A UK-based Christian organization and rights group expressed worry about Ahmadis facing limitations on observing Eid al-Adha in Pakistan. Cecil Shane Chaudhry from Christian Solidarity Worldwide criticized the constraints imposed on the Ahmadi community, calling it unfortunate. He highlighted the annual challenges Ahmadis encounter from both non-state actors and state institutions.
Chaudhry hoped that the ban on extremist groups would lead to improvements this year. However, he pointed out state involvement in preventing Ahmadis from celebrating Eid. He urged the Pakistani government to uphold religious freedom for all individuals and respect their rights.
In Pakistan, orthodox Muslim factions consider Ahmadis, who emerged in British India in the 19th century and identify as Muslim, as heretical. Ahmadis are prohibited from identifying as Muslims or using Islamic symbols in their religious practices. Amir Mehmood, a community spokesperson, accused local police in Karachi of seizing goats from Ahmadi residents.
Mehmood stated that the 162,684 Ahmadis in Pakistan, as per the 2023 census, have been encountering harassment. He mentioned that Ahmadis are summoned to police stations and coerced into commitments not to sacrifice animals or hold Eid gatherings. Recently, a minority rights group reported that Ahmadis were barred from offering Eid prayers in various districts of Punjab province.
The Voice of Pakistan Minority highlighted police presence, administrative obstacles, and the fear of legal repercussions as factors disrupting or preventing gatherings. The group expressed concern over the recurring restrictions faced by Ahmadis, emphasizing the consistent denial of their participation in public religious activities year after year.
The rights organization raised alarms about Pakistani authorities perpetuating this cycle, noting that law enforcement agencies, instead of ensuring safety and protecting rights, often become tools of restriction. The repeated interference in the community’s worship activities reinforces exclusion and raises serious questions about accountability and the rule of law.
