ISLAMABAD: As religious scholars belonging to the Wafaqul Madaris Al-Arabia warned the federal government against demolishing mosques and seminaries in Islamabad, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said Sunday the religious seminary located on Murree Road was demolished with consultation and consent of seminary’s management.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Wafaqul Madaris leadership strongly condemned the demolition of Madni Masjid and religious seminary located adjacent to the mosque building situated on Murree Road in front of Margalla Town.
They said the government action had created unrest among the general public and religious circles on hearing reports of razing the mosque and planned demolition of other mosques in the federal capital.
Mufti Taqi Usmani and other religious leaders said the government should seek pardon of Allah Almighty for this condemnable act, adding the demolition of the mosque had hurt feelings of faithful across the country.
As per reports, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) conducted a joint operation using heavy machinery amid security provided by the Islamabad administration and Islamabad Police, demolishing the seminary located adjacent to Madni Masjid on Friday night, while the mosque building was razed on Saturday night.
Following removal of debris, the CDA environment wing planted tree saplings at the site within hours.
In a video released on social media, some religious personalities were seen removing saplings from the site of the mosque, and they were heard pledging reconstruction of the mosque.
Meanwhile, in a brief statement, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the religious seminary located on Murree Road was demolished with consultation and consent of seminary’s management.
He said a seminary which can board 200 students had also been constructed at a new site with a cost of Rs40 million.
He appealed that no rumours should be spread on this issue, adding mosques and seminaries located on greenbelts and unauthorised sites would be relocated with mutual consultations.
In a statement, JUI-F spokesman Aslam Ghori also strongly condemned demolition of the mosque and the seminary in the federal capital.
