Sir: An American Ahmedi cardiologist, Dr Mehdi Ali Qamar, fell victim to the bigots of Pakistan. A cardiologist from Columbus, Ohio, Dr Qamar went to Pakistan on a humanitarian mission, providing free treatment to sick and indigent cardiac patients at the Tahir Heart Institute in Punjab province. He was brutally killed simply because of his faith.
Dr Qamar belonged to a religious community that faces severe persecution and social discrimination in Pakistan. Hostility, violence and hatred towards Ahmedis have long been approved by government and political leaders. Religious freedom and equality were the hallmarks of Pakistan when it was created. The founder of the country had clearly drawn a line between politics and religion when he laid the foundation of the country. Jinnah in one of his several speeches about the rights of minorities had said: “No distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one state.”
The unjust treatment of minorities in Pakistan goes against the teachings of Islam. Instead of promoting these brutalities, the government should realize its foremost responsibility, which is providing justice, equality, and religious freedom to every citizen.
Attiya Ghani
Georgia,
USA