Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is being celebrated globally today, including in Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country where the festival is traditionally observed with great enthusiasm. However, this year, a new decree has been issued that has caused significant controversy. In the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are being forced to sign affidavits prohibiting them from celebrating Eid.
New Decree: Eid Celebration Banned for Ahmadis
In Punjab, Pakistan, the Ahmadiyya community has been warned that if they observe Eid, they will face a fine of 500,000 Pakistani Rupees. This harsh measure has been put in place in several areas of Punjab and Sindh, where Ahmadis are also being pressured not to perform religious rituals or animal sacrifices inside their homes.
The Eid celebration, which falls on June 7 this year, is being overshadowed by these restrictions. According to media reports, in several areas, the police have been detaining Ahmadi individuals and coercing them into signing affidavits that forbid them from observing religious ceremonies related to Eid.
Lahore High Court Request to Ban Eid Observance for Ahmadis
The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) has made an official request to the Punjab Police Chief to prevent the Ahmadiyya community from performing Islamic rituals during Eid al-Adha. According to the LHCBA’s letter, while Eid al-Adha is a sacred festival for Muslims, the customs associated with it, such as offering prayers and animal sacrifices, should only be observed by Muslims.
The letter further claims that the Ahmadiyya community is a non-Muslim group and that they are not legally or religiously permitted to use Islamic symbols or follow Islamic rituals. The letter specifically warns that anyone caught observing Eid will be fined 500,000 Pakistani Rupees. This order is being enforced based on a 2023 notification.
Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan and Historical Persecution
Approximately 2 million Ahmadis reside in Pakistan, a community that has long been persecuted by the government and radical elements. According to a 2024 report, at least 36 Ahmadis were arbitrarily arrested in Punjab during Eid last year to prevent them from performing animal sacrifices.
The situation stems from a constitutional amendment in 1974, which declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims. Since then, they have faced constant persecution, including legal restrictions on their religious practices and identification as Muslims.
This latest decree is just another chapter in the ongoing oppression of the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, whose rights and freedom to practice their faith continue to be heavily restricted.
Leave a Reply