The Stream

In Pakistan, a rally against an Ahmadi mosque

Anti-Ahmadi campaign draws thousands, sparks online reactions.

More than 5,000 people rallied on Sunday against the Ewane Tawheed mosque, which was built by an Ahmadi group in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi. Protesters alleged it was constructed without official authorisation, while the Ahmadiyya community claimed it purchased the land through a registered organisation.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws prohibit Ahmadis from calling themselves Muslim or referring to their places of worship as mosques.

While many took to the streets, others used the Twitter hashtag #EwaneTawheed to voice their concerns over what they say is the continued persecution of the Ahmadiyya community.