Ahmadi killed in Naukot in another religious hate attack
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has denounced in an official statement a new murder of an Ahmadi in Pakistan, this time in Naukot, Mirpur Khas.
The attack was motivated by religious hatred, according to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which denounces the continuing wave of violence against its members.
The official statement of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is reproduced below:
Ahmadi killed in Naukot in another religious hate attack
On 13 December 2024, Ameer Hassan, a 40-year-old member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Pakistan, was fatally shot near his home in Fazal Bhambhro, Naukot, Mirpur Khas district.
The attack, carried out by two unidentified motorists, took place when Ameer Hassan was returning home with his son after morning prayers. The assailants asked his name and, after confirming his identity, opened fire. He was shot in the chest and died on the spot. Ameer Hassan leaves behind a wife, three daughters and two sons, the youngest of whom is only eight months old.
Hassan was known as a peaceful person and performed community functions in his locality. Although he had no personal enmity or disputes with anyone, he had been the target of harassment in the recent past because of his faith.
Spate of violence against Ahmadis:
The killing of Ameer Hassan is the sixth targeted killing of an Ahmadi in Pakistan in 2024, highlighting the escalating violence against the Community.
This tragic murder comes on the heels of the killing of 40-year-old Tayyab Ahmad on 5 December in Rawalpindi. Tayyab was brutally attacked with an axe while visiting his brother's shop. During the attack, the attacker hurled insults at Ahmadis and referred to earlier threats warning Ahmadis to leave the area or face the consequences.
These killings highlight the impact of widespread incitement to violence against Ahmadis by extremist groups and the lack of response by state authorities. Despite repeated attacks, no effective measures have been taken to dismantle hate networks or to protect the lives of Ahmadis, leaving the Community in a constant state of vulnerability.
The lack of accountability and systematic failure to bring perpetrators to justice emboldens those who propagate hatred and violence, for it must be remembered that these killings have been going on for decades, and reflect a systemic failure to protect minority communities in Pakistan.
We urgently call on our authorities, human rights organisations and civil society to exert pressure on the Government of Pakistan to:
- Take immediate steps to dismantle extremist networks that incite hatred and violence against Ahmadis.
- Ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable before the law, with prompt and transparent investigations.
- Ensure the protection of vulnerable communities under international human rights covenants.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's resilience and commitment to peace in the face of such adversity is unwavering, but no community should be forced to endure such violence and systemic discrimination. Urgent action by the international community is needed to ensure justice and protection for the lives of vulnerable communities like ours, to end this cycle of hate-fuelled violence.