan, has been removed from his posting following an organised extremist campaign demanding his removal because of his faith, with Khatm-e-Nabuwwat groups now publicly celebrating the decision as a victory for their campaign.
The International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) is gravely concerned by the case of Naghman Ahmad, Assistant Director Land Records (ADLR), who had been posted to Lalian, District Chiniot, by the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA).
Almost immediately, individuals associated with Khatm-e-Nabuwwat organisations began publicly campaigning against his appointment, repeatedly identifying him as a “Qadiani” and demanding that the authorities remove him from Lalian.
One campaign statement declared:
“Appointment of Qadiani Naghman Ahmad bin Nadeem as Assistant Director Land Records in Lalian is unacceptable.”
The campaign called upon the administration to reverse his appointment and transfer him elsewhere. Other material warned that protests would be expanded if the authorities failed to comply with their demands.
Evidence of the extremist pressure campaign:
View the original evidence on X
English Translation: “Appointment of Qadiani Naghman Ahmad bin Nadeem as Assistant Director Land Records in Lalian is unacceptable.”
The accompanying statement demands his transfer and appeals to the authorities to act, citing the supposed “religious sensitivities” of the local population.
Authorities Remove Ahmad From Lalian Posting
Days later, on 8 August 2026, the Punjab Land Records Authority issued an official order directing Naghman Ahmad to report to PLRA Headquarters with immediate effect.
The same order assigned another official additional charge of the Assistant Director Land Records position in Lalian.
The official order does not state why Ahmad was directed to report to headquarters. However, the decision came after the highly publicised campaign demanding his removal, and those behind that campaign have subsequently claimed and celebrated the development as the result of their efforts.
Extremist Groups Celebrate
Following the order, propaganda circulated by Khatm-e-Nabuwwat groups openly celebrated Ahmad’s removal from Lalian.
One graphic proclaimed:
“Congratulations to the devotees of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat!”
It presented the removal of Naghman Ahmad as the result of sustained campaigning and thanked those involved.
Another declared:
“Alhamdulillah! Across the country, efforts for the protection of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat are bearing fruit.”
It then announced:
“Assistant Director Land Records Lalian Naghman Ahmad transferred.”
The propaganda itself reproduces the PLRA order and portrays the administrative decision as a victory for the anti-Ahmadi campaign.
Evidence and English translations of the celebratory propaganda:
View the follow-up evidence on X
A Disturbing Victory for Religious Intolerance
The sequence of events is deeply alarming. An Ahmadi Muslim was appointed to a government position. Extremist groups publicly objected to his appointment because of his religious identity, demanded his removal and threatened further protest. He was subsequently removed from that posting, and those same groups are now celebrating the outcome as their victory.
The circumstances demand an immediate and transparent explanation from the Punjab authorities.
If government officials can be targeted and displaced from their positions because extremist groups object to their faith, the implications extend far beyond this individual case. It reinforces an environment in which religious intolerance can exert influence over state institutions and the equal rights of Pakistani citizens.
Ahmadi Muslims already face severe legal and institutional discrimination in Pakistan. This latest incident demonstrates the additional danger posed when organised anti-Ahmadi campaigns are able to target individuals in their professional lives and then publicly claim success when administrative action follows.
IHRC Demands
IHRC calls upon the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Punjab to:
- Immediately investigate whether extremist or sectarian pressure influenced the decision concerning Naghman Ahmad.
- Publicly clarify the reasons for his removal from the Lalian posting.
- Ensure that Naghman Ahmad faces no professional disadvantage or discrimination because of his Ahmadi Muslim faith.
- Guarantee equal access to government and public-sector employment irrespective of religion or belief.
- Refuse to capitulate to extremist organisations demanding the removal or exclusion of Ahmadis from public positions.
- Take effective action against intimidation, incitement and organised campaigns of religious hatred targeting Ahmadi Muslims.
- Protect Ahmadis and all religious minorities from discrimination, harassment and violence.
- Repeal Pakistan’s discriminatory anti-Ahmadi laws, including Sections 298-B and 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code and Ordinance XX.
- Uphold Pakistan’s international obligations concerning freedom of religion or belief, equality before the law and protection from religious discrimination.
No Pakistani citizen should lose a position, opportunity or fundamental right because extremists object to their faith.
IHRC Calls Upon the International Community
IHRC urges the United Nations, UN Special Rapporteurs, international human rights organisations and democratic governments to closely monitor the deteriorating situation facing Ahmadis in Pakistan and to press the Government of Pakistan to fulfil its obligations under international human rights law, including the protection of freedom of religion or belief without discrimination.
The continued indoctrination of children with sectarian ideology, together with interference in the funeral and mourning arrangements of religious minorities, reflects a broader culture of intolerance that requires urgent international attention.
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