Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan facing ‘system of discrimination’, UN experts warn

"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.

"Every individual has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. 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."

The experts expressed concern over reports of ongoing attacks on Ahmadi places of worship, desecration of graves, and interference with peaceful religious observance, including during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. They also cited reports of arrests and prosecutions linked to religious practices or identity, as well as hate speech.

"These reports underscore the need for effective measures to prevent violence, ensure accountability and protect vulnerable communities," they said.

"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," the experts said.

"Pakistan must break the pattern of impunity that has allowed perpetrators of attacks and incitement to hatred and violence to act without restraint," they said.

"These attacks take place with tacit official complicity whilst the cycle of fear prevents people and institutions from upholding the rights and dignity of these minority groups."

The experts said recent incidents surrounding Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha demonstrated that Ahmadis in Pakistan continue to face a system of discrimination that extends beyond public life and into the privacy of their own homes.

"No individual should face arrest, detention, surveillance or criminal prosecution simply for observing their religious festivals and practices," the experts said.

They called on the Government of Pakistan to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their religion or belief, enjoy equal protection under the law without discrimination.

The experts also urged the government to review legislation and administrative measures that may be inconsistent with Pakistan's obligations under international human rights law, including rights relating to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, cultural rights and equality before the law.

"Combating religious intolerance requires more than responding to individual incidents," they said. "It requires sustained efforts to foster respect for diversity, counter incitement to hatred and violence, and create an environment in which all religious or belief communities can live in safety and dignity."

The experts said they were in contact with the Government of Pakistan on the matter.

They reaffirmed their readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with the authorities and other stakeholders to support measures that promote inclusion, tolerance and dialogue, and strengthen the protection of freedom of religion or belief and the rights of all religious minorities in the country.