March 23, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Institute on Religion and Public Policy denounces the Pakistani government for its ongoing discrimination against the Ahmadi Muslim community, specifically in its charges against 15 Ahmadi men and its complicity in the deaths of two Ahmadi doctors.

Although the Pakistani Constitution theoretically guarantees freedom of expression and religion in Articles 19 and 20, it also contains an amendment from 1974 which excludes Ahmadis from its definition of a Muslim. Consequently, the amendment has opened their community to charges of blasphemy and impersonation.

The Asian Human Rights Commission noted that during the past month, 15 Ahmadi men have been charged for posing as Muslims. If convicted, each could face up to three years in prison. This is simply the most recent example of the persecution endured by Pakistani Ahmadis, a trend that has led to the imprisonment of more than a thousand on charges of blasphemy.

In addition to legal discrimination, Ahmadis face social prejudice as well. According to the Asian Human Rights Commission, Ahmadi Drs. Sheraz Ahmad Bajwa and Nureen Sheraz were discovered murdered in their home on March 14, 2009. The couple had received death threats in previous months, but had been afraid to contact the authorities due to their religious background. Thus far, the police have not sought to apprehend the perpetrators.

The Institute calls on the Pakistani government to end its systematic discrimination against Ahmadi Muslims. "The Constitutional amendment excluding Ahmadis from the Muslim community is inappropriate and should be repealed," says President and Founder Joseph K. Grieboski. "Furthermore, the Pakistani government must take more aggressive action to protect the rights of all its citizens regardless of their religious profession as stated in Articles 19 and 20 of the Constitution."

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