Naveed Ahmed Khan
Pakistan’s decades-long struggle with mob violence and lynchings continues to spiral out of control, showing little sign of abatement despite repeated public outcry, legal reforms, and political condemnation. The most recent tragedy unfolded in Karachi, where a businessman — reportedly a member of the persecuted Ahmadi community — was brutally beaten to death after a mob stormed a local Ahmadi place of worship in the city’s Saddar area. The attack reportedly involved nearly 400 people, some allegedly affiliated with a religious political party — though that party has publicly denied involvement.
In the aftermath, around 40 members of the Ahmadi community were taken into “protective custody” by police in an effort to shield them from further violence. While they were later returned to their homes, the fact that they had to be taken into custody for their own safety speaks volumes about the dangerous climate of intolerance they face.
Predictably, condemnations rolled in from government officials, political leaders, and human rights organizations, all calling for investigations and promising justice. Yet if history is any indication, this cycle of tragedy, condemnation, and inaction will repeat itself. The core issue — the rise of religiously motivated mob justice and societal impunity — remains stubbornly unaddressed.
In a cruel irony, while the killing took place in Karachi, a court in Faisalabad on the same day sentenced a man to death for his involvement in the 2023 Jaranwala riots, during which Christian communities were attacked following blasphemy allegations. While it is encouraging to see legal accountability, the Karachi incident — and others like it — make clear that punishment after the fact is no substitute for prevention.
According to a recent report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023-24, violence and discrimination based on religion are increasing annually. The report recorded at least five religiously motivated killings in the one-year period from July 2023 to June 2024. Although some perpetrators are held accountable, those who incite such violence — often religious leaders or political influencers — continue to evade justice.
This is where the system consistently fails. Punishing those who carry out violence is necessary, but it is not enough. The root of the problem lies in allowing individuals to preach hatred, spread disinformation, and incite violence without consequences. These figures often enjoy political protection or social influence, which insulates them from legal scrutiny. The state must shift its focus from reactive law enforcement to proactive disruption of hate speech, particularly online, where extremist rhetoric spreads like wildfire.
Social media has supercharged the speed and reach of incitement, allowing hate campaigns to go viral in minutes. Anonymity, coupled with platform algorithms that reward outrage, creates the perfect breeding ground for vigilante actions. But often, those inciting violence are not hiding. Many are public figures, operating openly with large followings. Yet, they are rarely held to account because of their religious or political clout.
The challenge also stems from a deeper cultural problem — a widespread, dangerous belief that justice is best served by taking the law into one’s own hands. Whether it’s blasphemy allegations or moral outrage, too many Pakistanis believe mob action is justified. This has been exacerbated by years of state failure to deliver timely and impartial justice, creating a vacuum filled by vigilantes. Unfortunately, this mindset is not limited to blasphemy cases.
In a particularly tragic example of how misinformation and mob fury can escalate beyond religious contexts, a fast-food worker in Sheikhupura was shot and killed during a protest against companies alleged to support Israel’s war in Gaza. What began as a political expression turned into a fatal act of vigilante justice, once again illustrating how easily unchecked rage can be weaponized by disinformation.
This growing trend of vigilante violence, enabled by both systemic inaction and social conditioning, has pushed Pakistan into a dangerous corner. So, what can be done?
First, there must be serious political will to address the root causes of mob violence. That means holding not just the foot soldiers accountable but also the instigators — whether they are religious leaders, political figures, or influencers. Hate speech laws must be enforced without bias, and social media platforms should be required to work closely with authorities to monitor and remove inciting content.
Second, public awareness and media engagement must become a key component of the solution. While the legal system struggles to keep up, storytelling through film, television, and journalism can play a vital role in reshaping public perception. A recent Pakistani drama that depicted the horrors of mob lynching was praised for its realistic portrayal and impact. Such media efforts should be supported and expanded as part of a broader educational campaign against mob violence.
Third, the state must reassert its exclusive authority over justice and punishment. When mobs are allowed to decide guilt and administer “justice,” the rule of law is effectively nullified. Clear messaging from political leaders, religious scholars, and community influencers is needed to reinforce that justice belongs in the courtroom, not in the streets.
Fourth, the police and judiciary must be empowered and trained to deal with mob situations. All too often, law enforcement officers are either outnumbered, underprepared, or simply unwilling to confront large, angry crowds. A failure to intervene in time has led to countless avoidable deaths. Proper training, swift deployment mechanisms, and community policing strategies are essential.
Finally, minority protection must move from rhetoric to action. Pakistan’s constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, including religious minorities. But on the ground, Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus, and others face persecution with little recourse. If these communities do not feel safe worshipping, working, or living as equal citizens, the very foundation of national unity is at risk.
The problem of mob violence in Pakistan is not new, but it is becoming more deeply entrenched. Each incident that goes unchecked sends a message: that mob “justice” is acceptable, that minorities are expendable, and that incitement will go unpunished. These are messages that erode society from within.
Pakistan stands at a crossroads. It can continue down a path where mobs dictate justice and minorities live in fear, or it can choose to reaffirm the principles of law, equality, and state authority. Empty condemnations are no longer enough. Real change demands courage — to confront the hate, to hold the powerful accountable, and to protect every citizen, regardless of faith.
Until then, more innocent lives will be lost, and the dream of a pluralistic, just Pakistan will remain just that — a dream.
