Doctor shot dead and gravestones desecrated amid continued targeting of Ahmadiyya community

A prominent Ahmadi doctor was shot dead in Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan, on 16 May.

According to initial reports, Dr Sheikh Mahmood, a highly respected gastroenterologist and hepatologist, arrived at Fatima Hospital at around 2.30pm to attend to his patients as per his routine. While walking through the hospital corridor, an unidentified assailant lying in wait opened fire on him from behind. The attacker fled the scene brandishing a pistol openly. Dr Mahmood sustained two gunshot wounds and was immediately transferred to Civil Hospital Sargodha, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Dr Mahmood was 58 years old and widely known for his dedication, professional excellence and compassionate nature. He had no known personal enmities. He is survived by his mother, wife, two daughters, and two sons.

The killing marks the third faith-based murder of an Ahmadi Muslim within a single month, following that of Laeeq Ahmad Cheema, who was beaten to death by a mob in Karachi on 18 April, and Muhammad Asif, who was shot dead in Kasur on 24 April.

In yet another targeted attack on the community, on 10 May at least 90 Ahmadi Muslim gravestones were desecrated in Rhoda, District Khushab, Punjab Province. The gravestones were smashed and defaced, with debris scattered across the cemetery grounds. According to the Department of External Affairs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, 269 Ahmadi Muslim graves have been desecrated across 11 separate attacks in 2025 alone, and 319 gravestones were defiled in 21 incidents in 2024.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW is appalled by the senseless murder of Dr Sheikh Mahmood in Sargodha, and the desecration of Ahmadi graves in Khushab. These acts of violence are not only attacks on individuals but on the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr Mahmood, who was shot dead in the hospital where he served all patients with compassion and professionalism. His murder is part of a distressing trend of targeted violence against Ahmadis, who face severe persecution and discrimination under Pakistan’s legal framework and societal prejudice. Despite constitutional guarantees, Ahmadi Muslims are subjected to relentless violence and systematic oppression, often with little accountability for perpetrators. The Pakistani government must take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the protection of Ahmadi Muslims and all religious minorities. CSW also calls on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its failure to meet international human rights obligations.’

Caption:Ahmadi gravestones desecrated in Rhoda.