Ahmadi man killed outside place of worship amid TLP protest

Religious hatred turns deadly: DIG accuses party activists of committing atrocity

STATE OF THE NATION

April 19, 2025

AN Ahmadi man was lynched in Karachi on Friday after a violent mob, reportedly comprising hundreds of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters, gathered outside an Ahmadi place of worship in the Saddar area. The attack has once again raised serious concerns over the safety and religious freedom of minorities in the country.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Karachi South, Syed Asad Raza, told Dawn.com the 46-year-old victim ran a shop on Tariq Road. Upon learning of the unrest, he shut his shop and went to the Ahmadiyya Hall. CCTV footage later showed him filming the protest from behind the building before being identified by members of the crowd.

“He was initially beaten. When he collapsed, the mob continued to assault him, causing fatal injuries,” DIG Raza said. The man was taken to hospital but succumbed to his wounds. A post-mortem confirmed trauma of blunt force to the head as the cause of death.

DIG Raza added that the police intend to register a murder case against TLP leaders and supporters. “If the family does not file a report, the state will do so,” he said. However, the TLP has denied any involvement, claiming its protest was peaceful.

The lynching occurred near an auto parts market close to the worship site. Police and Rangers, already present due to heightened tensions in the city, acted quickly to protect around 45-50 Ahmadi worshippers inside the building, later moving them to safety.

Amir Mehmood, a spokesperson for the Ahmadi community, said the deceased was a well-known member of the community and had merely been passing by when recognised and attacked. However, Preedy Station House Officer Shabbir Husain said he was filming the crowd near Hashu Centre when the mob attacked him.

The victim’s family took custody of his body following an autopsy and has said they will decide on filing a First Information Report after consultation with the community.

TLP spokesperson Rehan Mohammed Khan dismissed the allegations. “We were protesting peacefully. The authorities must investigate and act, but what proof do they have against our workers?” he questioned.

The police have retrieved footage and are working to identify those involved. “No one will be spared,” DIG Raza added.