Widespread condemnation followed the mob attack against an Ahmadiyya Mosque in the Pakistani city of Sialkot. U.S. joined lawmakers from Canada and UK to condemn the attack which resulted in the destruction of a historic 100-year-old Mosque.
The attack which was led by Hafiz Hamid Raza, a member of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf happened between the night of May 23rd and early morning of the May 24th. During the attack, a mob of around 500 Muslims chanted slogans against the minority Ahmadiyya Muslims as they destroyed the Mosque structure and an adjoining building.
The attack drew worldwide condemnation and shocked the already persecuted Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Pakistan.
U.S. Special Advisor for Religious Minorities, Knox Thames condemned the attack saying:
The U.S. strongly condemns the destruction of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community mosque in Sialkot Pakistan. We urge authorities to hold all perpetrators accountable and ensure the mosque is restored.
The U.S. strongly condemns the destruction of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community mosque in #Sialkot #Pakistan. We urge authorities to hold all perpetrators accountable and ensure the mosque is restored. twitter.com/tariqahmadbt/s…
Similarly, UK Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs, Boris Johnson also denounced the attack saying:
I condemn this attack and urge Pakistan to protect all its communities, including Ahmadi Muslims.
I condemn this attack and urge Pakistan to protect all its communities, including #Ahmadi #Muslims. twitter.com/tariqahmadbt/s…
UK @foreignoffice @ukinpakistan has repeatedly called for Pakistan @CMShehbaz to protect all communities & faiths -yet last night we again see a frenzied mob destroy a beautiful&historic mosque in #Sialkot -the tragedy of the continued persecution of #Ahmadi #Muslims @alislam
Terrible to hear reports of the attack on an Ahmadi mosque in Sialkot, Pakistan, last night. Will be addressing the issue when I speak in @HouseofCommons this afternoon on persecution of Ahmadiyya community.
Condemnations also came from Canadian Members of Parliament, including Jagmeet Singh, leader of NDP, Kamal Khera, Judy Srgo, Omar Al-Ghabra, Garnett Genuis, Deb Schulte and Ruby Sahota.
Extremely disappointed to hear about the destruction of Ahmadi Mosque in Sailkot, Pakistan, specially during the month of Ramadan. All those responsible should be held accountabe. Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that be respected and afforded to all! twitter.com/omaralghabra/s…
Shocking! I am very saddened & concerned to learn of the news of the demolished Ahmadiyya mosque in Sialkot city in Pakistan. Especially considering this occurrence has taken place during the holy month of Ramadan. @ahmadiyyacanada @FdAffan @PFA_Ahmadiyya
Another horrific attack in Pakistan, this time targeting Ahmadiyyas. Last night, personnel from the municipal committee in Sialkot City and an accompanying mob attacked important Ahmadiyya buildings while police looked on. Pakistan must do more to protect minorities. #cdnpoli
Last night in Pakistan a mob of over 600 destroyed an historical property of significance to the Ahmadiyya community and damaged the adjacent Mosque in Sialkot City. Pakistan must do more to protect minorities and uphold the rule of law. @ahmadiyyacanada
Pakistani politicians who are normally wary of commenting on the Ahmadiyya persecution also followed suit.
Attack on Ahmedi place of worship outrageous & unacceptable. PPP @Anny_Marri raised issue in senate & referred to HR committee. Perpetrators must be brought to justice.If a nations greatness is judged on how it treats its weakest members,continuation of such acts embarrass us all
Categorically and unconditionally condemned this atrocity during the #Senate sitting today.Expressed shame at how intolerant a nation we have become, and how we have failed Jinnah, as we rip to shreds his vision of an inclusive #Pakistan. Matter referred to Human Rights Committee twitter.com/mazdaki/status…
PTI strongly condemns the targetting of Ahmedis in Sialkot. We demand the Punjab Govt to take severe action against whoever involved in this heinous crime and protect the rights of all religious minorities. #PTI
However, at the same time, Irum Azeem Farooque, member of Sindh Provincial Assembly was barred from submitting a resolution condemning the attack. In a tweet Farooque said:
I wasn’t allowed to submit my condemnation Resolution in Sindh Assembly, Even though most of the members agreed with me that every sect has the right to their religious belief but still no one wanted to sign&condemn the attack on the praying site of Ahmedis.
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