Patriotic processions marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day in District Faisalabad turned violent on Thursday when a mob targeted the Ahmadiyya community within the jurisdiction of Dijkot Police Station.
According to witnesses, the mob, fuelled by hate speeches, attacked two Ahmadiyya places of worship in 275 Kartarpur, tearing down minarets and setting one site on fire. Community members noted that both worship places were built prior to 1984. The rampage, which lasted nearly two hours, unfolded without intervention from law enforcement.
The violence extended to nearby Ahmadi homes, where stones were thrown, breaking windows and terrorising families. Several community members were assaulted — an Ahmadi youth was struck in the head with a brick, while others were beaten with sticks — leaving multiple injured.
Condemning the attacks, community representatives said such violence stands in stark contrast to the ideals envisioned by Pakistan’s founders. Human rights groups urged authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and to guarantee protection for all citizens, irrespective of their faith.