Mob Pressure Following False Allegations Leads to Demolition of Ahmadi Mosque Minarets 

(Bahawalnagar, Pakistan) – Pakistani authorities demolished the minarets of an Ahmadi mosque in Chak No. 166 Murad, District Bahawalnagar, on 8 March 2025 after members of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) blamed Ahmadis for the death of a local resident and used the allegation to organise protests and demand action against the community.

The allegations followed a verbal dispute between two local groups unrelated to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. During the altercation, a resident identified as Amjad suffered a medical emergency and died while being taken to hospital. Community records state that no Ahmadis were present at the scene.

TLP activists subsequently circulated claims on social media accusing Ahmadis of responsibility for the death. Protesters gathered in Dahranwala, burnt tyres, and demanded the demolition of the Ahmadi mosque in Chak No. 166 Murad as well as the registration of murder cases against members of the community.

Before the burial of the deceased, police registered a First Information Report under Sections 302, 109, 148, and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code against two Ahmadis and seven other local residents. Local reports indicated that no evidence linked the Ahmadis to the death.

Later that night, authorities deployed heavy machinery and demolished the minarets of the Ahmadi place of worship. During the same period, individuals entered Ahmadi homes and looted possessions. Law enforcement authorities did not intervene to protect the homes or residents.