Escalating Persecution Against AROPL Members in Pakistan
- Ailia Muhammad
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
Parachinar, Pakistan – December 20, 2025 – Several incidents unfolded on December 19, 2025, in Balochistan, Pakistan, involving the arrests of members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL). Concurrently, Friday sermons in Parachinar, Pakistan, featured local sheikhs publicly attacking AROPL leader Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem, Bishop of Pakistan Tahir Abbas, and the organization itself. These sermons followed reports of local media disseminating alleged falsehoods and accusations about the religion, amid coverage of recent missionary activities in Parachinar where AROPL members distributed informational flyers. During the sermons, speakers reportedly called for "Jihad," urging Muslims to take to the streets and remove the flyers.
This rhetoric has been linked to subsequent online threats of violence against Tahir Abbas, including calls for beheading and arson against his home, as well as a broader campaign of harassment, where hardline muslims are posting inappropriate photoshopped images of Tahir Abbas on social media.
In Balochistan, three AROPL members—Sarfaraz, Arif, and Abid—were arrested on December 19, 2025. Abid was detained by Pakistani police in the evening after a local Sunni councilor reported him following missionary work and flyer distribution in the streets. Police questioned him about drugs, inspected his mobile phone, and reviewed Pakistani groups in his messaging apps, including profiles of other AROPL members. The investigation revealed only Islamic narrations and Quranic verses, leading to his release without charges. Sarfaraz reported that the mobile phones of all AROPL members are under constant surveillance by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
In Parachinar, Friday sermons addressed what speakers described as emerging religious challenges. The first sermon, delivered by Allama Zahid Hussain Inqalabi on December 19, 2025, focused on "the modern fitna of false claims to Mahdawiyyah, examining the lineage, beliefs, and doctrines of Abdullah Hashem and offering refutations."
Key claims made during the sermon included:
The emergence of a new "fitna" (trial or mischief).
Allegations that AROPL followers believe in two Mahdis: Imam Ahmed al-Hassan as the first, and Abdullah Hashem as the second.
Assertions against Imam Ahmed al-Hassan, including that he is not of Syed or Hashemi lineage, lied about his origins in Basra, and began his movement in 1999 with funding from ISIS and MI6 to create a new Shia sect. It was claimed that in 2008, government actions resulted in approximately 300 follower deaths, and his current status and location are unknown.
Surprise at Parachinar residents following Abdullah Hashem, noting he is "not even Arab," and identifying local posters as promoting him.
Claims that Abdullah Hashem, born in America to a Jewish mother and Egyptian father, was raised in the U.S. and claims to be the second Mahdi and son of Imam Mahdi, contradicting narrations that the Imam Mahdi will rise from Makkah and must be Arab, Hashemi, and a descendant of Lady Fatima.
Allegations that Abdullah Hashem does not know Arabic, cannot read the Quran properly, has a Jewish lineage unrelated to Lady Fatima, and receives funds from America and Israel.
Criticism of his book "The Goal of the Wise," alleging disrespectful statements about Lady Fatima, Eve (Hawwa), Lady Maryam, Prophet Adam, Prophet Musa, and Imam Ali, including a claim that "the son of Eve is not the son of Adam."
Doctrinal accusations that he rejects traditional religious sciences, cannot prove claims through scholarship, asserts the 12 Imams are not infallible and made mistakes, and denies prophets performed miracles—to avoid demands for his own miracles or scrutiny of errors.
Claims that he states the Kaaba in Makkah is not authentic, with the real one in America or Israel; that 12 Mahdis will follow the 12 Imams; instructs against pledging allegiance (bay'ah) to scholars or leaders like Khamenei or Sistani, only to himself; declares all other banners false; and asserts the Quran is incomplete, with the true version in his possession.
A final remark questioning how Parachinar residents could believe in someone who allegedly speaks disrespectfully about Lady Fatima.
A subsequent sermon segment reiterated concerns about the "new fitna," claiming Abdullah Hashem states Imam Mahdi has appeared and positions himself as his messenger. Additional points included:
Abdullah Hashem speaks English, is from America, and allegedly sends dollars to locals in Parachinar who post his materials.
Use of offensive language against Ayatollah Sistani, deemed unrepeatable and evidence of falsehood.
Rejection of religious scholars and advice not to seek Imam Mahdi's representatives among them.
Criticism for giving interviews with women not wearing hijab.
Warnings against those accepting funds to display posters, with vows to expose him through more videos and end the "fitna."
Calls for awareness, stating that insulting Ayatollah Sistani makes one an enemy of Imam Mahdi, and invoking curses on such individuals.
Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Responds to Accusations in Parachinar Friday Sermons
December 20, 2025 – The Bishops of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) have issued a formal statement categorically denying the claims and accusations leveled against the organization, its leader Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem, and its members during Friday sermons in Parachinar. These sermons, delivered by local sheikhs including Allama Zahid Hussain Inqalabi, contained a mixture of factual elements—such as AROPL's belief in Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan as the first Mahdi and Abdullah Hashem as the second—interwoven with unsubstantiated allegations designed to incite hatred.
AROPL Bishops emphasize that accusations of links to ISIS, MI6, America, or Israel are absurd and entirely without evidence and merit, representing a common tactic employed by extremist elements to provoke violence against religious minorities.
"Such baseless claims are thrown around solely to stir animosity and justify persecution. We unequivocally deny any funding or collaboration with intelligence agencies or foreign entities, it is simply untrue, without any evidence.”
The Bishops further refute specific falsehoods, including assertions that Abdullah Hashem cannot speak Arabic or read the Quran—both of which he does proficiently. Claims regarding his mother being “Jewish” are fabrications, and interpretations of his book "The Goal of the Wise," have been deliberately misconstrued and taken out of context. Allegations that AROPL denies the infallibility of the 12 Imams or the miracles of prophets are also untrue. Additionally, no funds have been sent to Parachinar locals for distributing flyers or promotional materials.
AROPL acknowledges its doctrinal positions, rooted in the traditions of Prophet Mohammed and the Ahlul Bayt, which critique non-working scholars in the end times, permit women to choose not to wear hijab, as there is no basis in the Quran or narrations, and question the authenticity of the Kaaba in Saudi Arabia. The Parachinar sheikhs even stated that AROPL proclaims the true Kaaba is in Israel or America, which is also false, as it is clearly stated in AROPL's Gospel "The Goal of the Wise" that the original location is in Petra, Jordan. However, the Bishops warn that combining these views, fake news, allegations, with inflammatory and false narratives of foreign collusion creates a dangerous recipe for further persecution. The use of terms like "fitna" in such contexts has historically preceded fatwas or incitements to violence against minorities.
Of particular concern is the safety of AROPL members in Parachinar and Balochistan, where recent arrests and online threats—including calls for beheading and arson directed towarrds Tahir Abbas, AROPL's Bishop to Pakistan —have escalated following these sermons. AROPL calls for dialogue and urges authorities to protect religious freedoms and prevent hate speech from leading to harm.
Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light Notes Ongoing Challenges from Influential Cleric in Parachinar Region
Amid escalating tensions in Parachinar, attention has turned to Najaf Ali Bahjat Najafi, a prominent religious figure and representative of Iran's Leader Ali Khamenei. Najafi, who wields considerable influence in the region, has repeatedly attacked Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem—the effective leader of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).
To date, Najafi has not responded to formal statements issued by AROPL Bishops addressing his challenges or related concerns. Observers note that his public criticisms have coincided with a marked increase in threats, verbal attacks, and derogatory insults directed at AROPL followers from both local scholars in Parachinar and members of the lay community.
AROPL continues to advocate for peaceful dialogue and mutual respect while monitoring the situation closely for impacts on the safety and religious freedoms of its members.
These events highlight ongoing tensions surrounding religious expression and missionary activities in the region. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light emphasizes its commitment to peaceful dialogue and human rights amid these developments.
More information will be provided as the story develops.
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