Police have failed to identify or arrest the assailant involved in the targeted shooting of a prominent member of the Ahmadiyya community in Khushab, triggering concerns over law and order and the growing influence of religious extremism in the area.
The attack took place on December 29 when the 55-year-old man was returning home on a motorcycle from his farmhouse. An unidentified attacker opened fire from behind, with a bullet piercing the victim’s abdomen and causing critical internal injuries.
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The injured man was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery. He was later shifted to a private medical facility and remains on a ventilator in critical condition, fighting for his life.
Family members and community representatives said the victim had no personal enmities or disputes, suggesting the attack was premeditated and targeted. Police have so far made no breakthrough in the case, officials confirmed.
Ahmadiyya community spokesperson Amir Mahmood strongly condemned the incident, describing it as part of a sustained campaign of hate against Ahmadis in district Khushab. He said extremist elements had been openly inciting hostility, creating an environment that enabled such violence.
The community expressed serious concern over what it described as police inaction despite the gravity of the attack. According to the spokesman, law enforcement agencies have failed to provide adequate protection or reassurance following the incident.
Following the shooting, a mob reportedly gathered outside the ancestral home of the victim’s family, further heightening fear among local Ahmadis. Community members said the situation remained tense in the area.
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Videos related to the incident circulated widely on social media, deepening anxiety and insecurity within the community. Rights advocates warned that the absence of swift arrests could embolden further acts of violence.
Residents and community leaders have urged authorities to ensure accountability, conduct a transparent investigation and take effective steps to prevent further targeted attacks against religious minorities.