Pakistan: Third Ahmadi Muslim, a doctor, killed in targeted attack within a month

Image: Jihad Watch

Dr. Sheikh Mahmood, a respected gastroenterologist and a devoted member of the persecuted Ahmadiyya Muslim community, was tragically shot and killed in Sargodha, Pakistan, on Thursday. His death marks the third targeted killing of an Ahmadi individual in the country within just one month—highlighting a deeply troubling escalation in sectarian violence and religious intolerance.

Dr. Mahmood had previously been forced to resign from his medical position due to growing pressure from extremist factions opposed to the Ahmadiyya faith—a sect that has long been marginalized in Pakistan. Despite receiving ongoing threats to his life, he chose not to retreat into silence or safety. Instead, he remained committed to his patients and continued to serve his local community through his medical expertise and humanitarian efforts. His courage and sense of duty were a reflection of his personal strength and unwavering belief in service, even in the face of grave danger.

The murder took place in a region where members of the Ahmadiyya community have frequently been subjected to harassment, discrimination, and physical attacks. Over the years, numerous cases of violence—including vandalism of Ahmadi graves, destruction of places of worship, and targeted killings—have gone largely unpunished. The state’s failure to adequately protect Ahmadis, combined with widespread societal prejudice and blasphemy laws that criminalize their faith practices, has left the community especially vulnerable.

Human rights organizations, both domestic and international, have strongly condemned the assassination and called for an immediate, transparent investigation into the killing. They have also urged the Pakistani government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs. Members of the Ahmadiyya community have also spoken out, expressing grief over the loss of Dr. Mahmood and demanding concrete action to prevent further bloodshed.

The persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan dates back to 1974, when the Pakistani constitution was amended to declare them non-Muslims. Since then, systemic discrimination has been codified into law, particularly under Ordinance XX and sections of the Penal Code that restrict their religious expression. This legal marginalization has fueled a culture of impunity for those who incite or commit violence against them.

Dr. Mahmood’s death is not just the loss of a skilled physician—it is a painful reminder of the entrenched religious intolerance that continues to plague Pakistan. His life of service and the circumstances of his death should galvanize wider support for religious freedom, judicial reform, and the urgent need to dismantle legal frameworks that enable religious persecution.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)