Islamabad, Pakistan’s federal capital, witnessed rising tensions near a mosque in the Abpara Market area due to the ongoing Jamia Hafsa Madrassa dispute.
Umme Hassan, the wife of Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz, was arrested and placed on remand by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in connection with an incident involving gunfire at police and CDA officials. The court extended her remand by three days, requiring her to appear again on March 3.
Read more: Maulana Abdul Aziz’s Wife Booked on Treason and Terror Charges
Facing multiple charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Penal Code, Umme Hassan’s arrest stems from a land dispute over the seminary. She claims she was in talks with authorities before being detained. The court also highlighted her prior legal cases, which her lawyer will address.
Meanwhile, Maulana Abdul Aziz and his followers have taken up arms, warning police and paramilitary forces of retaliation if an attempt is made to arrest him. The standoff has escalated, with demonstrators carrying weapons and chanting slogans, intensifying tensions around Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa.
Despite the heightened unrest and threats of violence, authorities have yet to take decisive action. Islamabad’s administration has stated that negotiations are ongoing to defuse the situation. However, the Lal Masjid negotiation committee claims that talks have broken down, alleging that the administration is demanding the demolition of the Jamia Hafsa building. Islamabad officials, however, have not confirmed such a demand.
