Lahore
Authorities in Punjab, Pakistan, have demolished the minarets of two 70-year-old Ahmadi places of worship on Monday, reportedly under pressure from religious extremists, according to the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Pakistan (JAP). The demolitions took place in Khanewal and Gujranwala, approximately 350 km and 80 km from Lahore, respectively.
JAP senior official Amir Mahmood stated that police actions violated a ruling from Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh of the Lahore HC, which had declared that damaging Ahmadi places of worship constructed before 1984 is illegal. Despite presenting the court’s order to law enforcement, Mahmood noted that the police dismissed it, claiming they were under significant pressure from extremist groups. The JAP condemned the demolitions as illegal and a clear abuse of power, asserting that the rights of Ahmadis are being infringed to placate extremist factions. They emphasized that Ahmadis, as loyal citizens, are facing discrimination, and their places of worship and cemeteries are continuously desecrated.
