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Persecution of Ahmadis
23 November 2020
Lead MP
Imran Ahmad Khan
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Women & Equalities
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Imran Ahmad Khan raised concerns about persecution of ahmadis in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Ahmadis, a peace-loving community, are subjected to hate and persecution worldwide, with the epicenter being Pakistan. In 1974, Pakistan's government declared Ahmadis non-Muslims under pressure from extremist groups, leading to increased state-sponsored discrimination. Since then, draconian measures have been enacted, including Ordinance XX in 1984 which criminalizes Ahmadi practice of Islam and mandates imprisonment or the death penalty for offenders. This has forced many Ahmadis into exile and continues to fuel violence against them, as evidenced by recent murders like Dr Tahir's and desecration of graves. Additionally, Pakistani media and political figures openly declare hatred towards Ahmadis, normalizing violence against this minority group.
John Spellar
Lab
Warley
Commends the Ahmadi community's contributions to UK society through charitable and community work.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledges the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan, condemning recent murders and violence against them. He highlights government efforts to promote freedom of religion globally, including regular communications with Pakistani authorities about these issues. The UK’s Aawaz II programme will spend £39.5 million over five years supporting civil society organisations working on religious freedom issues in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The minister also discusses the due diligence process for funding recipients to prevent discrimination, urging Pakistan to protect minority rights. Additionally, he mentions plans for an online harms bill targeting harmful content that fuels hate speech.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.