Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan

12.7.2018

Question for written answer E-003883-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Charles Tannock (ECR) , Anthea McIntyre (ECR)

Ahmadi Mulims, considered heretics by Pakistan’s majority Sunni Muslim population since the 1974 Pakistani Parliament declared them non-Muslims, have long been the victims of violent religious persecution and hate speech.

On 25 June 2018, Mr Qazi Muhammed Shoban, an Ahmadi Muslim, was murdered in his home in Lahore, Pakistan, on religious grounds, leaving behind a widow and three daughters. This is just the latest in recurring episodes of violence against Ahmadis, in which hundreds have already been murdered on religious grounds.

In light of this, could the Commission please clarify the following:

• 1.Is the Commission monitoring the violent treatment that Ahmadi Muslims are being subjected to in Pakistan?
• 2.Does the Commission recognise the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims as a violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), of which Pakistan is a signatory?
• 3.Has the Commission considered measures that can be taken to protest against the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan?