Rome, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The targeted killing of a 65-year-old Ahmadi Muslim community official in Pakistan’s Punjab province has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of the Ahmadiyya community and the continuing threat of religiously motivated violence in the country.
Mirza Safdar Mahmood was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on September 2 in Mandi Bahauddin, according to a report by Italy-based online magazine Bitter Winter. Mahmood was reportedly travelling from his automobile repair workshop towards Bait ul Zikr, an Ahmadi place of worship, when he was attacked near Eid Gah Gate. The assailants allegedly opened fire at close range and fled the scene.
The report said the killing followed earlier violence against Ahmadis in the same region. On June 8, 2024, two members of the community were killed in broad daylight in the Saadullah Pur area of Mandi Bahauddin district, prompting calls for stronger security measures and closer monitoring of anti-Ahmadi activity.
Bitter Winter said community members have continued to report threats, harassment and intimidation, including the circulation of sermons, pamphlets and online messages targeting Ahmadis. It argued that inadequate coordinated action, including effective policing and monitoring of extremist rhetoric, has left members of the community exposed.
The latest killing has also drawn attention to broader concerns over discrimination and violence against Ahmadis in Pakistan.
United Nations human rights experts have previously expressed grave concern over reports of harassment, criminal prosecution, violence and exclusion targeting members of the Ahmadiyya community because of their religious identity.
“We are deeply concerned by persistent reports that members of the Ahmadiyya community continue to face harassment, criminal prosecution, violence, and exclusion because of their religious identity,” the experts said.
They stressed that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and should not face discrimination, intimidation or violence for peacefully practising their faith.
The latest incident has prompted renewed calls for authorities to ensure the safety of Ahmadis and take effective measures against those responsible for attacks and incitement targeting the community.
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