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US Rights Commission Rebukes Pakistan Over Brutal Ahmadi Mosque Attack

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Ahmadi worshippers in Pakistan. Gunmen opened fire during Friday prayers at a mosque in Rabwah, injuring six community members. This bipartisan US congressional body is urging the State Department to use diplomatic pressure to protect religious minorities. The commission emphasized Pakistan's constitutional commitment to religious freedom must be upheld.

Key Points: US Commission Condemns Pakistan Ahmadi Mosque Shooting

  • Six Ahmadi worshippers shot during Friday prayers at Rabwah mosque
  • Commission calls for diplomatic action under Pakistan's CPC designation
  • 1974 constitutional amendment declared Ahmadis non-Muslims in Pakistan
  • Bipartisan commission co-chaired by Representatives McGovern and Smith
2 min read

US Rights Commission rebukes Pakistan over brutal attack on Ahmadi worshippers

Bipartisan US human rights commission demands State Department action after gunmen attacked Ahmadi worshippers during Friday prayers in Pakistan.

"State Dept must use tools available through Pakistan's CPC designation to urge Pakistan to curb violence against religious minorities - Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission"

Washington DC, October 16

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan body of the US House of Representatives, has opposed a gruesome assault on the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan and called on the US State Department to act decisively to ensure the protection of religious minorities.

The Commission's statement came after six Ahmadiyyas were shot and injured when gunmen attacked the Bait-ul-Mehdi mosque in Rabwah during Friday prayers, as reported by Rabwah Times.

According to Rabwah Times, in a post on X, the Commission termed the incident an "appalling attack" and urged the US government to use the diplomatic leverage granted under Pakistan's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

"@StateDept must use the tools available through Pakistan's CPC designation to urge @GovtofPakistan to curb violence against religious minorities," the Commission wrote.

The Ahmadiyya community has long faced systematic persecution in Pakistan. The 1974 constitutional amendment that declared Ahmadis non-Muslims paved the way for decades of discrimination and targeted violence. Rights organisations have repeatedly highlighted the government's failure to protect the community from hate crimes, noting the increasing normalisation of violence against Ahmadis.

Established in 2008 with unanimous approval from the US House of Representatives, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission promotes and defends human rights worldwide, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It works across party lines, engaging lawmakers, government agencies, and civil society groups to advocate for global human rights protections, as highlighted by Rabwah Times.

The Commission is co-chaired by Representative James P McGovern (D-MA) and Representative Christopher H Smith (R-NJ). Both emphasised the need for US intervention to remind Pakistan of its constitutional commitment to religious freedom.

The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, an affiliated organisation, echoed similar concerns, warning of an escalating pattern of violence against Ahmadis and criticising Pakistani authorities for their inaction, as per Rabwah Times.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the US commission's stance, I hope they show similar concern for human rights violations in other countries too. Selective outrage doesn't help anyone.
A
Arjun K
The 1974 constitutional amendment was the beginning of institutionalized discrimination. Religious minorities in Pakistan have suffered for decades. International pressure is necessary.
S
Sarah B
Attacking people during prayers is absolutely barbaric. No religion teaches violence against worshippers. The world needs to stand united against such extremism.
V
Vikram M
India has its challenges with religious harmony, but at least our constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. Pakistan should learn from this basic democratic principle.
M
Michael C
Good to see bipartisan support for human rights. When Democrats and Republicans agree on something, you know it's a serious issue that needs immediate attention.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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