Kotli, AJK; February 10, 2023: The police registered here a case against an Ahmadi, Tasleem Ahmad Kashif, under 298-C, APC-504 at Police Station Kotli in FIR 51/23.

The complainant said that Tasleem Ahmad Kashif was listening to the recitation of the holy Quran in high volume in his garments store and that hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. He also claimed that Mr. Kashif misbehaved with a cleric of Ghousia Mosque who tried to stop him. Qadianis have also constructed minarets and niche in their worship place, which is a sheer violation of the Constitution—he added in his complaint. He also demanded the authorities to demolish minarets and niches of Ahmadi worship places, as also a strict action against Mr. Kashif.

The president of Ahmadiyya Community district Kotli reported that on February 8, 2023 a non- Ahmadi employee of Mr Tasleem Ahmad Kashif had turned on the recitation of the Holy Quran on television. An imam of a local mosque passed by and objected that he had no right to listen to the recitation because he is an infidel. He also used uncouth language against the Jamaat.

Afterwards, some forty to fifty mullas gathered and approached the authorities to take immediate and strict action against the Ahmadi. Unable to handle the pressure of these fanatics, the police registered the case and arrested him on February 10, 2023.

This novel interpretation of blasphemy laws makes Ahmadis more vulnerable and exposed to miscreants who are always eager to attack the innocent. Although there is no legislation which forbids Ahmadis from listening to the recitation of the Holy Quran, the authorities seem to surrender to religious bigots.