A chilling attack took place at the Bait-ul-Mahdi mosque, an Ahmadi place of worship in Rabwah (Chenab Nagar), Punjab, Pakistan, during Friday prayers. CCTV footage shows a lone gunman opening fire at volunteer guards, injuring six worshippers before being shot dead by the guards.
Attack Details
The verified footage captures the assailant approaching the mosque with a pistol and firing multiple rounds. Panic erupted among worshippers as they sought cover. According to Punjab Police, volunteer guards returned fire, killing the attacker and preventing him from entering the mosque.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine any extremist affiliations. No group has yet claimed responsibility, though groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have historically targeted Ahmadi sites.
Community Response
Aamir Mahmood, spokesperson for Jamaat Ahmadiyya Pakistan, condemned the attack, highlighting that hate campaigns and incendiary sermons have created an environment that encourages such violence. He emphasized the need to punish perpetrators and stop campaigns promoting violence against Ahmadis.
Historical Context of Persecution
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Ahmadis were declared non-Muslims in Pakistan in 1974.
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Laws restrict their religious practices, including prohibitions on displaying Quranic verses or building minarets.
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The Rabwah attack has reignited concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan and the growing climate of sectarian violence.
Conclusion:
The Rabwah mosque attack underscores the persistent risks faced by Pakistan’s Ahmadi community and highlights the urgent need for legal protection and global awareness. Volunteer guards prevented a potentially larger tragedy, but the incident is a stark reminder of unchecked sectarian hostility.
Conversation
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