Faith on Trial: 40 Years of Discrimination Under Pakistan’s Ordinance XX

In April 1984, a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history unfolded when President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq signed Ordinance XX, criminalizing the religious practices of the Ahmadi community. This law has had profound implications for Ahmadis, who have faced systemic discrimination and violence for decades. As the 40th anniversary of this ordinance approaches, the consequences of this legislation remain starkly evident in the lives of countless individuals.

Nadia, a resident of Lahore, recalls how her family’s interactions changed dramatically following the ordinance’s enactment. At just five years old, she observed her parents and grandparents cease their traditional Islamic greetings, a shift that would prove fatal for many in her community. The ordinance explicitly prohibits Ahmadis from practicing their faith openly, including praying in mosques, calling the Azan, and using traditional Islamic greetings. Violations can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and even death.

Making the World Smaller

To grasp the full impact of Ordinance XX, one must consider the everyday realities faced by Ahmadis in Pakistan. A typical morning routine is fraught with restrictions: greeting neighbors is no longer an option, mosques cannot be referred to as such, and even the act of reading from their holy texts is forbidden. This is not merely a historical account; it reflects the current lives of many Pakistanis.

The ordinance builds on a previous law from 1974, which officially designated Ahmadis as non-Muslims. Sections 298-B and 298-C were added to the Penal Code, leading to over 3,000 accusations against Ahmadis for violating these laws within just four years. Among those accused, six received sentences of twenty-five years, while four others faced the death penalty.

A Community Forced Out and Still Living In

Following the signing of Ordinance XX, the fourth caliph of the Ahmadiyya community and 17 family members relocated to London, never to return. The international headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Movement for the Restoration of Islam also moved to the UK. Those who remained in Pakistan faced a grim reality, forced to adapt to a life of caution and fear.

A Pakistani Ahmadi who immigrated to the UK shared that living under such oppressive conditions necessitated careful planning of every interaction and statement. The pervasive atmosphere of fear has fundamentally altered the community’s way of life.

Numbers That Describe the History and Cannot Show Everything

Statistics paint a grim picture of violence against Ahmadis in Pakistan. Between 1984 and 2018, 264 individuals were killed due to their faith, and 388 were assaulted. Additionally, 28 mosques were either damaged or destroyed. In 2023, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported 34 attacks on places of worship belonging to the Ahmadi community. However, these numbers fail to capture the full extent of suffering experienced by Ahmadis.

They do not reveal the plight of families in Punjab whose children are barred from attending school due to ongoing violence. They do not tell the story of a farmer unable to conduct business because local imams have instructed others to avoid him. They also do not reflect the daily struggles of women who must hide their religious identities to avoid persecution.

By criminalizing their religious practices, the government has institutionalized discrimination against Ahmadis.

The Vote You Cannot Give

Another critical aspect of life under Ordinance XX is the disenfranchisement of Ahmadis in the electoral process. To vote, an Ahmadi must either renounce their faith or register separately, a choice that contradicts their beliefs. This effectively excludes them from participating in the democratic process.

An activist from Rabwa, the largest city of Ahmadis in Pakistan, noted that the dilemma presents a false choice between religion and civic duty, highlighting the systemic barriers faced by the community.

Why Have No Reforms Happened So Far?

Despite 40 years passing and numerous changes in political leadership, no significant efforts have been made to amend or repeal Ordinance XX. The reasons for this stagnation are multifaceted. Religious policy remains a sensitive issue in Pakistan, and groups advocating for the ordinance’s enforcement maintain significant influence, often resorting to threats of violence to protect their interests.

For instance, when former Prime Minister Imran Khan considered appointing an Ahmadi economist, Atif Mian, to his advisory council, he ultimately decided against it due to potential backlash. Furthermore, appeals to the Supreme Court for the revocation of the law have consistently been denied, with a notable ruling in 1993 declaring it unconstitutional.

In 2024, the Supreme Court attempted to safeguard the Ahmadi community’s right to practice their religion by limiting the law’s application to the public sector. However, this revision was subsequently challenged by the Punjab government and local clerics.

What Should Be Done?

As the 40th anniversary of Ordinance XX approaches, it is crucial to shift focus from commemoration to action. Repealing or amending Sections 298-B and 298-C is essential for allowing citizens to practice their faith freely without fear of persecution. Additionally, judicial measures should be implemented to prevent future discrimination against Ahmadis through blasphemy laws.

Human rights organizations, including the United Nations, must exert pressure on the Pakistani government to abolish discriminatory laws that have fostered both legal and social prejudice against Ahmadis. Addressing these issues will be a complex task, but it is imperative for the future of religious freedom in Pakistan.

As reported by www.timesnownews.com.

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Published on 2026-04-25 09:52:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk