Muslim World Report

Pakistan Targets Ahmadiyya Muslims with Eid Celebration Ban

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 7, 2025 10:24 AM | 6 min read | 1254 words

TL;DR: The Pakistani government’s recent ban on Eid celebrations for the Ahmadiyya community illustrates ongoing religious persecution and the manipulation of religious sentiments for political ends. This article explores the implications of this directive, the historical context of discrimination, and potential responses from both the international community and domestic activism.

The Erosion of Religious Freedom in Pakistan: A Call for Solidarity

The recent directive from the Pakistani government that explicitly warns the Ahmadiyya community against celebrating Eid—under the threat of hefty fines—marks a critical juncture in the country’s approach to religious freedom. This government stance underscores the persistent marginalization faced by Ahmadiyya Muslims, a sect regarded as heretical by some mainstream Islamic groups. The implications of such actions extend beyond Pakistan’s borders, signaling a dangerous trend in the broader Muslim world, where minority sects are increasingly targeted in the name of religious purity (Mahmud, 1995).

Nationalism and Political Tactics

  • The timing of the directive coincides with heightened nationalistic sentiment within Pakistan.
  • The government uses religious rhetoric to solidify political power.
  • By targeting the Ahmadiyyas, the government seeks to:
    • Appease conservative factions
    • Distract the populace from pressing socio-economic issues.

This tactic of scapegoating minorities raises alarm bells about the precarious state of human rights in Pakistan—a nation that has historically portrayed itself as a bastion of Islamic values (Marshall, 2008).

The Historical Context of Discrimination Against the Ahmadiyya Community

Historians note that the legal and political treatment of the Ahmadiyya community has been fraught with systemic discrimination since the 1974 constitutional amendment that declared them non-Muslims (Rashid, 2011). This institutionalized persecution has resulted not only in social ostracism but also in escalating violence against them, as illustrated by numerous reports of attacks on their places of worship and community members (Malik, 2011).

Patterns of Discrimination

  • Systemic Discrimination:
    • Legal exclusion since 1974.
    • Rise in violence against community members.
  • Political Expediency:
    • Religion used to legitimize discrimination against minorities (Rais, 2007).

The Potential Responses of the International Community

What if the International Community Responds Forcefully?

If the international community—including critical voices from human rights organizations and foreign governments—responds vigorously to Pakistan’s warning against the Ahmadiyya community, the consequences could be significant. Such a reaction may:

  • Amplify calls for accountability regarding religious freedoms.
  • Pressure Islamabad through diplomatic channels, potentially leading to:
    • An escalation in government rhetoric, framing the situation as an attack on sovereignty.
    • Increased persecution of minority groups, including the Ahmadiyyas.

Oppositely, this could also prompt some officials to reconsider domestic policies to avoid international isolation.

Civil Society Responses

A strong international response could galvanize Pakistani civil society and religious leaders who advocate for tolerance and coexistence. Activists might find:

  • Renewed energy in their struggles for equal rights.
  • A broader movement for religious pluralism fostering local advocacy.

The Role of Domestic Activism and Civil Society

Despite precarious circumstances, international attention might invigorate movements for tolerance and pluralism within Pakistan. Voices from civil society, including progressive Muslim leaders and human rights advocates, could harness global attention to:

  • Foster local activism aimed at dismantling discriminatory laws.
  • Promote dialogue that emphasizes foundational Islamic principles—love, peace, and fraternity among all believers (O’Donnell, 2017).

Mobilization of the Ahmadiyya Community

The Ahmadiyya community’s response to the government’s directive is critical. If they choose to protest, it could catalyze a national dialogue on:

  • Religious identity.
  • The state’s role in regulating belief (Amin, 2016).

Such mobilization would not only draw attention to their plight but could also unify other religious minorities, potentially sparking:

  • A broader civil rights movement transcending sectarian divides.
  • Possible backlash or repression from the government, which could alienate moderate Muslims (McCoy et al., 2018).

What if the Ahmadiyya Community Protests?

If the Ahmadiyya community stages protests, it may result in:

  • A significant escalation of tensions within Pakistan.
  • An opportunity for solidarity with other religious minorities and progressive factions.

The government’s response would be crucial; a heavy-handed approach could lead to greater isolation of moderate Muslims, while a constructive engagement could foster interfaith discussions.

A Possible Shift in Government Approach

What if Pakistan Chooses Dialogue Over Repression?

If the Pakistani government were to pivot toward dialogue and inclusivity, it could redefine the landscape of religious freedom in the country. Such a shift would require:

  • Courage to challenge entrenched narratives that justify discrimination.
  • Discussions involving governmental representatives, religious leaders, and civil society.

This could lead to an institutional framework promoting interfaith understanding, fostering a more inclusive national identity.

National Campaign for Tolerance

A robust campaign to address misinformation about religious diversity would be essential. This would involve:

  • Utilizing educational institutions, media, and community organizations to promote messages of tolerance and coexistence.

The targeting of minority sects is not confined to Pakistan; it reflects a broader trend where governments exploit religion to consolidate power at the expense of marginalized communities. This poses significant threats to:

  • The social fabric of affected nations.
  • The universal values of human rights and dignity (Collier, 2004).

Dangerous Narratives

Those in power often perpetuate narratives that frame religious minorities as threats to national unity. This is particularly dangerous in a world increasingly polarized along religious lines. The potential for civil strife and international crises escalates as minority groups seek refuge from persecution.

A Call for Strategic Maneuvers for All Players Involved

Given the complexity of the situation surrounding the Ahmadiyya directive, various actors hold a stake in its outcome. The Pakistani government must weigh the risks of reinforcing sectarian divisions against the potential benefits of embracing diversity. Critical actions include:

  • Mobilizing support while ensuring the safety of their members.
  • Building coalitions with marginalized groups to amplify voices for religious freedom.

International Sensitivity

International actors, especially those influential in Pakistan, must approach this situation with sensitivity. Advocacy for change should come alongside:

  • Offers of collaboration and support for civil society efforts.
  • Balancing critique of the government with respect for its sovereignty.

Domestic Activism

Civil society within Pakistan should leverage this moment to promote a narrative of inclusivity. Collective efforts to educate the public about the importance of religious diversity could create momentum for:

  • Lasting change toward a more tolerant society.

Navigating this complex landscape requires strategic foresight and collaboration among all stakeholders. The treatment of the Ahmadiyya community could serve as a litmus test for religious freedoms not only within Pakistan but across the Muslim world. The stakes are high, and the decisions made today will resonate for generations to come.

References

Amin, K. (2016). Haunted by the 1990s: Queer Theory’s Affective Histories. Women’s studies quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1353/wsq.2016.0041

Collier, P. (2004). Greed and grievance in civil war. Oxford Economic Papers. https://doi.org/10.1093/oep/gpf064

Khan, A. Q. (2013). When Heterodoxy Becomes Heresy: Using Bourdieu’s Concept of Doxa to Describe State-Sanctioned Exclusion in Pakistan. Sociology of Religion. https://doi.org/10.1093/socrel/srv015

Mahmud, T. (1995). Freedom of Religion & Religious Minorities in Pakistan: A Study of Judicial Practice. Fordham International Law Journal.

Malik, A. M. (2011). Denial of flood aid to members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan. PubMed.

Marshall, P. (2008). Religious freedom in the world. Choice Reviews Online. https://doi.org/10.5860/choice.45-6508

McCoy, J., Rahman, T., & Somer, M. (2018). Polarization and the Global Crisis of Democracy: Common Patterns, Dynamics, and Pernicious Consequences for Democratic Polities. American Behavioral Scientist. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764218759576

O’Donnell, S. J. (2017). Islamophobic conspiracism and neoliberal subjectivity: the inassimilable society. Patterns of Prejudice. https://doi.org/10.1080/0031322x.2017.1414473

Rais, R. B. (2007). Identity Politics and Minorities in Pakistan. South Asia Journal of South Asian Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/00856400701264050

Rashid, Q. (2011). PAKISTAN’S FAILED COMMITMENT: How Pakistan’s Institutionalized Persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Richmond Journal of Global Law and Business.

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