PAKISTAN’S ruling elite often highlight the need to eliminate extremism and radicalism from society. However, the activities of extremists operating under their very noses make one question the state’s commitment to countering fanaticism. The latest victims of bigotry are members of the Ahmadi community — a group that has long suffered at the hands of extremists. According to reports, the TLP is leading a campaign on social media to damage Ahmadi places of worship in Punjab’s Sarai Alamgir town. The party had earlier championed similar actions in Jhelum, while mobs had also attacked the minority community’s religious facilities in Karachi in February. Apart from targeting their religious structures, the TLP also led a campaign to prevent Ahmadis from sacrificing animals on Eidul Azha. However, these hateful campaigns are attracting the wrong kind of attention for Pakistan internationally. In a letter written by the Office of the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, and submitted to Pakistan’s UN representative in Geneva, the multilateral body has said it is “deeply concerned about … violent attacks” against Ahmadis, while particularly mentioning attacks on the group’s places of worship.

These are not isolated incidents, as a Hindu temple was razed reportedly by the land mafia in Karachi, while a mandir was attacked in Kashmore a few days ago. The state must do more than merely pay lip service to minorities’ constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion. If radical groups are not stopped from targeting and harassing non-Muslim communities, they will only grow in strength and one day may challenge the ruling elite. Moreover, Pakistan’s desire to project a ‘soft image’ will hardly be fulfilled if minority places of worship are attacked and desecrated. To protect the rights of Pakistan’s non-Muslim citizens, and prevent further censure from global bodies, the state needs to stop these odious drives and rein in the groups leading them. Surrendering to extremists will further erode whatever remains of the state’s writ.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2023