On July 11, 2025, Lahore police acted swiftly to prevent a mob from attacking an Ahmadi worship place in the Samanabad area. The incident began when local residents, reportedly upset over the timing of worship activities, gathered and moved toward the registered worship site on Poonch Road. An emergency call prompted a robust response, with police officers—including six station house officers, a deputy superintendent, a superintendent, and armed personnel—rushing to the scene under the direction of Lahore Operations DIG Faisal Kamran.
The police dispersed the crowd and ensured the safety of Ahmadi worshippers, including women and children, by relocating them to a secure area. To maintain calm, authorities engaged local community leaders, including religious figures, to de-escalate tensions. The worship place was placed under heightened security to prevent further unrest.
Posts on X reflected varied sentiments, with some condemning the mob’s actions and others alleging that police detained Ahmadi worshippers instead of the attackers—highlighting the challenges faced by the Ahmadi community in Pakistan. The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding religious minorities, as similar events have been reported in areas like Karachi earlier this year.
The Ahmadi community, often targeted for their beliefs, faces legal restrictions in Pakistan, including laws prohibiting them from using Islamic symbols or practices. This event in Samanabad serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between community safety and freedom of worship in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 12th, 2025
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