Islamabad administration has ramped up security around Jamia Fareedia to avoid any untoward incident days after Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz took over the seminary in the E-7 sector.
Aziz along with 200 students occupied the seminary office on Monday, after which he led morning prayers and announced that the seminary’s principal, Maulana Abdul Ghaffar, had been removed. However, Ghaffar refused to stand down and has the support of at least 500 students and over 90 other staff members, a report in a local media outlet claimed.
According to reports, there are firearms, including five submachine guns, in the seminary as well. Capital administration and police officials said that the police deployment was increased on the directives of the deputy commissioner.
Surveillance in and around the seminary has also been increased to monitor the situation and act quickly if necessary, they added.
Reportedly, the administration has approached local clerics to intervene in the conflict and ease things off. However, it has yet to be confirmed if Aziz and Ghaffar have been contacted so far.
The occupation came a month after Aziz entered into an agreement with the government. According to the agreement, Maulana Abdul Aziz will move into Jamia Hafsa for two months after which all restrictions on his movement will be lifted. After the two months, he will be free to travel at will across the country.
Aziz along with 200 students occupied the seminary office on Monday, after which he led morning prayers and announced that the seminary’s principal, Maulana Abdul Ghaffar, had been removed. However, Ghaffar refused to stand down and has the support of at least 500 students and over 90 other staff members, a report in a local media outlet claimed.
According to reports, there are firearms, including five submachine guns, in the seminary as well. Capital administration and police officials said that the police deployment was increased on the directives of the deputy commissioner.
Surveillance in and around the seminary has also been increased to monitor the situation and act quickly if necessary, they added.
Reportedly, the administration has approached local clerics to intervene in the conflict and ease things off. However, it has yet to be confirmed if Aziz and Ghaffar have been contacted so far.
The occupation came a month after Aziz entered into an agreement with the government. According to the agreement, Maulana Abdul Aziz will move into Jamia Hafsa for two months after which all restrictions on his movement will be lifted. After the two months, he will be free to travel at will across the country.