After it was reported that Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Malik Ilyas Awan submitted an appeal seeking the eviction of Ahmadis from Khushab, social media users have been criticising PML-Q for its apparent bigotry against a highly persecuted community.
This move by Awan was preceded by newly-elected Punjab Chief Minister making it mandatory for a Khatam-e-Nabuwat clause to be introduced to the Nikkah forms, which many have also criticised as giving way to religious hatred and bigotry.
https://twitter.com/shezanmango/status/1553816538322444289?s=21
Many people spoke up against the demand to evict Ahmadis from Khushab, as it is the Constitutional right of every Pakistani to live wherever they desire.
Condemning the Punjab CM and his political party which is a shame given its name is a matter of urgency. Their attempt to expel Ahmadis from Khushab is criminal and reminiscent of Nazi Germany. Shame on you @MoonisElahi6 and your shameless crook of a father.
— Jinnah's Republic (@JinnahsRepublic) August 1, 2022
Thugs are asking for the expulsion of Ahmadis from District Khushab. Pakistan belongs to everyone, every citizen. pic.twitter.com/xou9snDJF6
— Yasser Latif Hamdani (@theRealYLH) July 31, 2022
Others pointed out how this was one step in a series of steps leading towards the genocide of a minority group in the country.
Demands like this are not the cries of fringe extremists, but represent general attitudes that exist against Ahmadis among the mainstream population of the country. The entire nation seems to exist and define itself through its hatred of this one community…
— Usman (@UsmanAhmad_iam) August 3, 2022
… destroying and desecration of our graveyard, appeals to boycott our businesses, restricting our religious activities and so on. This is a new kind of application, which should be strongly rejected because #Pakistan is made for all the Pakistanis… 2 pic.twitter.com/mBn48mPCMa
— Syed Shoaib ਸ਼ੋਏਬ سید شعیب (@SyedShoaib_) August 1, 2022
Imagine a US senator demanding expulsion of Muslims from his state. In Pakistan, VP of PML-Q, an ally of PTI, calls for expulsion of Ahmadis from district Khushab.
Pakistani friends, time for you to proclaim loudly, “Pakistan belongs to all her citizens, including its Ahmadis.” pic.twitter.com/MG6HXg2PPK
— Kashif N Chaudhry (@KashifMD) August 1, 2022
Troubling to see #Pakistan politician call for the eviction of #Ahmadis from Khushab. https://t.co/qnX2Np1dEx
— Nadine Maenza (@nadinemaenza) August 1, 2022
It’s a Very Negative way of looking at giving people freedom to exercise their fundamental rights. Despite the sensitivity of the issue of the Finality of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W, Muslims and especially leaders of Political Parties with their long list of followers must be very tolerating towards minorities. Why on earth would you always play this tactic for political scoring. This is really embarrassing that we have leaders with such a mindset. This Minority has never been found in any insurgency, militia or mobocracy. They have been a well behaving Community if there is a problem with them, address it to their leadership in black and white. Or call a meeting. This might save the vice and people popping out in the streets with placards. But PML Q would not do that.