SIALKOT: Police have registered an FIR against multiple suspects for vandalism, arson, and assault on members of the Ahmadi community in Piro Chak village on Sunday night.
The FIR, filed at Moutra Police Station by Sub-Inspector Amir Ali Sindhu, invokes severe provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, including Sections 395 (dacoity), 353 (assault on a public servant), 436 (arson), 153-A (promoting enmity between groups), 295-A (insulting religious beliefs), 324 (attempted murder), 148 and 149 (rioting), along with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
According to the complaint, Sindhu and his team were patrolling near Bhalowali Chowk when reports emerged of a mob inciting violence against the Ahmadi community. Upon reaching the scene, the police encountered 200–250 armed individuals who attacked officers, snatched weapons, and set properties on fire.
The FIR states that the incident was linked to tensions arising after the burial of an Ahmadi woman was blocked on September 21, fueling religious hostility. Five people were injured during the clashes, while residents were left terrorised.
Sialkot DPO Faisal Shehzad later confirmed that eight people were injured, including five Ahmadi,one of whom sustained gunshot wounds, and three workers of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
He clarified that the situation escalated after TLP members set farmhouses and shops belonging to Ahmadis on fire, following allegations of an earlier assault by the community.
The police chief added that anti-riot units were deployed to restore order, and FIRs have been registered against both sides.
This attack follows a series of violent incidents targeting Ahmadis. Earlier this month, over 300 people were booked in Faisalabad for torching two Ahmadi worship places.
In July, 51 arrests were made after an Ahmadi mosque was attacked in Daska, while in April, a businessman was lynched in Karachi when TLP supporters stormed a place of worship.
Authorities have vowed a thorough investigation into the Sialkot incident, with further arrests expected in the coming days.
