THE dream of transforming Pakistan into a just and progressive nation will remain unfulfilled unless the prevailing extremism is checked. Moreover, no nation can prosper when its minorities live in fear of persecution and violence. In this regard, the Ahmadi community has been facing a sustained campaign of intimidation by violent bigots in Punjab as well as Sindh. The latest in a shameful series of events have been attacks on Ahmadi places of worship and homes in Faisalabad. Under the guise of Independence Day celebrations, a mob, reportedly led by a TLP leader, attacked and set ablaze two worship places of the minority group, while also beating up community members. Nearby homes belonging to Ahmadis were also attacked. Cases have been filed and some suspects detained. But it remains to be seen if those responsible for this outrage will actually be punished.

It is all the more shocking that these condemnable attacks occurred at a time when the nation was celebrating its freedom, and shortly after Pakistan had observed National Minorities Day to mark the Quaid’s Aug 11 speech. The rulers never tire of brandishing their patriotic credentials. Yet it is unfortunate that they forget what the father of the nation said on Aug 11, 1947: “that the first duty of a Government” is to protect “the life, property and religious beliefs of its subjects”. In the same epic speech, Mr Jinnah observed that citizens of Pakistan are free to go to their temples, mosques “or to any other places of worship”. Sadly, the state has forgotten this sage advice, and has given violent extremists the space to do as they please — letting them attack and rob Pakistan’s non-Muslims of their rights and dignity. The federal and Punjab governments must put a stop to these violent attacks and protect the lives and properties of minority citizens. Left unchecked, the ogre of extremism will tear society apart.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2025