Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: October 17, 2020
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ (Matthew 5:4)
Anti-Ahmadi sentiments continue to beset Pakistan, where hatred continues unabated across society. We’re really saddened to report another murder in Pakistan’s Ahmadi Muslim community.
Professor Naeemuddin Khattak, a 56-year-old Ahmadi Muslim, was shot dead in Peshawar, northern Pakistan, on 5 October. While circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated, initial information suggests that the murder was religiously motivated.
Professor Khattak, who works at Superior College Peshawar, was returning home after his lectures when he was killed by unidentified men on a motorcycle. According to a local report, he is survived by his widow, two sons and three daughters.
Pakistan is the only country in the world that declares Ahmadis to be non-Muslims by law – a 1974 constitutional amendment formalised and legitimised the persecution of Ahmadis. Since then they have faced persistent and systematic violence and structural discrimination that affects their economic, social and employment status, political life and educational activities, as well as their physical existence.
In summary, please pray:
- For comfort and strength for Professor Khattak’s family as they mourn their loss, and that his memory would be a blessing.
- That the murder would be swiftly investigated and the perpetrators held to account.
- That the authorities would repeal unjust legislation and ensure that Ahmadi Muslims enjoy their rights as full and equal citizens of Pakistan.