US issues travel warnings for Pakistan

Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice. Demonstrations often have taken on an anti-U.S. or anti-Western character, and U.S. citizens are urged to avoid large gatherings.

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Source/Credit: U.S. Dept of State | Bureau of Consular Affairs
By The State Department | February 2, 2012

The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Pakistan. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Pakistan dated August 8, 2011, to update information on security incidents and remind U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan.

Following the deaths of twenty-four Pakistani military personnel on November 26, 2011, protests have taken place across Pakistan against the United States, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and NATO. There have also been widespread demonstrations and large political rallies condemning drone strikes and Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis. These protests are likely to continue. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid protests and large gatherings.

The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous militant sectarian groups poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan. Terrorists regularly attack civilian, government, and foreign targets. The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in the major cities.
Threat reporting indicates terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, such as shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, and outdoor recreation events. Terrorists have disguised themselves as Pakistani security personnel to gain access to targeted areas. Some media reports have falsely identified U.S. diplomats – and to a lesser extent U.S. and other Western journalists and non-governmental organization workers – as being intelligence operatives or private security personnel.

Since January 2010, terrorists have executed coordinated attacks with multiple operatives using portable weaponry such as guns, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), suicide vests, and car bombs in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Recent attacks included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites such as the naval air base in Karachi, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, police offices in Lahore and Karachi, military installations in Lahore, religious shrines including the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore and the Baba Farid Ganj Shakar shrine in southern Punjab, religious processions in Lahore, a hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and a food distribution center in Bajaur Agency.

RECENT ATTACKS

There have been several terrorist attacks in the past few years, targeting civilians and security personnel. On November 16, 2011, a vehicle driven by suicide bombers exploded in the Defence area of Karachi, killing the three bombers and two police officers. On May 20, 2011, a U.S. Consulate General vehicle in Peshawar was attacked, killing one person and injuring a dozen, including two U.S. employees of the Mission. On April 5, 2010, terrorists carried out a complex attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, with several Pakistani security and military personnel killed or wounded. On February 3, 2010, ten persons, including three U.S. military personnel, were killed and 70 injured in a suicide bombing at a new girls’ school in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Governor of the Punjab province and the Federal Minister for Minority Affairs were assassinated in Islamabad in January and March 2011, respectively. Since the summer of 2011, there have been hundreds of ethnically-motivated targeted killings in Karachi. Targeted attacks against government officials, tribal elders, and law enforcement personnel continue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Provinces. Suicide bomb attacks have occurred at Islamabad universities, schools, rallies, places of worship, and major marketplaces in Lahore and Peshawar.

Additionally, there were reports of religious intolerance in 2010-2011. Members of minority communities were victims of targeted killings. There were also accusations of blasphemy – a crime that carries the death penalty in Pakistan – against Muslims as well as non-Muslims. Sunni extremist execution-style attacks on Shia pilgrims in Balochistan represented a disturbing escalation of sectarian violence. In January 2012, more than 18 people were killed in a bomb attack on a Shia religious procession. Foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, on valid missionary visas have encountered increased scrutiny from local authorities since early 2011. Local authorities are generally less responsive and may not operate with the level of professionalism that U.S. citizens may be accustomed to in the United States.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

Government personnel travel between the Embassy and Consulates may be restricted based on security or other reasons. Movements by U.S. Government personnel assigned to the Consulates General are severely restricted. U.S. officials in Islamabad are instructed to limit the frequency and to minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations. Only a limited number of official visitors are placed in hotels, and for limited stays. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Mission places areas such as hotels, markets, and/or restaurants off limits to official personnel. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures and to maintain good situational awareness, particularly when visiting locations frequented by Westerners.

Access to many areas of Pakistan, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan border and the area adjacent to the Line of Control (LOC) in the disputed territory of Kashmir, is restricted by local government authorities for non-Pakistanis. Travel to any restricted region requires official permission from the Government of Pakistan. Failure to obtain such permission in advance can result in arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities. Due to security concerns the U.S. Government currently allows only essential travel within the FATA by U.S. officials. Travel to much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Balochistan is also restricted.

GENERAL SAFETY AND SECURITY

Since the announcement that Osama bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 2, 2011, U.S. citizens should be aware of a possible increase in the threat level throughout the country. This may include an increased threat against Westerners.

Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice. Demonstrations often have taken on an anti-U.S. or anti-Western character, and U.S. citizens are urged to avoid large gatherings.

The Mission reiterates its advice to all U.S. citizens to take measures for their safety and security at all times. These measures include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds, and keeping a low profile. The Mission reminds U.S. citizens that even peaceful demonstrations may become violent and advises U.S. citizens to avoid demonstrations. U.S. citizens should avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel. U.S. citizens should ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all times. Official Americans are instructed to avoid use of public transportation and restrict their use of personal vehicles in response to security concerns.

U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have also been kidnapped for ransom or for personal reasons. Reported kidnappings include the June 2011 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Lahore while en route to his business. The U.S. citizen was released after his family paid a ransom. In August 2011, a U.S. citizen in Lahore was kidnapped from his residence. Al Qaida later claimed responsibility and issued a list of demands in exchange for his release. Other incidents include the 2010 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen child in Karachi, and the 2009 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen official of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Balochistan. The kidnapping of Pakistani citizens and other foreign nationals, usually for ransom, continues to increase dramatically nationwide.

ENTRY/EXIT DIFFICULTIES

U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have been arrested, deported, harassed, and detained for overstaying their Pakistani visas or for traveling to Pakistan with the inappropriate visa classification. U.S. citizens who attempt to renew or extend their visas while in Pakistan have been left without legal status for an extended period of time and subjected to harassment or interrogation by local authorities. In 2011, the number of U.S. citizens arrested, detained, and prosecuted for visa overstay increased markedly across the country.

Security threats may, on short notice, temporarily restrict the ability of the U.S. Missions, particularly in Peshawar, to provide routine consular services. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply for renewal of travel documents at least three months prior to expiration.

U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Pakistan despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to enroll with the Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulates General in Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar. This enrollment can be completed online through the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) available on the State Department website. U.S. citizens without internet access should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate General for information on registering in person. Enrollment enables citizens to obtain updated information on travel and security within Pakistan via the emergency alert system.

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, and can be reached by telephone at (92-51) 208-0000; Consular Section telephone (92-51) 208-2700; and fax (92-51) 282-2632.

The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi is located at Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road. U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance should call the Consular Section in Karachi at (92-21) 3527-5000. The fax number is (92-21) 3561-2420.

The U.S. Consulate General in Lahore is located on 50 Sharah-E-Abdul Hamid Bin Badees (Old Empress Road), near Shimla Hill Rotary, and can be reached by telephone at (92-42) 3603-4000 and fax: (92-42) 3603- 4212.

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, and can be reached by telephone at (92-91) 526-8800 and fax: (92-91) 528-4171.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

For further information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Pakistan. Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

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Canada: Muslim man says his workplace quip made him a terror suspect

“Without any evidence, and without any follow-up, the (provincial police) just cannot go about arresting North Africans, of Muslim persuasion, inferring they are terrorists, giving them a police record, and destroying their reputation, credibility and livelihoods.”

Accused of terrorism for sending questionable SMS / Text message

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Canadian Press | Yahoo News
By Sidhartha Banerjee | Februaly 2, 2011

MONTREAL – A casual text message to work colleagues encouraging them to ”blow away” the competition at a trade show allegedly plunged a Muslim man into a terrorism probe.

Telecommunications sales manager Saad Allami says the innocent message, aimed at pumping up his staff, has had devastating consequences on his life.

The Quebec man says he was arrested by provincial police while picking up his seven-year-old son at school. A team of police officers stormed into his home, telling his wife she was married to a terrorist. And his work colleagues were detained for hours at the U.S. border because of their connection to him.

Those are the allegations Allami makes in a lawsuit filed last month.

The Moroccan native is seeking $100,000 from the Quebec provincial police force, one of its sergeants, and the provincial government. The six-figure sum is being sought for unlawful detention, unlawful arrest, loss of income and damage to his reputation.

On Jan. 21, 2011, Allami sent a text message to colleagues urging them to “blow away” the competition at a trade show in New York City.

According to his lawsuit, he was arrested without warning by police three days later and detained for over a day while his house was searched. During his detention, a team of police officers allegedly conducted an “intrusive” four-hour search.

“The whole time, the officers kept repeating to the plaintiff’s wife that her husband was a terrorist,” the filing reads.

“The treatment of the plaintiff and his wife was cavalier, illegal, aggressive, accusatory, and in violation of their most fundamental rights.”

Allami, who was 40 when he was arrested, says he has no links to terrorist organizations or the Islamic movement and that police acted without any evidence or research. He has never been charged in the affair. A search of Quebec’s courthouse database finds no other references to him, either.

However, Allami says he hasn’t been able to get a certificate of good conduct, which he would need in order to get a job working in finance.

His allegations have not been proven in court and the application is to be presented at the Montreal courthouse on March 5.

Provincial police spokesman Guy Lapointe says the force is aware of the case but will not comment as it is before the courts. A Justice Department spokesperson also declined to comment.

Police had in Laval, Que., where he applied for the certificate, found terrorism accusations and public mischief on his file, even though his public file shows no signs of the allegations.

“Without the certificate of good conduct, the plaintiff can no longer work in his profession,” the document states.

Allami is being represented by Julius Grey, a well-known Montreal lawyer.

Contacted earlier this week, Grey said neither he nor his client wished to speak about the facts.

“It presents interesting issues of law and profiling but I feel uncomfortable debating it outside the courtroom,” Grey said.

The motion he filed makes allusions to the profiling issue.

“Without any evidence, and without any follow-up, the (provincial police) just cannot go about arresting North Africans, of Muslim persuasion, inferring they are terrorists, giving them a police record, and destroying their reputation, credibility and livelihoods,” the motion reads.

Allami says he sent the text message in French and used the word ”exploser,” a term he claims is commonly used in finance to mean grow or succeed.

His case has surfaced after another story about an unexpected national-security case, triggered by what appeared to be a meaningless comment.

There have been reports of two British tourists who said they were banned from entering the United States — with one of them handcuffed, arrested and flagged as a threat by the Department of Homeland Security over Twitter tongue-in-cheek messages about going to ”destroy America” and dig up Marilyn Monroe’s body.

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USA: Ahmadi Muslims saddened after under-construction mosque in Chantilly damaged

According to police, “Detectives and bloodhounds were used to collect evidence. In addition to evidence related to the destruction, several discarded containers of alcohol were discovered.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Connection Newspapers
By Bonnie Hobbs | February 2, 2012

Windows smashed, property damaged.

Chantilly — The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is “Love for all, hatred for none.” Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.

It therefore seems ironic to the members building a new place of worship in Chantilly that, sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning, their new mosque was vandalized.

“They smashed all the windows on the ground floor,” said member Seher Chowdhry. “It looked like it was done systematically. One window’s completely gone; the others have holes and cracks in them. There was even damage done to the walls by chipping them.”

The mosque is nearing the end of construction and, when the builders came to work Monday morning, she said they discovered “glass shattered all over the floor. It was a mess, really. Each window costs $3,000-$6,000 and is custom-made, so it’ll probably take $60,000 to fix them all.”

“The culprits threw big rocks from the outside and also used the big, solid stones lying outside,” said member Usman Ghumman. “Some went through the inside glass, due to the forceful throws; others broke the outside glass. But both layers of glass need to be replaced.”

After receiving a call about the property destruction, Fairfax County police went to the site Monday, Jan. 30, around 8:40 a.m. They found extensive damage to the mosque, but said there was no evidence that the vandals had entered the building.

According to police, “Detectives and bloodhounds were used to collect evidence. In addition to evidence related to the destruction, several discarded containers of alcohol were discovered.”

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187″ plus a message to CRIMES/274637 or call police at 703-691-2131.

“I think it was drunken youth that did it,” said Chowdhry. “They came in from the back, where the area is forested. There was some blood on one of the beer bottles, so one of them must have cut themselves. The police will take a DNA sample from the blood.”

Monday evening, after seeing all the damage, she talked with neighbors living in the nearby townhouses. But, said Chowdhry, “They didn’t hear anything. One person said his car had been vandalized previously, though.”

She said the incident will make her more alert and aware but, most of all, she’s sad about all the hard work that was destroyed and will now have to be redone. “It took us years to raise the money for it,” said Chowdhry. “It’s a shame because we were looking forward to opening in February, and now it might have to be delayed to May.”

Ghumman said the members are both distressed and dismayed that “in today’s day and age — especially in our community where so many of us are from such diverse backgrounds — some individuals would be so ignorant, violent and cruel to attack a place of worship.”

He said the Ahmadiyya Muslims come from a region of Asia where they are persecuted and killed for being Ahmadis. There, said Ghumman, their mosques are attacked and destroyed by religious zealots who preach hatred against the Ahmadis because of their peaceful beliefs.

“So there is a bad current stirred by enemies of Islam in the West, using and creating terms such as Islamophobia, Islamist, Jihad, Islamic Shariat, etc., to instill fear and incite hatred against all Muslims,” he said.

On the contrary, though, continued Ghumman, the Ahmadiyya Muslims — who’ve been in the U.S. since 1921 — believe in “the prophethood of the holy founders of all the major religions on earth. We have no political agendas or the backing of any governments or organizations. Our goal is the peaceful worship of Allah, and the wellbeing of the communities and lands we adopted to live in — nothing more.”

Ghumman said those who vandalized the Chantilly mosque even tried to damage the specially built doors and left “an enormous amount of empty beer cans and alcohol bottles” behind the building. But he said the members of the mosque won’t let the vandalism shatter their spirits or enthusiasm.

“All the Ahmadiyya community members are saddened by the news that their efforts and financial sacrifices are hurt by one, bad incident,” he said. “Still, our members are very resilient, and such incidents can never break our willpower and good faith in the community we live in. Many a bad thing in our lives brings out the best in us and draws us closer.”

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Canada: Hon. Jim Karygiannis, MP condemns vandalism of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Fairfax County

“I trust that the investigation of this matter will be thorough; that the culprits will be caught and charged; and, will bear the full weight of the law for this mindless act of violence.”

Hon. Jim Karygiannis seen with Ahmadiyya and other community leaders in Canada (File photo)

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Source/Credit: Jim Karygiannis Website
By Jim Karygiannis, MP | February 3, 2012

Vandalism of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Fairfax County -
Statement by the Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, [Toronto, Ontario, Canada] and Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism

It was with great dismay that I learned of the senseless act of vandalism against the Ahmadiyya mosque in Chantilly, Virginia, a suburb of Washington. D.C. Damage to the custom-made windows of the mosque is estimated to be about $60,000.00.

The mosque, which was under construction, was scheduled to open at the end of February. It will now April before the mosque will open.

The right to practice one’s faith in peace and security is a basic human right.

I trust that the investigation of this matter will be thorough; that the culprits will be caught and charged; and, will bear the full weight of the law for this mindless act of violence.

As the Chair of the Canada-Ahmadiyya Friendship Association, I worked with, and will continue to work with, members of the Ahmadiyya community to resolve the issues they are facing and build on the foundation of “Love for All, Hatred for None”.

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Paraguay: Muslims seek to promote peace and love

The Imam who lives in Brazil indicated that he has heard very good things about Paraguay and has come now for new members’ training and for the opportunity to promote a very timely message “love for all and hatred for none”

Tariq Bhatti, Nadeem Ahmad Tahir and Wasim Ahmad Zafar briefed ABC about the establishment of a new branch in Asuncion, Paraguay. Photo: ABC Digital.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: ABC Digital | Translation
By Staff Reporter | February 4, 2012

To promote and spread peace and love, and demonstrate thatIslam does not promotes violence will be among the objectives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which recently established a branch in Paraguay and they are already in the process of beingrecognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulām Ahmad in India, who considered himself a follower of the Prophet Mohammad, the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, currently headquartered in London, isa religious organization which is now established in all continents of the world.

His followers told ABC Digital editors that Islam is areligion of peace and love, and it has nothing to do with the radical movementsthat use this belief to promote violence.

Wasim Ahmad Zafar said that violence does not fit into preachingof the Muslim faith because you cannot invoke God or the prophets to promotedeath. He explained that he currently resides in Brazil, but came to Paraguayto hold a series of conferences, and further the process of strengthening of themovement and setting up of the community’s center, a building located approximatelyat 2052 Gustavo Crovatto Japan, Republican district.

Imam Wasim Zafar, who heads the movement in Brazil, indicated that he has heard verygood things about Paraguay and has come now for new members’ training and forthe opportunity to promote a very timely message of “love for all and hatredfor none”

Professor Tariq Bhatti also explained that the teachings ofthe Holy Quran promote peace and that is the goal of Islam.

Misconception

Meanwhile, Nadeem Ahmad Tahir said many Paraguayans want tolearn about Islam, so it is essential to establish a center of worship forpeople to learn the faith. Referring to his faith, he said Islām was revealedto the Prophet Mohammad; and It’s belief in one God.

His wish is to promote peace and love.

In this regard he believes that wars are being promoted inthe name of religion but it has nothing to do with the Holy Qoran.

The challenge, according to Tahir, is to remove misconceptionsabout all types of fundamentalism. It is to show that Islam promotes humanvalues. Those interested in learning more about what the community offers, theycan call 0971,905,271.

 – Edited by Imran Jattala from Google translation.

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Indonesia: One year on – Three Ahmadi Muslims murdered in Cikeusik, West Java

“Today’s Ulema (religious scholars) are turning the clock back thousands of years by committing acts of utter barbarity and depravity all in the name of Islam and are instructing their followers to do the same. 

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Source/Credit: Ahmadiyya Times | Contributed
By Dr Abid Ahmad | February 5, 2012

One year ago tomorrow, on the 6th February 2011, three members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya) in Cikeusik, Indonesia were brutally murdered.

Tubaqus Chandra Mubarak (34) was a born Ahmadi Muslim who was survived by his pregnant wife. The assailants attacked him inside the Ahmadiyya Mission House with knives and then suspended him from a height and continued to beat him. He was later taken down and his dead body was further beaten and mutilated.

Ahmad Warsono (38) joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in 2002. He is survived by his wife and four children. The assailants attacked him inside the Ahmadiyya Mission House with knives, machetes and sticks. His body was then brought outside where he was continually beaten mercilessly whilst the police looked on.

Roni Pesarani (35) joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in 2008. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The assailants attacked him inside the Ahmadiyya Mission House with knives, machetes and sticks. His body was then brought outside where he was continually beaten mercilessly whilst again the police looked on.

These were ordinary people, like you and me, who were killed simply because of their belief in the truth of the Promised Messiah.

The spiritual head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, said that these attacks had belied any form of decency and were conducted in such a barbaric way that initially the dead bodies of the Ahmadis could not be identified. He quoted a report by the Asian Human Rights Commission which stated that many religious scholars in Indonesia and their followers failed to see anything wrong with the attacks. His Holiness  said:

“Today’s Ulema (religious scholars) are turning the clock back thousands of years by committing acts of utter barbarity and depravity all in the name of Islam and are instructing their followers to do the same. These people have even hardened the hearts of their children so much that when the murders and violence were taking place, children stood by applauding.”

Hadhrat Ahmad said that what pained him and all true Muslims most of all, was that such brutality and violence was being committed in the name of the Holy Founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who had taught of love, compassion and mercy throughout his life.

His Holiness continued that the Ahmadi Muslims who had sacrificed their lives were true martyrs and were the shining stars of Ahmadiyyat. He said that the opponents of the community, wherever in the world they were, could try their utmost but they would never succeed in weakening the faith of an Ahmadi Muslim.

Hadhrat Ahmad further stated:

“Ahmadi Muslims were united and would always remain so not just in their faith but also in their loyalty to the countries.

“Every Ahmadi Muslim, no matter where he lives, is loyal to his country. Indeed we pledge that we will never partake in any action through which our loyalty to our country could be questioned. As part of this loyalty we pray that may God release our nations from the clutches of the oppressive people.”

France 24 has published the video footage of the barbaric murders on their website under “The most striking videos of 2011”.

http://observers.france24.com/content/20111222-observers-most-striking-videos-2011-best-of-year-amateur-gaddafi-khadafi-ivory-coast-egypt-russia-indonesia

WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY SHOCK VIEWERS

On Sunday 14th August 2011, hundreds of Indonesians from the Islamic Defenders Front, attacked the Ahmadiyya Mosque in S.Sulawesi. Ten Ahmadis were beaten up, one being brutally hurt. The Indonesian Authorities did nothing to stop the attacks. The attack was captured on video and can be seen at (after clicking on the link below, you will need to click on the video play button):

http://metrotvnews.com/read/newsvideo/2011/08/14/134058/FPI-Makassar-Rusak-Markas-Ahmadiyah

Request for prayers

Prayers are requested

——————–
Dr Abid Ahmad is President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Preston, UK. Dr Ahmad requests prayers for the three martyrs and their families. He further request prayers for all Ahmadi Muslims who are being persecuted, in various countries around the world.

  — One year on – Three Ahmadi Muslims murdered in Indonesia
  — Ahmadiyya Times
  – Dr Abid Ahmad

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Pakistan: Ahmadi Muslim medical professional loses life to extremism in Balochistan

Originally hailing from Muzaffargarh area of Pakistan, Dr. Amir joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in 1994 in Qaidabad in Khushab district of Punjab.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int’l Desk
Source/Credit: AlIslam | Friday Sermons
By Imran Jattala | February 4, 2011

Another Ahmadi medical professional lost his life to violence and extremism in Pakistan, it was conveyed by the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

During the Friday sermon he delivered at Baitul Futuh Mosque in London yesterday, February 3rd, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the latest martyrdom in Pakistan that recently came to light.

His Holiness said the news of the martyrdom arrived late because of the remoteness of the area where the crime of the brutal murder took place.

Hadhrat Ahmad said the victim Mohammad Amir worked as a medical despenser at a hospital in a remote area in Harnai district in the Balochistan province of Pakistan where he was shot to death on December 1, 2011 by unknown men who entered the clinic where he worked.

Known to his acquaintances and friends as Dr. Amir, he was known to be a ‘pious-natured and sincere person,’ His Holiness said.

Originally hailing from Muzaffargarh, Punjab area of Pakistan, Dr. Amir joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in 1994 at Qaidabad in Khushab district of Punjab.

Dr. Amir was the only Ahmadi Muslim in his family, it was learned.

Prior to his joining the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, it was learned, Dr Amir used to belonged to an extremist group and there are speculations that he may have been killed by the same group as a revenge for joining Ahmadiyyat and deserting the extremists group.

Dr Amir had gotten married in 1998 and the couple had two children.

His wife also worked at the Harnai hospital.

His Holiness led Dr. Amīr’s funeral prayers in absentia and prayed for the deceased and the family.

  – Ahmadi Muslim medical professional loses life to extremism in Balochistan
  — Ahmadiyya Times
  — By Imran Jattala

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USA: America’s longest married couple | Video:

Unfortunately, the couple were late to the event and Obama had to remove the remarks from his speech. However, the White House has told Wilbur and Teresa that the president will be returning to Nevada in the next few months and will make the remarks to the couple then.

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Source/Credit:  Yahoo News | CNN | The Sideshow
By Eric Pfeiffer |  January 31, 2012

In this video, we meet Wilbur and Teresa Faiss, America’s longest-married couple. The Las Vegas residents were first wed in April, 1933. Wilbur, now 100-years-old, tells KVVU TV, “I just had no idea of us ever winning the longest-married couple.”

A group called the Worldwide Marriage Encounter certified the marriage as the nation’s longest ongoing union. On a recent trip to Nevada, President Obama was even scheduled to deliver brief remarks acknowledging the couple.

“How often does an ordinary guy get recognition by the president of the United States? It’s one of these things that’s once-in-a-lifetime,” Faiss said. Unfortunately, the couple were late to the event and Obama had to remove the remarks from his speech. However, the White House has told Wilbur and Teresa that the president will be returning to Nevada in the next few months and will make the remarks to the couple then.

As for the secret to their wedded bliss as they approach their 80th anniversary, Wilbur says, “It’s very simple. It’s give and take and compromise.”

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Pakistan: Banned jihadi groups get their money-trains back online: Report

After reviewing the reports, Federal Interior Ministry has alerted banking circles of federal investigative agencies and related authorities to collect details of such accounts from different banks, especially those with large transactions, and with foreign currencies.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int’l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By eTribune Web Desk | February 4, 2012

Banned jihadi groups have seen a revival after affiliates have started opening local and foreign currency accounts to restart their money-trains, the BBC Urdu reported on Friday.

BBC Urdu reported that it had managed to obtain a list from intelligence agencies of jihadi groups, which have been banned by Pakistan, have been opening new accounts under pseudonyms to receive funds from local as well as foreign sources.

According to the report, intelligence agencies have been monitoring Jihadi groups, as blacklisted by the Government of Pakistan.

According to the report, the funds have been traced to some groups involved in terrorist activities. They also include groups which appear to work for social welfare. However, due to their links with extremist groups, they too are being blacklisted.

Intelligence agencies have expressed their fear that following the reopening of their cash lines, these extremist groups are once again gathering momentum.

Interior Ministry sources, the BBC Urdu reported, said that as per reports from intelligence agencies, seven banned groups have been opening accounts in different banks.

The groups include Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehreek-i-Islami, Millat-e-Islamia Pakistan, Ghazi force, Hizbut Tahrir, Jamiatul Furqan, and Khairunissa International Trust.

The reports claimed that people linked to these groups were using local and foreign currency accounts.
Those helping the banned groups include people who had been assisting the groups in receiving and transporting funds in the past.

After reviewing the reports, Federal Interior Ministry has alerted banking circles of federal investigative agencies and related authorities to collect details of such accounts from different banks, especially those with large transactions, and with foreign currencies.

Pakistan has frozen accounts of 24 banned groups, including the seven named by intelligence agencies in the leaked report.

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Pakistan: Murderous rages | Why this kolavari di?

They demanded not only the closure of the Ahmadi community centre but also that all Ahmadis be expelled from Pakistan. The country’s Christian minority also came in for a shock when the hate rally’s meeting point, the Holy Family Chowk, was rechristened as the Khatm-i-Nabuwat (Finality of Prophethood) Chowk.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int’l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Murtaza Razvi | February 3, 2012

What have the Ahmadis done to deserve this treatment in this Islamic republic of ours? The latest bout of hate speeches against the Ahmadi community and threats hurled at them was witnessed in Rawalpindi’s Satellite Town last Sunday. Thousands gathered near a community centre on the call of banned militant outfits like the Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan and the Jamat-ud-Dawa, flanked by local leaders of the PML-N and trade unions.

They demanded not only the closure of the Ahmadi community centre but also that all Ahmadis be expelled from Pakistan. The country’s Christian minority also came in for a shock when the hate rally’s meeting point, the Holy Family Chowk, was rechristened as the Khatm-i-Nabuwat (Finality of Prophethood) Chowk.

Contradictions, social and legal, abound on the touching issue of the Ahmadis’ treatment in Pakistan. The said hate rally took place a week before Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday which falls on February 5; the Quran calls the Prophet Rahmat-alil-Alemeen (Blessing for all the worlds [creation]); surely, Ahmadis are not only Allah’s creation but also His worshippers.

The rally itself was organised by a minority group of Muslims who also regard the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday as unacceptable, according to their sectarian leanings which are similar to those of the Taliban; similar groups have attacked Friday congregations of rival Muslim sects and bombed many shrines across the country, killing and maiming innocent citizens. Such groups have also targeted girls’ schools and colleges, even a women’s bazaar in Peshawar. So basically, according to their ideology, it is kosher to kill anyone not subscribing to their particularly rigid view of Islam. That makes it the majority of Pakistanis, and possibly of Muslims everywhere in the world.

As for the anti-Ahmadi sentiment in Punjab, it dates back to 1953 when anti-Ahamdi riots in Lahore had resulted in the imposition of martial law in that city. Later a judicial commission charged with an inquiry into the riots, which was headed by Justice Mohammad Munir, found that no two Muslim clerics out of the 50 odd who were consulted, could agree on a definition of ‘who is Muslim’. Therefore, the government had rejected the demand that Ahmadis be declared non-Muslim.

This was left to the country’s first democratically elected government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who in the 1973 Constitution declared Pakistan an Islamic republic, and then went on to castigate the Ahmadi community as non-Muslim through an act of parliament. Gen Ziaul Haq’s dictatorship further tightened the noose by enacting more anti-Ahmadi legislation.

Thus, in a country where on the eve of Independence, Jinnah had proclaimed “You are free to go to your temples … mosques … or any other places of worship”, Ahmadis were barred from calling their places of worship mosques; the kalema of Islam was removed from such buildings’ façade; holding prayers and congregations similar to those held by Muslims inside a building that resembled a mosque and keeping copies of the Quran in such places, were proscribed. An official declaration defaming the Ahmadi creed and its religious leader was henceforth required from citizens to acquire basic identity documents or even to open a bank account if you declared yourself Muslim. The kalema and Quranic verses were also ordered to be removed from Ahmadi gravestones. Pakistan’s anti-Ahmadi apartheid thus had the full force of the state behind it.

It can be argued that from an Islamic point of view such rulings contravene an important Quranic injunction in Sura Al Haj, which reads: [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right — only because they say, “Our Lord is Allah”. And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might (22:40).

Similarly the Pact of Madina in 632 CE, signed by the Prophet with non-Muslims living in the vicinity, gave the latter full rights alongside his Muslim converts; their places of worship were accorded full protection and they too were declared as part of the same Ummah, even though the word now only appears as exclusively defining Muslims alone.

Such have been the wages of historical distortions espoused and propagated by Muslim zealots of today since the injection of petro-dollars into furthering their intolerant creed.

That said, in Pakistan, a few questions remain unanswered regarding the religious, social and official persecution of Ahmadis: whether the anti-Ahmadi legislation is legal or not; whether it is in contravention of the basic structure of the constitution that guarantees religious freedoms; whether parliament has a constitutional right to ascertain the faith of an individual or a community or not; and lastly, between Parliament and the Constitution of Pakistan, which is sovereign or supreme, the institution or the basic law that even governs that very institution?

It is our moral and intellectual bankruptcy that not a single individual has dared to legally address these anomalies that have pitted the entire state apparatus and society against one, small religious community.

The writer is a member of the staff at Dawn Newspaper.

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