In Karachi, Pakistan, a disturbing incident led to the death of a member of the Ahmadi community during a demonstration near their place of worship. Reports indicate that the mob, allegedly consisting of Islamists, attacked and fatally injured Laeeq Cheema on Friday. The Ahmadi community has voiced their concerns over the ordeal, noting that Cheema succumbed to his injuries before reaching medical care at a local hospital. The incident has drawn attention to ongoing tensions faced by the community in the region.
Amir Mahmood, a spokesperson for the community, attributed the violent outburst to supporters of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a radical Islamist group known for its hardline stance. He asserted that the group gathered outside the Ahmadi place of worship, engaging in damaging actions and hostile protests. The pressure is building on authorities to act decisively against this vandalism and brutality.
Senior police official Asad Raza stated that law enforcement had anticipated TLP’s activities and bolstered police presence to maintain order. However, the assault on Cheema took place away from the Ahmadi center, leaving police in pursuit of the perpetrator. Mahmood highlighted that police, though responsive in rescuing community members earlier, have yet to take firm action against such provocative gatherings and protests, which have become a national phenomenon.
The Ahmadis, numbering approximately half a million within Pakistan’s substantial population of 250 million, face a precarious existence. The community has been legally considered non-Muslim since a 1974 decree, a decision that has made them frequent targets of extremist attacks, particularly by Sunni militants who view them as apostates. This ongoing discrimination underscores the broader societal challenges that the community endures.
Video evidence shared by Mahmood depicted anti-Ahmadi chants by the crowd, underscoring the frequent protests by TLP supporters who vigorously advocate for Pakistan’s stringent blasphemy laws. These laws impose severe penalties, including potential execution, for those deemed to insult Islam. The TLP’s increasing visibility and influence continue to pose significant challenges in maintaining religious harmony and safety within Pakistan.