Ahmadiyya mosque sealed, and police case registered against Ahmadis

Chak No. 24, District Sanghar; July 8, 2023:
Dr. Azhar Iqbal (local president of the Ahmadiyya Community) undertook the renovation of his residence. There is a mosque within the premises. The repair of the niche of the mosque was also undertaken. Availing the opportunity, the opponents objected to the minarets and the niche, wrongfully arguing that Ahmadis are not allowed to have these in their places of worship (sic). They agitated on social media and gathered a mob from the neighboring villages at the site. The mulla leading the miscreants made intensive hate speeches, demanded the demolition of the structure, and threatened to take the law into their own hands.
On July 4, 2023, the DSP and SHO visited the site, they were informed that the mosque was an old structure (pre-dating the anti-Ahmadi laws) so were its minarets and niche.
Despite this, the police sealed the mosque and registered a criminal case against Dr. Azhar Iqbal and his brother Mr. Mazhar Iqbal under sections 295-A, 298-C, and 298-B(1)(D) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The latter is a high-level community official and lives in Rabwah, hundreds of kilometers away. The penal code applied provides for up to ten-year imprisonment to the victims. The police claimed that the registration of the case was essential to calm down the mob and remove the threat to law and order.