‘My father was shot in the head for being the wrong type of Muslim’

Ayesha, a 26-year-old Ahmadi Muslim from the UK, recounted how her father was shot in the head during a terrorist attack on a mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2010. The incident occurred when militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) targeted two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore, resulting in the deaths of 94 people and injuries to over 100 others, including Ayesha's father. He survived the initial attack but later succumbed to his wounds after being shot again while in an ambulance. This traumatic event marked a turning point in Ayesha’s life, leading to increased discrimination against her and her family due to their Ahmadi identity. The attack took place on 28 May 2010, when TTP militants launched coordinated assaults on two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore. The violence was part of a broader campaign targeting Ahmadi Muslims, a minority sect within Islam that faces severe persecution in Pakistan. Ayesha’s father, who had gone to the mosque for prayer, was among those injured in the attack. Despite surviving the initial assault, he was shot again while being transported to the hospital, with the ambulance coming under fire. His condition worsened, and he eventually died from his injuries. In the aftermath of the attack, Ayesha found herself facing discrimination at school, where classmates learned of her Ahmadi heritage. Teachers began treating her differently, with some expressing disdain towards her beliefs. One teacher reportedly suggested she should convert to a "real Muslim," while another made derogatory comments about Ahmadis. The situation escalated further when her family home in Lahore was targeted by gunmen a year after the mosque attacks, highlighting the ongoing threat they faced. Ayesha and her family eventually moved to the UK, seeking refuge from the persecution they endured in Pakistan. Over a decade later, she participated in Jalsa Salana, the UK’s largest Islamic gathering, held in Alton, Hampshire. The event, organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, marks its 60th anniversary and brings together members from across the UK and abroad. Attendees include MPs, bishops, local councillors, and faith leaders, with heightened security measures in place following previous safety concerns at similar gatherings. Jalsa Salana provides a sense of liberation and belonging for attendees like Ayesha. Maria Sadaf, a 31-year-old volunteer at the event, shared her experiences of growing up in Pakistan, where she faced religious prejudice. She described feeling unseen and misunderstood until participating in Jalsa Salana, where she found purpose through serving others. For Maria, the act of volunteering behind the scenes is deeply meaningful, allowing her to connect with her faith in a personal and profound way. Saira Bhatti, 25, has attended Jalsa Salana since childhood and finds solace in the event’s inclusive environment. Recently, she encountered hostility in Bournemouth when a woman questioned her appearance, leaving her unsettled. However, at Jalsa Salana, she feels free to embrace her identity without fear of judgment. Surrounded by fellow Muslim women of diverse backgrounds, Saira can focus on being present rather than worrying about societal expectations. Bareera Ghaffar, a 27-year-old global mental health researcher, emphasizes the importance of community in times of uncertainty. She views Jalsa Salana as a vital gathering that fosters connection and support among participants. As interest in activities like padel and running grows, so does the need for spaces where individuals can find genuine community and belonging. Events like Jalsa Salana offer such opportunities, reinforcing the significance of unity and solidarity within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.