Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Aziz's wife’s physical remand extended

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has extended the physical remand of the wife of ex-Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz, Ume Hassan, and others accused in connection with alleged interference in government affairs and firing on government employees. 

A leading English newspaper reported on Friday that following the completion of the previous remand, they were presented before the ATC Judge Abaul Hasanat Mohammad Zulqarnain, who presided over the hearing.

The prosecution sought a 10-day extension, citing the need for further investigation, recovery of evidence, and the arrest of additional suspects. However, after considering arguments from both sides, the court partially granted the prosecution’s request, extending the remand by three days. The accused have been instructed to reappear in court on March 3.

On the night of February 19, Ume Hassan, along with six women and seven men, was arrested from Madani Mosque in Margalla Town after a case was registered against them at Shahzad Town Police Station under sections 7 and 11(x) of ATA, Section 8 of Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, sections 395, 324, 342, 341, 148, 149, 353, 186, and 440 of Pakistan Penal Code, and Section 13 and 20 of Arms Ordinance 1965.

According to police, the detainees were accused of opening fire at police and Capital Development Authority (CDA) staff, taking a CDA officer and labourer hostage, putting up resistance, and damaging official vehicles.

The suspects were then presented before ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra to seek the prosecution of a five-day physical remand. However, the court granted only four days of remand.

Ume Hassan told the court that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the mosque and that she had gone to negotiate with the administration before being arrested by the police.

Police claimed that the disputed property was designated for a seminary (madrassah) and that construction work was underway when the suspects assaulted officials and took away building materials.

Meanwhile, the judge noted that Ume Hassan had four previous cases lodged against her, to which her lawyer responded that they had only recently been informed and would appear in court accordingly.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the CDA allocated a plot to Madrassah Idara Ashraful Uloom on Muree Road for the construction of a seminary. Ume Hassan, along with 80 men and 40 women armed with weapons and batons, allegedly attacked the labourers and CDA staff.

Upon receiving the information, police arrived at the scene. In response to the police presence, the attackers delivered provocative speeches, fiercely resisted law enforcement, and blocked the roads.