Many religious groups, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), joined hands on Monday to protest against the demolition of a mosque in Islamabad.

 

The Madni-Mosque, located near Rawal Dam Chowk in the federal capital, was demolished on Saturday night, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) planted tree saplings at the site, which were later uprooted by protesters. 

 

JUI-F Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Naeema Kishwar, also submitted a resolution condemning the demolition of the mosque.

 

Addressing the protesters, JUI-F Islamabad chapter Emir Mufti Owais Aziz announced that legal proceedings would be initiated against the demolition of the mosque, adding that the government was planning to raze 50 mosques in Islamabad and vowed to resist the move.

 

“If the police refuse to register the case, we will consider them enemies of Islam,” Aziz threatened, noting that razing mosques overnight was an act of hostility towards Islam.

 

He alleged that the Frontier Corps (FC) was illegally occupying greenbelts along Embassy Road and Margalla Road. “While mosques are being demolished in the name of beautification, no action was taken against the illegal occupation by FC on these prime roads,” he said.

 

As tensions rose, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, accompanied by the Islamabad commissioner, inspector general of police, and deputy commissioner, met on Sunday night with a group of clerics headed by Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari. 

 

In a statement, Chaudhry said the madrassa located on Murree Road was relocated with the consent of its administration. “A modern-style facility has been constructed on the new site at a cost of Rs40 million, which provides high-quality accommodation, meals and religious education to around 200 students,” he added.