Pakistan: 300 booked, 25 held after mob attack Ahmadi worship places in Faisalabad

The incident occurred a day before Pakistan celebrated Independence Day.

As many as 47 men were nominated, while 300 others remain unidentified in both cases. The cases were registered under Section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and sections 295, 425, 446, 380, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), reported Dawn News.

According to the FIRs, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) ticket-holder Hafiz Rafaqat led the mob, which was armed with rods and bricks, the Pakistani leading newspaper reported.

The attackers reportedly assembled outside the worship place and pelted it with bricks.

Several members of the community who tried to resist the attackers were beaten up.

According to reports, the mob, under the cover Independence Day procession, delivered hate speeches and even incited violence against the community.

At 275-Kartarpur, the mob targeted two Ahmadi worship places and even tore down the minarets.

Both the worship places were set on fire.

The mob reportedly targeted Ahmadi homes located close to the worship places.

Ahmadiyya community spokesperson Aamir Mahmoodhas condemned the incident.

“This is not the freedom Pakistan’s founders envisioned. Until those who commit such acts face justice, intolerance will grow. Authorities must act swiftly to protect all citizens,” he was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

He demanded strict action against those involved in the attack.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Dawn that 25 people had been arrested in the case and efforts were underway to arrest the rest.