KARACHI: An Ahmadi place of worship located in Karachi’s Drigh Road area, within the jurisdiction of Shah Faisal Colony, was vandalized by around four individuals. The incident involved damaging the minarets of the worship site.
Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tariq Nawaz informed that the police had taken notice of the incident. He also requested a member of the Ahmadi community to file a First Information Report (FIR).
A person named Bilal was in contact with the Shah Faisal Colony station house officer (SHO). The authorities advised him to lodge a report regarding the vandalism. The police received an application about the incident, and the complainant expressed the intention to register an FIR after consulting with the Ahmadi community.
Amir Mehmood, a spokesperson for the Ahmadi community, stated that an application for registering an FIR had been submitted to the police. According to him, about a dozen people entered the place of worship at approximately 3:45 pm on Monday. They used hammers to destroy the minarets while also leaving hateful graffiti on the walls.
Mehmood pointed out that a few months ago, two other places of worship in Saddar and Martin Quarters had been vandalized, and FIRs were lodged for both cases. However, the police have not yet updated them on the progress of those investigations.
The place of worship on Drigh Road has been in existence since the formation of Pakistan. Mehmood expressed concern over the lack of security provided by the government to Ahmadi places of worship. He stated that it represents a failure on their part.
Authorities urge the Government to ensure security
A press release from the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Pakistan spokesperson has called on the government to take immediate action to provide security to the community’s places of worship. The spokesperson strongly condemned the recent incident of vandalism.
He stated that the opponents of the Ahmadiyya community have crossed all boundaries of decency.
The press release highlighted that this year alone, around 10 Ahmadi places of worship have been targeted in attacks. However, the authorities have not apprehended any of the perpetrators.
The Ahmadiyya community members are feeling an extreme sense of insecurity while living in their own country. Such actions by hatemongers are severely tarnishing the country’s international image.
The spokesperson further stated that miscreants have planned to attack Ahmadi places of worship in various cities and towns during Muharram. He also noted unknown individuals are openly threatening the community on social media platforms.
The spokesperson emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to arrange proper security for the community’s worship places. Immediate action against these hate mongers is crucial to protect the fabric of religious harmony in the country.
