Geneva, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
United Nations experts have expressed grave concern over continued discrimination, violence and legal restrictions targeting members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan, urging authorities to ensure their safety and uphold the country’s international human rights obligations.
“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 every individual has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief and should not face discrimination, intimidation or violence because of their faith.
“No one should be subjected to discrimination, intimidation, or violence, nor should they be prevented from peacefully manifesting their faith, or face discrimination with respect to any of their human rights,” they said.
The experts cited reports of attacks on Ahmadi places of worship, desecration of graves and disruptions to religious observances, including during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
They also raised concerns over arrests and prosecutions of Ahmadis linked to their religious practices or identity, as well as hate speech targeting the community.
The UN experts called for effective measures to prevent violence, ensure accountability and protect vulnerable communities across Pakistan.
“The State has a responsibility to exercise due diligence to prevent human rights violations, investigate allegations promptly and impartially, prosecute those responsible in accordance with international standards, and provide effective remedies to victims,” they said.
They further warned against a pattern of impunity that, in their assessment, has allowed perpetrators of attacks and incitement to hatred and violence to act without restraint.
“Pakistan must break the pattern of impunity that has allowed perpetrators of attacks and incitement to hatred and violence to act without restraint,” the experts said, adding that attacks take place amid what they described as “tacit official complicity”, while fear prevents individuals and institutions from defending the rights and dignity of minority communities.
The experts urged the Pakistani government to ensure equal protection under the law for all individuals, regardless of religion or belief.
They also called for a review of legislation and administrative measures that may conflict with Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights law, particularly those concerning freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, cultural rights and equality before the law.
The experts emphasised that addressing religious intolerance requires more than responding to individual incidents and called for sustained efforts to promote respect for diversity, counter incitement to hatred and violence, and ensure that all religious and belief communities can live safely and with dignity.
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