A prominent anti-Ahmadi group has appealed to the general public for charity through newspaper advertisements across Pakistan to support its efforts in "restricting the religious freedom" of Ahmadis.
The publishing of contemptuous advertisements in national newspapers for funding as part of an anti-Ahmadi campaign is a unique development as in the past similar campaigns only took the form of pamphlets, wall-chalking and hate speeches, reports the Express Tribune.
Campaigns promoting hate of a particular segment of society are contradictory to the National Action Plan (NAP), the fifth clause of which reads, "Strict action [will be taken] against the literature, newspapers and magazines promoting hatred, decapitation, extremism, sectarianism and intolerance."
Jamaat-e-Ahmadia Spokesperson Saleemudin, told the Express Tribune that the ads were an incitement to kill Ahmadis.
"They are openly collecting contributions to spread hatred and instigate people to kill Ahmadis by holding conferences, publishing and distributing hate material," he added.
"Law enforcing agencies should take action against the instigators as it [the campaign] is a clear violation of the National Action Plan," Saleemuddin said.
Also Read
He expressed concern over the advertisements, being published in national and widely circulated newspapers.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Press Council of Pakistan Chairman Dr Salahudin Mengal said the aggrieved party or person can file a complaint before it since the organisation cannot take suo motu notice of the issue.
"Once a complaint is filed, we refer it to the committee which after finding substantial evidence refers the matter to a judicial commission that is authorised to impose a fine as high as Rs10,000.