A significant and controversial act unfolded in Daska on the intervening night of Jan 16th – Jan 17th, 2025, as the local administration demolished a historic Ahmadi place of worship built before 1947 by Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, one of Pakistan’s founding fathers. The mosque, long a symbol of the Ahmadi community’s resilience and faith, was torn down by authorities despite its deep historical significance.
Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, a prominent diplomat and a key figure in the creation of Pakistan, had commissioned the building of the mosque as a place of worship for the Ahmadi community. The structure not only stood as a sacred space but also represented the community’s longstanding contribution to the nation.
Today’s demolition is part of a disturbing trend in Pakistan, where the Ahmadi community continues to face severe persecution. Ahmadis in Pakistan are subjected to discrimination, harassment, and violence, often facing legal barriers that prevent them from practicing their faith freely. The destruction of places of worship, desecration of graves, and the denial of basic civil rights are regular features of the ongoing persecution that has gone largely unaddressed by authorities.
The Pakistani government has long been criticized for its treatment of Ahmadis, who are officially declared non-Muslim in the country’s constitution. The demolition in Daska is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of hostility toward the community. Despite international calls for religious tolerance, Pakistan continues to turn a blind eye to the systematic oppression faced by Ahmadis.
Many on Social Media condemned the attack on the Daska mosque, calling it a violation of religious freedom and human dignity. Many see this as a worrying sign that religious persecution in Pakistan is escalating, with little regard for history, legacy, or human rights.
As the Ahmadi community mourns the loss of this sacred place, the question remains: How much longer will the world allow such injustices to continue without action? The demolition of this mosque is not just a loss for the Ahmadi community, but for all who believe in the right to religious freedom and tolerance