PAKISTAN'S RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION AGAINST AHMADI MUSLIMS

PAKISTAN'S RELIGIOUS OPPRESSION

Pakistan is a country which has devised its constitution to politically infuse Islamic Law which is not only misinterpreted but also misused.

Politcally instituted Shariat has defined many new laws which are often a glaring contrast between true Islamic values and those implemented.

Blasphemy Law is one such law which is used to persecute and condemn Muslims and non Muslims alike. The worst affected by these laws are the so called minorities in Pakistan based on religous beliefs. Amongst these, those facing extreme inhuman treatment are Ahmadi Muslims and Chirstians.

Particularly Ahmadi Muslims have become the popular target for religous extremists and fanatics and this has been encouraged by the solemn oath of Ahmadis not to retaliate, since their religion mandates peace and love for all while haterd for none.

Under new ordinances and laws Ahmadis can not:
1. Preach their belief.
2. Call themselves a Muslim.
3. Recite Holy Quran.
4. Say Muslim salutation "Aasalam-o-Alaikum".
5. Recite "Kalima Tayyeba" i.e. There is no one worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad is His Prophet.
6. Call for Prayers (Adhan).
7. Call their places of worship as "Masjid".
8. Cannot posses anything (badge/book etc.) on which Quranic Verses or Ahadith (sayings of Prophet Mohammad [peace be upon him]) are printed.
9. Act or pose like a Muslim
10. Do any such act which hurts the feelings of another Muslim.

Any of the above acts is punishable from 3 to 7 years imprisonment and fine but most of the cases show that Section 295-C is added against Ahmadis wrongfully which carries Death sentence. This is in clear violation of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion rights mentioned in Pakistan's Constitution. Compared to other non-Muslims (Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists etc.) who are not covered under above, as it is not part of their belief. Other non-Muslims except Ahmadis will only be booked under Blasphemy Law when they say anything degrading Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or burn the copies of Holy Quran. Ahmadis cannot even think of doing any such act as belief in Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] and the Holy Quran is the basic principle of Ahmadiyyat.

In the words of a President of Pakistan, " Ahmadis offend me. I have a sacred duty to rid Pakistan of them. I intend to drive them out. These laws may violate Human Rights but I don't care."

The evidence of inhuman treatment against Ahmadis can be found in every human rights reports from US State department, UNO, Amnesty Interantional etc.

Ahmadis today are lying in jails, waiting death penalties, are being totured physcially and mentally and are their voices are being suppressed day in and day out for just one reason: their belief. We ask you for your support. Sign this petition, help the Ahmadis realise their freedom something which every human being is entitled to. Voice out against religious persecution!