Pakistan Declares March 15 as ‘Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Day’

The Government of Pakistan has officially announced that March 15 will be observed as “Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Day” across the country, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The decision comes in response to rising Islamophobia in Western nations and the United States, particularly following the deadly terrorist attack on a mosque in New Zealand, which resulted in the deaths of 51 worshippers and injuries to 40 others.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that the day will be marked to reaffirm commitment to the belief in the finality of Prophethood and to counter anti-Islam sentiments online. The initiative aims to curb the increasing spread of blasphemous content on social media and promote awareness among the public.

Background & Significance

Pakistan’s parliament historically declared Qadianis (Ahmadis) as non-Muslims on September 7, 1974, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This decision followed an extensive debate involving representatives of the Ahmadiyya community before the National Assembly.

In 2017, the issue resurfaced when the PML-N government attempted to amend the oath regarding Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, sparking nationwide protests. The backlash led to the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid, while Anusha Rahman, a key official, had to leave the country.

Government’s Directives & Public Awareness

According to Religious Affairs Ministry spokesperson Umar Butt, the observance of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Day will also focus on monitoring and countering online blasphemous content. The provincial Auqaf departments and religious scholars have been instructed to develop a comprehensive awareness strategy against sacrilegious materials.

Muslims worldwide have consistently condemned Islamophobic attacks, blasphemous depictions, and desecration of the Holy Quran, which are often justified under the pretext of freedom of expression. Pakistan, along with the Muslim world, continues to reject this stance.

The March 15 observance is part of a broader global initiative to raise awareness and mobilize public opinion against Islamophobia and anti-Muslim incidents.