Tragedy in Saddar: Ahmadi Man Dies After Religious Mob Attack
Ahmadi Man Killed in Karachi Amid Religious Tensions as TLP Members Storm Worship Site
An unsettling incident unfolded in Karachi’s Saddar locality on Friday when a violent mob, reportedly comprising hundreds of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters, attacked a place of worship associated with the Ahmadiyya community. According to police authorities, the attack led to the tragic death of a 46-year-old Ahmadi man.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Syed Asad Raza informed Dawn.com that around 400 TLP members had assembled near the mobile market close to the worship site. The law enforcement agencies, including the police, Rangers, and administrative officials, were already on alert due to recent disturbances in other parts of the city such as Shah Latif, Surjani, and Khokhrapar.
DIG Raza mentioned that while security forces acted promptly to safeguard the individuals inside the worship hall, violence erupted nearby—specifically near the auto parts market. He said that a man was reportedly assaulted by TLP supporters in that vicinity and later died from his injuries at a hospital.
According to community spokesperson Amir Mehmood, the victim, Laeeq Cheema, was a known member of the Ahmadi community. He was passing through the area roughly 100 to 150 meters away from the hall when he was identified by the mob and subjected to a brutal beating.
Preedy Police Station’s SHO Shabbir Husain later confirmed the identity of the deceased, saying Cheema had been recording video footage of the TLP workers near the Hashu Centre when he was attacked. He further noted that officers had to relocate 45 to 50 members of the Ahmadi community from the hall using a prison van to ensure their safety.
Mehmood, however, stated he was not aware that Cheema had been filming at the time of the incident.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the attack, calling it a “disturbing breakdown of law and order” and an alarming indicator of the persistent targeting of religious minorities. They described it as yet another instance of state negligence toward the protection of the Ahmadiyya community.
HRCP urged the authorities to act decisively—demanding the prompt arrest and prosecution of those involved without bowing to pressures from extremist elements.
In a recent report titled Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023-24, HRCP outlined an alarming trend of mob violence directed at religious minorities, particularly Ahmadis. The report highlighted a rise in forced conversions involving Hindu and Christian women, desecration of Ahmadi graves, and arbitrary detentions.
One of the report’s striking revelations was that over 750 individuals had been imprisoned on blasphemy charges as of October last year. It documented at least four faith-based killings—three of which specifically targeted Ahmadis. It also emphasized the growing role of disinformation and provocative social media content in inciting blasphemy-related violence.
The HRCP also noted the dangerous practice of law enforcement agencies themselves initiating cases against Ahmadis under blasphemy laws, deepening concerns over systematic persecution.
FAQs – For Pakistani Readers
1. Who was the victim of the Saddar incident?
The deceased was Laeeq Cheema, a 46-year-old member of the Ahmadiyya community who was allegedly beaten to death by TLP supporters in Karachi.
2. What triggered the attack on the worship place in Saddar?
According to police and community accounts, TLP workers stormed the Ahmadi worship site to disrupt religious practices, which escalated into violence.
3. Was the victim involved in any confrontation?
Police say Cheema was filming the TLP gathering when the mob attacked him. However, community representatives are unsure if he was recording at the time.
4. What actions are being taken by the authorities?
Law enforcement agencies are reviewing CCTV footage and investigating the incident. The HRCP has urged swift arrests and prosecution of the culprits.
5. Why is the Ahmadi community often targeted in Pakistan?
Ahmadis face systemic discrimination and violence in Pakistan due to religious and legal restrictions. They are often accused under blasphemy laws and are vulnerable to mob attacks.
