Rights Body Warns of Rising Intolerance in Pakistan

The International Human Rights Committee has issued a stark warning after Pakistan’s authorities allegedly bowed to mob demands and damaged an Ahmadiyya worship site in Sindh. In a strongly worded statement, the London-based group said the May 14 events in Karundi reveal a growing culture of intolerance that threatens religious minorities across the country. Protesters had gathered to demand the removal of minarets and the closure of the prayer hall in Jamalpur; within hours, local officials reportedly arrived and carried out the demolitions. IHRC noted that an Ahmadiyya man was subsequently beaten in the same locality, heightening concerns about personal safety. The committee accused the state of prioritizing crowd control over its duty to safeguard vulnerable citizens, calling the episode a serious breach of international human rights standards. It demanded an independent investigation and accountability for officials who participated in or enabled the destruction. Beyond Pakistan’s borders, the group appealed to global institutions to monitor the treatment of Ahmadis and press Islamabad to uphold religious freedom. Observers say such incidents are not isolated but part of a recurring cycle in which extremist groups leverage street power to influence government decisions. The statement ended with a reminder that protecting places of worship is essential for preserving Pakistan’s pluralistic identity.