- Joined
- Mar 11, 2013
- Messages
- 14,214
- Points
- 113
A 46-year-old Ahmadi was killed when he was beaten by a mob of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) followers who had mobilized outside an Ahmadi worship site in Karachi's Saddar neighborhood on Friday, reports the police.
A 46-year-old Ahmadi was killed when he was beaten by a mob of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) followers who had mobilized outside an Ahmadi worship site in Karachi’s Saddar neighborhood on Friday, reports the police.
Officials report the victim, who was a shop owner on Tariq Road, hurried to the area after learning about the protest. According to South Karachi DIG Syed Asad Raza, the man was assaulted close to the auto spare parts market while recording the protesters. The crowd members recognized him, and they proceeded to severely beat him up. Though taken to hospital, he died.
The DIG explained that the 400-strong violent group had been congregating in front of the Ahmadiyya community center, which already had stepped-up security as a result of similar incidents within the city over the past week. Police and Rangers responded rapidly and safely escorted dozens of community members from the building.
The CCTV tape that was recovered from the scene proved that the victim was recording the demonstrations when he was identified and attacked. The tape illustrates him being attacked, tripping, and further being beaten by the crowd. He was a very active member of the Ahmadi community.
DIG Raza indicated that unless the family files a complaint, the police will file a case on their behalf. He guaranteed that investigations are ongoing, and those involved will be brought to book.
The death of the victim was due to multiple injuries, especially to the head, police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed told, quoting blunt force trauma as the primary cause of death.
Community spokesperson Amir Mehmood pointed out that the man was merely walking past nearby—some 100 to 150 meters away—when he was identified and attacked. The local police also confirmed that he was taping the event near Hashu Centre when the attack occurred.
The Sindh Human Rights Commission has intervened, directing an unbiased inquiry and asking for a detailed report in 15 days. It also suggested increased safeguards for vulnerable populations and called for proactive interaction with local leaders in order to preclude further clashes.
The Pakistan Human Rights Commission also decried the murder as an acute failure by the state to safeguard religious minorities. In one of its reports, the HRCP identified an emerging pattern of religiously fueled violence, the abuse of blasphemy laws, and mounting animosity towards the Ahmadi community.
The HRCP sought immediate action against the perpetrators and urged authorities not to give in to outside pressures that could thwart legal proceedings.
