ISLAMABAD: Tensions flared outside Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) as Maulana Abdul Aziz, the mosque’s cleric, managed to evade arrest on Wednesday. His guards resisted the police party when he emerged from the mosque after leading Zuhr prayers, despite being banned by the authorities. Following the incident, female students from Jamia Hafsa, a seminary associated with Lal Masjid, took to the streets and blocked several roads in protest against the attempted arrest of Maulana Abdul Aziz. The unfolding events outside Lal Masjid brought back painful memories of the mosque’s troubled past and raised numerous questions about the situation.
Confusion and Lack of Clarity Surround the Episode
The entire episode remained shrouded in confusion and a lack of clarity, as statements and versions from both the police and Lal Masjid failed to address several key questions. A senior official from the capital administration acknowledged that a team from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had visited Lal Masjid to speak to Maulana Abdul Aziz and seek clarification on various matters.
One of the concerns raised was his re-emergence as the prayer leader at Lal Masjid, despite his retirement and replacement. Additionally, attempts to seize control of the adjacent plot formerly occupied by a children’s library were also among the queries. However, it remained unclear how Maulana Abdul Aziz managed to reach Jamia Hafsa in the G-7 sector and why the CTD teams were unable to apprehend him.
Conflicting Accounts and Video Statements
Amidst the conflicting accounts, Maulana Abdul Aziz released a video statement on social media. In the video, he claimed that as soon as he left Lal Masjid after leading Zuhr prayers, two CTD vehicles chased and stopped his car. He alleged that several personnel attempted to arrest him and fired shots, leading to a confrontation. Maulana Aziz stated that he sustained injuries during the scuffle but managed to grab a gun from one of the CTD personnel and return fire. Taking advantage of the commotion caused by the gathering crowd, he escaped and reached Jamia Hafsa. Footage showed Maulana Aziz’s car parked on the Kulsoom Plaza bridge with bullet holes on the windscreen, supporting his account.
Fiery Speeches and Protests
Following the incident, fiery speeches were made by Umme Hasaan, the wife of Maulana Abdul Aziz. In a video message, Umme Hasaan claimed that the Maulana fired several rounds at the CTD team, leading to a crossfire. She stated that after his AK-47 ran out of bullets, he was pinned down by CTD officials. However, he managed to break free with the help of local residents and reached Jamia Hafsa in G-7. In her video message, she even called upon the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for assistance, urging them not to remain silent.
Meanwhile, Jamia Hafsa students took to the streets, blocking major roads, including Jinnah Avenue, and staging protests. They clashed with female constables, beating them with sticks. Islamabad police officials made multiple attempts to persuade the protesters to disperse. By evening, the roads were cleared, and no arrests were made during the protest. However, late Wednesday night, FIRs were lodged against three guards of Maulana Abdul Aziz who had been arrested by the CTD.
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The incident outside Lal Masjid has left many unresolved questions and sparked ongoing investigations. Capital police officials revealed that all shots fired at Maulana Abdul Aziz’s car originated from inside the vehicle. The occupant of the car was responsible for the gunfire. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the situation outside Lal Masjid remains tense, and memories of the mosque’s troubled history resurface, adding to the concerns and uncertainties surrounding the ongoing developments.
