Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in collaboration with the Islamabad administration, launched an operation on Tuesday to demolish illegally constructed sections of Jamia Hafsa, days after Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz threatened an anti-government movement.
Security around Lal Masjid in Sector G-6 had already been tightened, with over 150 police personnel deployed to restrict movement following Maulana Aziz’s call for his followers to gather at the mosque. His public threats against the state and display of automatic weapons prompted authorities to take decisive action.
On Tuesday, a CDA team arrived at the site and removed unauthorized structures built as part of the new seminary. While officials from the CDA refrained from making formal statements, one representative confirmed that substructures of the illegal seminary had been dismantled and that further action could follow.
Similarly, Islamabad administration officials remained tight-lipped, but a senior source revealed that the interior ministry had directed the operation. The government reportedly hopes that this move will pressure Maulana Aziz and his supporters into negotiations.
Additionally, authorities successfully managed to temporarily suspend Jamia Hafsa’s Facebook page to limit the group’s outreach.
During the operation, Maulana Aziz and his followers refrained from actively resisting or sharing footage on social media. In a statement, the cleric accused the government of violating prior agreements. He claimed officials had requested a "face-saving" arrangement, offering the release of his wife, Ume Hassan, in exchange for the removal of some seminary structures.
He further alleged that while some of his associates advised compliance, authorities appeared determined to expand their crackdown. Aziz claimed he rejected further cooperation, warning that authorities left their equipment behind as a signal that they would return.
Despite the ongoing tensions, no additional security forces were deployed for the demolition, as the existing contingent of two reserves of women police and four reserves of men police had already been stationed around Lal Masjid since Friday.
The situation escalated on Saturday when Maulana Aziz, in response to the police presence, brandished a submachine gun and issued threats. His aggressive stance against the state intensified following the February 19 arrest of his wife and eight students in Margalla Town, where they were caught attempting to seize a mosque.
In retaliation, Lal Masjid’s administration launched an online campaign targeting the government and the interior minister. Maulana Aziz had initially vowed to formally declare ‘jihad’ against the state during his Friday sermon. However, amid increased government pressure, his tone appeared to soften, and he reportedly appealed for leniency.
