•          

Rabwah Times

USCIRF Calls for Urgent Reforms in Pakistan to Protect Religious Minorities

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has criticized Pakistan for its ongoing, institutionalized discrimination against the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, according to its September 2025 country update. Pakistan’s Penal Code explicitly prohibits Ahmadis from identifying as Muslims or practicing their faith openly. The report documents a series of violent attacks against Ahmadis in 2025, including the demolition of three Ahmadi mosques in Punjab within 10 days in February. In April, a mob of 400 gathered in Punjab to attack …

Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of durable peace between Palestinians and Israelis to achieve regional stability and economic growth. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sharif expressed his belief that Trump’s leadership and efforts could pave the way for an urgent resolution to the conflict. “I welcome President Trump’s 20-point plan to ensure an end to the …

Pakistan Army Pays Tribute to Ahmadi Soldier Who Died of Cancer

Soldier Iqaan Bhatti, who passed away after battling cancer, was laid to rest with full military honors in Rabwah, Punjab. A military contingent attended the funeral, offering a ceremonial salute and paying their respects to the fallen soldier. Bhatti, a native of Mubarakabad near Bashirabad in Sindh, had recently relocated to Karachi with his family a year ago. He served as a soldier in Multan and continued to perform his duties despite his illness. Recognized for his dedication, Bhatti was …

PTI’s ‘Mission Noor’ Criticized for Perceived Ties to Ahmadis

In Pakistan’s politically charged landscape, the minority Ahmadi community has once again become a scapegoat, with political parties accusing one another of alleged ties to the persecuted group. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ‘Mission Noor’ campaign has been at the center of this controversy, with leaders leveraging religious sensitivities to discredit opponents. The campaign, promoted as a peaceful, apolitical movement, encouraged participants to gather with their families on rooftops at 9 p.m., recite the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer), and pray for …

Islamabad Hosts Groundbreaking Interfaith Dialogue Meeting

The Pathfinder Interfaith Harmony Initiative (PIHI), a flagship project of the Pathfinder Group, held its first Advisory Council meeting on September 13 at AmaaniBagh, Angoori, Islamabad. Bringing together leaders from Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, and Jewish communities, the event marked a historic step toward fostering interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in Pakistan. The meeting, chaired by Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of the Pathfinder Group, featured discussions on promoting understanding across religious lines. Brig. (Ret.) Mujahid Alam, CEO of …

Any Aggression Against Either Nation Will Be Jointly Defended: Saudi-Pakistan Pact

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, pledging that any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both, officials said Sunday. The pact was finalized during Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh on September 17, following talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace. The agreement aims to enhance defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and stability. “This …

Ahmadiyya Community Holds 28th Annual Convention in Israel

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held its 28th annual convention on Friday, September 12, 2025, at its center in the Kababir neighborhood of Haifa, Israel. The event focused on promoting unity and love as a response to hatred and extremism, with organizers highlighting compassion as a means to build a better future. The convention brought together attendees from various religious and cultural communities, including Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Baháʼí representatives. The program featured Quranic recitations, spiritual talks, and educational lectures designed …

Nusrat Jehan Academy Teacher Allegedly Groomed and Abused Hundreds of Students

Following the recent investigation into the distribution of child pornography by Usman Ahmad, a teacher at Nusrat Jehan Academy (NJA) in Rabwah, new allegations have surfaced accusing him of years of abuse against students under his care. In an exclusive interview with Rabwah Times, a former student, who asked to remain anonymous, described witnessing horrific acts of abuse committed by Ahmad. The witness claims that dozens of students were victimized during the few months they were enrolled in Ahmad’s class, …

Islamic Cleric Muhammad Ali Mirza Detained Under MPO, Charged With Blasphemy

Authorities in Jhelum have detained Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, a prominent religious scholar, under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance for 30 days and later booked him on blasphemy charges, police and district officials confirmed. The cleric, who resides in Machine Mohallah of Jhelum city and has a significant online following with over 3.1 million YouTube subscribers, was apprehended following allegations of making controversial remarks during an interview that went viral on social media. Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Meesam …

Rabwah Man Under Investigation for Distributing Child Pornography

Authorities at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have registered a case under Section 22 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 against Usman Ahmed, a Chenab Nagar resident, for allegedly creating, storing, and distributing child pornography online. The case stems from a report forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) on September 20, 2024, which highlighted the sharing of pornographic content via a Gmail account and a mobile number registered in Pakistan. …

Suspect in Rabwah Lawyer Murder Case Extradited from Azerbaijan

A prime suspect in the 2022 murder of Advocate Babar Mahmood Basra has been apprehended and extradited to Pakistan with the assistance of Interpol, officials confirmed. Imran Ahmed Arif Ghuman, wanted under FIR No. 125/22 registered at Chenab Nagar police station, was arrested at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Azerbaijan on November 20, 2024. Following legal proceedings, he was extradited to Pakistan, where he is now in custody at the Chenab Nagar police station. The murder, which occurred in Rabwah …

Breaking Norms: Mirza Zain Ahmad Marries Aima Baig

The intimate marriage of Pakistani singer Aima Baig to Zain Ahmad, founder of the fashion label Rastah, has sparked conversations about interfaith unions and Ahmadi identity in Pakistan, where the Ahmadiyya community faces systemic discrimination and societal restrictions. Zain Ahmad, born and raised in an Ahmadi household, tied the knot with Baig in an intimate Nikah ceremony in Canada. The announcement, accompanied by heartfelt photos and captions on Instagram, was met with widespread support from fans and celebrities alike. However, …