Pakistan: Govt Turns Blind Eye Ahmadiyya Muslim Murders

July 26, 2012

A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission

Pakistan: Government Turns A Blind Eye To The Murder Of Ahmadiyya Muslims

It is devastating for human rights activists the world over and those who stand for religious freedom, practise and tolerance, that the Government of Pakistan is not only stone deaf and dumb but also blind to the continuous murders of the followers of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. We have received the dreadful news that on July 19, a devout senior Ahmadiy Muslim, Mr Naeem Ahmad Gondal, was shot in the head by two motorcyclists and died on the spot. He was an elite Ahmadiy Muslim and also holding the high position of Assistant Director in the State Bank of Pakistan.

He was an active member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and had been the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Korangi town, Karachi, for the past 11 years. Mr Naeem was the seventh Ahmadiy Muslim killed in Karachi for his faith and belief since the beginning of this year and the world is aware of the hundreds of other Ahmadiy Muslims who have been killed in Pakistan so far just for being Ahmadiy and being devoted to their faith and belief.

On the morning of July 19, he left home to go to work and just as he walked to his pick-up vehicle he was shot and killed. Mr. Naeem was 52 years old and was highly respected by all in his neighbourhood. He had an admirable reputation in the area and had no enmity with anyone.

The spate of hate speeches against Ahmadiy Muslims in the area started with a campaign organised to incite hatred against the sect in the area by painting malicious and abusive slogans on the walls. The youngsters were particularly encouraged to kill Ahmadiyya Muslims and win direct entry into Paradise.

The deceased leaves behind a grieving widow.

Once again, the world community is urged to impress upon the Government of Pakistan that it is time to take heed and restrain these deplorable atrocities. This wave of hate and malice against Ahmadiy Muslims must be checked and those engaged in these spiteful and evil activities brought to justice and punished.

The Government of Pakistan must shoulder and honour its responsibilities to provide Ahmadiy Muslims protection, safety and security and the freedom to practise and profess their faith. Their human and civil rights must be restored to allow them to follow a the course of life of their choosing.

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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

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