Thursday, December 8, 2016

Pakistan: Jama'at Ahmadiyya condemns illegal raid, arrests at Rabwah offices


We urge the relevant authorities and in particular, the Punjab Government to immediately withdraw these unjustified cases and release the individuals arrested, taking strict action against the perpetrators of this incident.

Times of Ahmad | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ / Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya
By Press Release | December 7, 2016

Chenab Nagar: The Counter Terrorism Department of the Punjab Government (CTD) carried out an unlawful raid on the offices of Tehreek-e-Jadid on December 05, 2016, including a physical attack on a security guard, who was immediately rushed to hospital. CTD officials also harassed and assaulted workers of the Ahmadiyya Community. One office bearer of the community inquired whether those conducting the raid had a warrant, to which he received no reply.

As a result of this infringement, the officials of the CTD arrested three employees of the Ahmadiyya Community: (1) Amir Faheem; (2) Sabah ul Zafar; (3) Zahid Majeed and confiscated various computers, laptops, mobile phones, office papers and books for which no receipt was given. Subsequently, the officials of the CTD went to Zia-ul-Islam Press and entered the facility by climbing the walls of the premises. They handcuffed and arrested Idrees Ahmad, an employee of the press. He was assaulted by them.

The officials of the CTD took in their possession various papers, ink, films, diesel and other material from the press without giving a receipt and thereafter sealed the press before leaving. The officials of the CTD have filed cases against the 4 Ahmadis arrested and 5 other members of the community. Those arrested have no connection whatsoever with the journal Tehreek-e-Jadid but were severely tortured during the time in custody. The registered FIR states that the monthly Tehreek-e-Jadid and Daily Alfazal are banned by the Punjab Government, however, the facts are as follows:

Tehrek-e-Jadid is a monthly journal printed from the offices of Tehreek-e-Jadid, Rabwah, solely for the education and upbringing of members of the Ahmadiyya Community. Similarly, the Daily Alfazal is also printed from Rabwah, the header of which clearly mentions that it is only for the education and upbringing of members of the Ahmadiyya Community. Last year, on the recommendation of Mutahida Ulema Board, the Home Department, Government of Punjab placed an unjustified prohibition on the Monthly Tehreek-e-Jadid and Daily Alfazal via Notification SO(IS-III)6-15/2010 dated December 09, 2014 and June 25, 2014 respectively. Against which, Writ Petitions No. 16660-15 and 16634-15 were filed by the editors of Monthly Tehreek-e-Jadid and Daily Alfazal in the Lahore High Court in which the learned Justice Ijaz-ul-Hassan granted the following injunction on June 02, 2015:
“Notice. Subject to notice, until the next date of hearing, no coercive measures shall be adopted against the petitioner.”
At present this matter is pending before the Learned Justice Ayesha Malik at the Lahore High Court and no new order has been made. As such, this unlawful raid was made in a complete mockery of the order of the Lahore High Court.

The Ahmadiyya Community strongly condemns this state sponsored, unlawful raid by the CTD at its national offices where innocent and peaceful citizens were tortured and treated in an unlawful and inhumane manner. Targeting a law abiding and patriotic community in such a violent manner is strictly in contravention with the fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens under the Constitution of Pakistan. We urge the relevant authorities and in particular, the Punjab Government to immediately withdraw these unjustified cases and release the individuals arrested, taking strict action against the perpetrators of this incident. We express our sincere regret that whilst the National Action Plan clearly mentions a complete ban on hate material, hatred is spewed throughout Pakistan against Ahmadis, both verbally and in writing. As such, rather than the NAP being implemented in letter and spirit, Ahmadis are being targeted by unlawful state measures.


-- Jama'at Ahmadiyya condemns illegal raid, arrests at Rabwah offices


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