Authorities in Pakistan are set to approach the SC seeking a review of its order to re-open the Lal Masjid that was the site of a military operation.
ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan are set to approach the Supreme Court seeking a review of its order to re-open the pro-Taliban Lal Masjid that was the site of a military operation against militants holed up inside the structure.
The mosque in the heart of Islamabad was re-opened on October 3 after remaining closed for three months in the wake of the military operation that left more than 100 people dead.
The Supreme Court on October 2 had ordered the government to re-open the mosque for prayers. After complying with the Supreme Courts order to reopen the Lal Masjid, the government has decided to seek a review of the directive.
"We have certain reservations on opening the mosque and related matters, and therefore will file a review petition," said Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig (retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema.
The government will plead in the apex court that the concessions given to the former clerics of Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa be withdrawn, Cheema said.
The spokesperson said the government would honour the court order to reconstruct Jamia Hafsa seminary but for day-scholars only. He said the demolished Jamia Hafsa would be rebuilt in the compound of the mosque but not in its old grandeur.
"The government cannot fully implement the Supreme Court orders to construct the madrassa with hostel in the prevailing circumstances," Cheema was quoted as saying in the media on Wednesday.
Brig Cheema described the appointment of a pro-Maulana Aziz cleric at the mosque as "just a temporary arrangement". A permanent appointment would be made on the recommendations of the Auqaf Department, Cheema added.
Aziz, had launched a Taliban-style anti-vice campaign in the capital, warning brothels and music shops to shut down business for their anti-Islam activities.
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