3 weeks ago
Rights group denounces removal of Ahmadi official from Pakistan post
There is a group called the International Human Rights Committee that works to protect people's rights around the world.
It is based in the United Kingdom.
The group is worried about a man in Pakistan named Naghman Ahmad.
He belongs to a religious community called the Ahmadiyya.
Mr. Ahmad had a government job keeping land records in a place called Lalian.
Some people who objected to his religion said bad things about him and demanded that he be removed.
Their campaign said he should not have the job because he is an Ahmadi Muslim.
On August 8, the government told him to report to the main office and gave his work to someone else.
Nobody explained why he was moved.
The rights group says this is unfair and shows that religious intolerance can push people out of their jobs, and it is asking world leaders to help protect Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan.
The UK-based International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) condemned the removal of Ahmadi Muslim Naghman Ahmad from a government post in Pakistan's Punjab province.
Ahmad had been posted as Assistant Director Land Records (ADLR) in Lalian, Chiniot district, by the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA).
Individuals linked to Khatm-e-Nabuwwat organisations publicly campaigned against his appointment, using the slur 'Qadiani' and demanding his removal.
On August 8, an official order directed Ahmad to report to PLRA headquarters with immediate effect, and another official was given additional charge of his position.
The IHRC said the order gave no reason for the transfer and urged the United Nations and international bodies to press Pakistan to protect freedom of religion or belief.
- Who
- Naghman Ahmad, an Ahmadi Muslim Assistant Director Land Records; the UK-based International Human Rights Committee (IHRC); groups associated with Khatm-e-Nabuwwat organisations; and the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA).
- What
- Ahmad was removed from his government posting in Punjab after an organised campaign by extremist groups objected to his religious identity.
- Where
- Lalian, Chiniot district, Punjab province, Pakistan.
- When
- Days after the campaign began; the transfer order was issued on August 8.
- Why
- Extremist groups demanded his removal because of his religious identity, and authorities subsequently ordered him to report to PLRA headquarters.
Rights advocates
Removal campaigners
Ahmadi official's government post
Rights advocates
Ahmad's appointment as Assistant Director Land Records was legitimate, and removing him because of his religious identity violates the equal rights of Pakistani citizens; the IHRC demands an immediate and transparent explanation from the Punjab authorities.
Removal campaigners
Campaigners associated with Khatm-e-Nabuwwat organisations publicly objected to Ahmad's appointment because of his religious identity, demanded his removal, threatened further protest, and celebrated the administrative action as the result of their efforts.
Key facts
- Rights group
- International Human Rights Committee (IHRC), UK-based
- Official affected
- Naghman Ahmad
- Position
- Assistant Director Land Records (ADLR)
- Posting location
- Lalian, Chiniot district, Punjab, Pakistan
- Appointing authority
- Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA)
- Campaigning groups
- Khatm-e-Nabuwwat organisations
- Date of transfer order
- August 8, with immediate effect
- Reason given for removal
- None specified in the official order
Quotes
International Human Rights Committee (IHRC)
UK‑based human rights organization
“If government officials can be targeted and displaced from their positions because extremist groups object to their faith, the implications extend far beyond this individual case. It reinforces an environment in which religious intolerance can exert influence over state institutions and the equal rights of Pakistani citizens.”
thehansindia.com
“An Ahmadi Muslim was appointed to a government position. Extremist groups publicly objected to his appointment because of his religious identity, demanded his removal and threatened further protest. He was subsequently removed from that posting, and those same groups are now celebrating the outcome as their victory.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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