Violence Follows Obstruction of Ahmadi Burial and Escalating Tensions in the Local Area

(Sialkot, Pakistan) – A mob opened fire on members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Piro Chak, District Sialkot, on 28 September 2025, injuring at least five people and setting fire to Ahmadi homes and property days after anti-Ahmadi agitators obstructed the burial of an Ahmadi woman.

According to local reports, one Ahmadi man sustained gunshot injuries while several others were severely beaten during the assault. At least five Ahmadis were seriously injured.

The attackers then set fire to five Ahmadi homes and a local shop owned by members of the community. A car, tractor, and cargo van were also burned during the attack.

Tensions in Piro Chak had risen earlier in September after anti-Ahmadi agitators obstructed the burial of Qudsia Tabassum, an Ahmadi woman, and opposed her burial in the local cemetery. Community members said the burial dispute was followed by repeated threats, intimidation, and public harassment.

On 28 September, extremists first assaulted one Ahmadi resident before attacking others and gathering into a larger mob that carried out coordinated arson attacks against Ahmadi homes and property.

Police registered a First Information Report at Motra Police Station on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Amir Ali Sindhu. The FIR names 31 individuals and attributes responsibility to an additional 200 to 250 unidentified people.

Police were present at the scene and an investigation was opened, though residents raised concerns over accountability given repeated failures to prosecute those responsible for anti-Ahmadi violence in Punjab.