A tragic incident unfolded in Karachi, Pakistan, where a member of the minority Ahmadi community was allegedly beaten to death by a mob of Islamists. The victim, identified as Laeeq Cheema, succumbed to his injuries before receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the southern port city. Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this fatal attack.
According to reports, a rally was organized near an Ahmadi place of worship by individuals associated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a radical Islamist party. This demonstration allegedly led to the attack on Cheema. Police have increased their presence in the area to prevent further unrest, especially in light of scheduled TLP rallies.
Amir Mahmood, a spokesperson for the Ahmadi community, attributed the violence to TLP supporters who had been gathering outside their places of worship with the intent to cause damage. He also expressed concern over the slow response of law enforcement to TLP protests, which have become a frequent occurrence across the country.
Summaya Tariq, a representative from Government Civil Hospital, confirmed Cheema’s death, noting the multiple injuries sustained during the assault. The attack did not occur directly at the Ahmadi site, but police are still working to identify the perpetrators responsible for his death.
The Ahmadi community, comprising about half a million individuals within Pakistan’s 250 million population, frequently faces persecution. Although the Ahmadi faith is an offshoot of Islam, it was declared non-Muslim by Pakistan in 1974. This designation has led to attacks on their homes and places of worship by Sunni militants who view them as heretical.
Video footage from the scene showed demonstrators chanting anti-Ahmadi slogans, a situation described by Mahmood as a regular occurrence, particularly on Fridays. He criticized the police for not taking adequate action in past weeks to curb these gatherings.
The TLP has gained notoriety in recent years for organizing large demonstrations and advocating for Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which prescribe the death penalty for anyone found guilty of insulting Islam.