Ahmadi Professor Gunned Down On Way Back From College

In a religiously-motivated attack, an Ahmadi professor was shot dead in Peshawar by unknown men on a motorcycle on Monday.

Ahmadiyya Jamaat spokesperson Saleemuddin said that Prof Naeemuddin Khattak, 56, was on his way home after taking his classes at Superior College when he was gunned down. He died on the spot as a result of bullet wounds.



The spokesperson said that the deceased has left behind a widow, two sons, and three daughters.

According to the spokesperson, "Over the past few months, there has been an increase in faith-based attacks on Ahmadis. In Peshawar, an organized hate campaign has been launched against Ahmadis which has resulted in the killing of Ahmadis. The Government has failed to protect the lives of the citizens."

The spokesperson hoped that the government would take 'swift action' against culprits and will make sure they are held accountable.

"We also hope the Government will ensure that in future such hate campaign against Ahmadis will be dealt with and take practical measures," it added.

On Aug 13, a 61-year-old Ahmadi man facing threats due to his faith was gunned down in Peshawar’s Dabgari Gardens locality.

Recently, Meraj Ahmed, who owned a medical store in the area, had approached the Federal Investigation Agency with a complaint that he and his brother were facing an ‘online hate campaign’ because of their Ahmadi faith. However, it seems that before the FIA could apprehend the suspects, Meraj was killed as a result of the hate campaign.

The minority community has remained a target of radical Muslims ever since the creation of Pakistan. The persecution had amplified after Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, then prime minister, amended the constitution to declare them ‘non-Muslims’.

In July, an ex-Ahmadi man was shot dead inside a courtroom in Peshawar over allegations of blasphemy. The murderer was greeted by certain lawyers, politicians and police officials as a ‘hero’ for killing an alleged blasphemer.

Ahead of Eidul Azha, Lahore High Court Bar Association had urged the government to act against the Ahmedi people who were observing sacrificing ritual, saying that the ritual was in violation of Section 298-B and 1973 constitution.

In Gujranwala, locals with the help of the police desecrated graves belonging to the members of the Ahmediyya community. Moreover, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri had said that anyone in Pakistan sympathising with the Ahmadiyya community could never be loyal to the country and Islam.

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