Shakeel Qarar | Dawn.comUpdated December 19, 2014

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Police positioned outside Lal Masjid - @gabeen6969/Twitter

ISLAMABAD: A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Lal Masjid’s chief cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz at Aabpara Police Station upon unremitting pressure exerted from protesting civil society on Friday night.

The non-bailable FIR was registered under section 506 (2).

– A copy of the FIR by Irfan Haider

The candlelight vigil and protest was organised in response to a statement by Maulana Abdul Aziz in which he refused to condemn the massacre of students and teachers in a terrorist attack on a school in Peshawar.

A huge contingent of police personnel has been deployed outside the capital's Lal Masjid to deal with any untoward situation after another call of protest by members of civil society. Later, protesters announced that they would be rallying at Melody Chowk instead.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Swati has also joined demonstrators outside Aabpara Police Station in Islamabad, demanding to register an FIR against Lal Masjid's chief cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz.

Speaking at a rally held in solidarity with victims of the Peshawar attack in Karachi, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain also demanded arrest of Maulana Abdul Aziz, the Lal Masjid's chief cleric, besides demanding closure of Jamia Hafsa.

The demonstrators have now reached Aabpara Police Station to register a FIR against Lal Masjid administration.

Sources told Dawn that seven civil society members, including a woman, were arrested by police today. Protesters and supporters took to social media and launched the Twitter hashtags #LalMasjidVigil and #ArrestAbdulAziz to express their outrage.

- DawnNews screengrab

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Asmatullah Junejo summoned the entire district police in response to an announcement by civil society activists that protests would be held outside the mosque after Friday prayers.

Police have beefed up security outside the Lal Masjid and have set up barricades on both sides of the roads leading to the seminary.

- DawnNews screengrab

Earlier on Thursday, a large number of civil society activists, politicians and students arrived at the mosque, chanting slogans against the chief cleric and lighting candles as part of a vigil.

Examine: Militant siege of Peshawar school ends, 141 killed

Jibran Nasir, one of the organisers of the protest, told Dawn on Thursday that he was a resident of Karachi and was in Islamabad when he heard of the statement made by Maulana Abdul Aziz and decided to organise the candlelight vigil in response.

Islamabad police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against participants of the protest on the complaint of the mosque management.

Take a look: Citizens arrive at Lal Masjid to ‘reclaim their mosque’

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Comments (202) Closed

Hamza

Dec 19, 2014 01:54pm

I hope people of Pakistan will now understand why General Musharraf went after them!

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Dec 19, 2014 01:58pm

Instead of arresting that Mullah they have registered FIR against the peaceful protesters.

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baakhlaq

Dec 19, 2014 02:03pm

This Chief Cleric must be removed from this mosque.One who is not ready to condemn terrorists is definitely hands in glove with them.

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Kamran

Dec 19, 2014 02:09pm

@Hamza No two wrongs are not equal to right. Lal masjid was not in fata where you need.such action.

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AV Bagur

Dec 19, 2014 02:09pm

The Pakistan civil society should reclaim their country back.

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Ali

Dec 19, 2014 02:09pm

Boycott this coward. whose sick mind looks for lame justifications for killing of innocents. And yet when sensing his own life in danger, tries to run away disguised as a woman.

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Hakim

Dec 19, 2014 02:11pm

Mushraf is the answer to all the problems of Pakistan!! He can deal with scum bags politicians and evil of Lal mosque and his associates ruthless Talibans. Las Masjid idiot should be arrested immediately for disrespecting the shaheeds and his mongers madrisa must be shut down forever. All the future sucide bombers of that school must be placed for rehabilitation or should be sent to Holy Land of Sauds. Waziristan should be wiped out completely and Mullah Umer should be dragged from his gutter hide out and must be hanged publicly.

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SAB

Dec 19, 2014 02:11pm

I cannot believe that our forces are protecting terrorists.

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What

Dec 19, 2014 02:11pm

What is this? Peaceful protest is everyone's right in a democratic country. It is a pity that ordinary civilians raising their voices outside the mosque for peace and against Red Mosque's support of barbaric Taliban have been arrested whereas the mosque's clerics have free license to deliver hate sermons regularly from within the mosque and to publicly acknowledge vehement support for Daaish/ISIS/Taliban on national TV. Shame on us all until the held protesters are released!

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Kabir

Dec 19, 2014 02:15pm

Lal Masjid has become Masjid e Zarar and it should be demolished immediately and its cleric known for his support for terrorists should be brought to justice

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Truth

Dec 19, 2014 02:19pm

I hope that the people who supported the Lal Masjid terrorists and opposed the Musharraf will now be ashamed of their act

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rashid

Dec 19, 2014 02:19pm

Why deploy thousands of police to protect this so called maulana? Why to waste millions of rupees of a poor country, so that he may live? Just buy him another brocaded burqa. Real men do not kill women and children, he knows that already.

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Areebah Shahid

Dec 19, 2014 02:21pm

How utterly shameful that we are deploying police to provide protection to the terrorists rather than the peaceful protesters! And how could they be arrested?? The terrorists themselves are staging a protest Lal Masjid right now - is that not a violation of Section 144 as well?! And how was an FIR filed so quickly, it took me 2 months for the police to register an FIR for a robbery in my house and these terrorists had it done in an hour? Wow! Islamabad Police will have to decide, are they with the terrorists or with Pakistan!

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Shahid

Dec 19, 2014 02:22pm

Stop donations to these organizations.

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Adam

Dec 19, 2014 02:24pm

Bravo Islamabad, reclaim your mosque and your religion that have been hijacked by idiots and ignorants. We must join and support this cause.

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mohsin

Dec 19, 2014 02:25pm

The only mosque in whole country that supports terrorists that promotes terrorism and extremism. Government should ban this immediately.

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Austin

Dec 19, 2014 02:26pm

So terrorist can call police for protection,only in my Pakistan.

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Sab

Dec 19, 2014 02:26pm

Everybody is hurt beyond words by the tragedy and our divided nation is trying to find a united response. Therefore at this time to open another front be utter foolishness, despite the fact that this man is despicable.

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M.Saeed

Dec 19, 2014 02:32pm

The whole issue needs a thorough revisit with firm resolve to find the correct all wrongs. The Gas-Masked militants were clearly visible in various media footage for their apprehension and appropriate application of due procedures under the law against terrorists. There should be no exception to anyone involved.

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Candid1

Dec 19, 2014 02:32pm

Why is the police protecting the terrorists of lal masjid? Senior officers of the Islamabad Police should be arrested and tried for terrorism. It is because of such twisted use of authority we had to witness the Peshawar Massacre. The blood of those innocent children will be just as much on the hands of Islamabad Police, as it is on the hands of those barbarians who carried out the massacre.

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jamil

Dec 19, 2014 02:33pm

@Hamza My dear friend, Mr. Pervaiz Musharaf is the cause of all these killings when he stormed this masjid and killed hundreds of madrassah students. No suicide bombings happened in Pakistan before that incident.

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Ati Khan

Dec 19, 2014 02:33pm

Everyone should go and protest in front of Lal Masjid today. Govt must get mosque back from this fanatic mullahs and his followers.

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nabil

Dec 19, 2014 02:34pm

Recently LAL masjid cleric had given interview on Geo, very dodgy person breathing absolute lies.

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Erik

Dec 19, 2014 02:36pm

Free Lal Masjid from terrorists' sympathizers. We want our masjid back. We will reclaim it. We will cleanse it from terrorists. Everyone must attend the vigil. Guys we need you in large numbers over there.

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brian

Dec 19, 2014 02:37pm

@Austin yes this is a dilemma that our country is facing.

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Gunny

Dec 19, 2014 02:38pm

Musharraf was right all along! We need him badly now

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Dec 19, 2014 02:39pm

Its time that we start owning our mosques; where we live!

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Omer Farooq

Dec 19, 2014 02:39pm

@Kamran It was a hideout and operation center of terrorist in the heart of capital of Pakistan. They have weapons and bunkers in the mosque. What was the justification of all these things in a mosque. Musharraf's action was right. These thugs in the disguise of Islamic scholars needs to be treated sternly. Also, media should stop giving coverage to thugs like these so that they can't fool the masses.

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hrk

Dec 19, 2014 02:48pm

the government is scared of these terrorist and this is a proof of that. I offer bangles to this government. Please put this mullah behind bars as a Maintenance of Public Order law.

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Kesar

Dec 19, 2014 02:48pm

@Kamran - You really need to have your head examined. The absurdity of your comment has left me speechless!

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Truth

Dec 19, 2014 02:51pm

@Kamran When a place in Islamabad creates the situation like FATA it should be dealt like FATA, recent events have proved that Musharraf was right in his action

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Hassan

Dec 19, 2014 02:55pm

Police protecting terrorists from unarmed civilians. Definitely the theatre of the absurd......

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saf

Dec 19, 2014 02:58pm

@Kamran But no civilised country can accept a mosque in the middle of the capital taking the law into it's own hand and that is what happened when Musharaff went after them. You need to change your thinking or you will carry on living a thousand years behind the rest of the world.

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Abrar

Dec 19, 2014 02:59pm

Where is Shery Rehman now who yesterday claimed that Apologists will be treated as terrorists? Police is registering FIRs against the peaceful protestors not against these apologists.

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Nina78

Dec 19, 2014 03:02pm

@Kamran. This is exactly the problem with us. Even after our children being massacred in Peshawar we can't see that there are countless Lal masjids all over Pakistan and Lal masjid actions should be carried out against all of them. Otherwise the next time they come after our children we still won't see it coming.

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Gaz

Dec 19, 2014 03:05pm

Those who blame western conspirciy after every terrorist attack are brainwashed just like those who carry out the attacks.

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Karrar

Dec 19, 2014 03:06pm

@Kamran: "Lal masjid was not in fata where you need such action" What kind of ridiculous logic is this? They harbour terrorists, provide human/ideological support, had huge cache of ammunition back then and so what action do you suggest? Talking to these monsters?

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Mohammad Mirza

Dec 19, 2014 03:08pm

Lal masjid is government property and this twisted maulvi has been appointed by the government, after his father's death (thank you Zia-ul-haq). Enough of lies and excuses and apolgies, just sack him and take control of the mosque and of thousands others in the capital. One hypocrate general gave excess to these guys from the one sect to control the capital, now it is time to cleanse Islamabad first and then replicate the process throuhout the country.

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john

Dec 19, 2014 03:10pm

@Kamran Well if you keep rocket launchers and amunition in the Lal Masjid then you ought to treated as terrorist, besides Lal masjid personnels carried out the first attack on Army, Musharraf gave them 6 six months after Lal masjid terrorist captured Chinese and attacked GHQ before Musharraf rightly carried out the attack. a Place of worship should not have amunition.

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Shakil

Dec 19, 2014 03:28pm

We should have national disqualification register to keep names of such people so they cant hold a position in a mosque or an organisation. This mullah is nothing but brough problems for Pakistan and its people for own personaly glory or some hidden agenda.

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Jehangir Masud

Dec 19, 2014 03:31pm

So the Islamabad police still believe there are good Taliban that need protection from civil society terrorists. Or do they take their cue from authorities other than the Prime Minister?

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Atif

Dec 19, 2014 03:48pm

Shame on the police they should arrest the cleric not the innocent unarmed protesters who are completely justified and feel the tragic loss in Peshawar.

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Shahid

Dec 19, 2014 03:50pm

What could you expect from a cleric who had to face humiliation while attempting to flee in a "Burqa"

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Zainullah Khan

Dec 19, 2014 04:02pm

@Hamza Very right indeed.

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Ali

Dec 19, 2014 04:07pm

@kesar @ Hamza I agree with both of you. People don't know the truth about Lal Masjid. Musharraf sure did the right thing!

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think_then_speak

Dec 19, 2014 04:07pm

Taliban apologists are everywhere, in mosques, in Police in media. We have to confront them all. Well done the common man...

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Gul Pasha

Dec 19, 2014 04:21pm

Nothing can justify the massacre of innocent school children in Peshawar but it is also true that this tragic incident has revived the old horrible memories of operation against Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid where reportedly hundreds of male and female students along with their teachers lost their lives. It is time to think and revisit our national policies and priorities. I can not praise Musharraf for launching all out offensive against students of a Madrasa right in the heart of the Capital. Operation against Lal Masjid was certainly avoidable

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Muhammad Naqvi

Dec 19, 2014 04:25pm

Despite all the atrocities being committed by terrorists supported by the Lal Masjid (...Wagah border and now this and many many more...) mullahs why are they still walking free and spreading their poison against Pakistan and the people of Pakistan. It beggars belief that anyone of sane mind would want to attend this particular mosque and offer prayers with the Lal Masjid "Imam".

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Sajjad Khan

Dec 19, 2014 04:27pm

This proves the real sympathies of this practically illiterate police force of leaving the burqa clad "Khatib" inside the mosque, instead of going after him first..

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Mughees

Dec 19, 2014 04:27pm

Absolutely disgraced by this Lal Masjid so called Moulana, Gen Mushraf mistake was not to do operation on Lal Masjid but leaving this Moulana alive was his mistake. Shame on the Govt of giving these characterless people protection.

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javed ali Hasrat

Dec 19, 2014 04:28pm

in Pakistan police protecting terrorist

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javed ali Hasrat

Dec 19, 2014 04:28pm

Pakistan ka ALLAH hafiaz

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N Jafri

Dec 19, 2014 04:28pm

@Kamran any terrorist whether in Lal Masjid or Fata is a terrorist and deserves the same!

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Zainullah Khan

Dec 19, 2014 04:31pm

This man should be labelled Burkha Mullah,and he should be locked.These are the type of mullahs who are giving us a bad name,because they are the one who are enforcing their brand of Islam on us in Pakistan and on the rest of the world with any means possible..The poor defenseless kids and their teachers who were merciless slaughtered by these animals, are condemned by all the humanity of the world regardless of their religious affiliation.If this Mullah don't condemn this tragic action then it only means that he is one of them.

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Truth

Dec 19, 2014 04:34pm

What a mockery of law the terrorists are being protected by state and victims are being charged ! terrorists are free to express their views openly and people are being stopped to express their solidarity with terror victims

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Purush

Dec 19, 2014 04:36pm

@Ati Khan Absolutely. Everyone must join the protest and reclaim the mosque.

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Shah

Dec 19, 2014 04:39pm

@Ali I have more respect for Army Public school principal Tahira Qazi who stood by the students to protect their life not like this coward

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Well Wisher

Dec 19, 2014 04:41pm

@Sh This shows cowardice of our Govt. What was the justification for having moratorium on death sentences for the convicted terrrorists for last almost 7 years - first by PPP Govt and then by PMLN Govt. The moratorium has now been lifted only as a reactive measure. The Govt has to be proactive.

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Ash

Dec 19, 2014 04:42pm

speechless. How? Protesters are being arrested!!! I used to think your politician were bad. But NS genuinely tried to fix our relation. Now I used to think your army was bad. But your army chief looks sincerely trying to go after militants. Now these mullahs not condemning killers of kids. Don't know who can be that cruel. I really feel sorry for our neighbors. Now I will never blame a regular pakistani. Love from our side. Hoping parents have some solace somewhere. I am holding my 5 yr old daughter and reeling under pain. Afraid to loose her. Cannot imagine your pain. All my family is with you in this. Still trying to hold tears.

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Proud Pakistani

Dec 19, 2014 04:43pm

@Hamza absolutely right. These are kharjeens and mulla sb I used to be skeptical about Lal masjid operation but now you have proved that Musharaf sb was right. IIf these talibans want to fight tell them to come fight with us. Why are the targeting our children. Whats the difference between them and the forces of Yazeed?

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TZaman

Dec 19, 2014 04:49pm

Great! Jibran. You are brave. Even thus small step is a huge jump for us to come to senses. We the people must unite

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mohammad farooq

Dec 19, 2014 04:53pm

MAZ will be remembered as a man who hid himself behind a Burka.

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aditta

Dec 19, 2014 04:54pm

This is amazing... it tells you how infected paki mind set is. They are only 3% but have control of the govt. Because they are financed by saudies who get small girls in return.... all madrasas should be demolished. I hv question.. what if the Shaheed were solders. Do you think we had same solidarity? Do you think we would hv same anger? If not, than all these guys are hypocrites. Why wd did not hv such feeling when pilgrims were killed in Quetta? Why JH was not bombed? Was that a good talibaan?

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Akram

Dec 19, 2014 04:54pm

@Kamran after the school massacre, even the apologists for the militants deserve death. You need to make a choice, you are either with Pakistan, or you are with the barbarians. Pakistan has been far too tolerant till now of these people, its time to hang them all, and the people who try to defend their actions too.

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Kamran

Dec 19, 2014 04:58pm

@Gul Pasha NO IT WAS NOT!!!! These fanatics were armed to the teeth and something had to be done about it. Yes, it was unfortunate that so many student lost their lives but the onus lies on the Imams of the masjid who were using them as human shields. I'm sure you remember one of the cross dressing mullahs trying to escape while dresses as the "Burka Avenger". All the idiots spewing hate at madressahs and masjids should be arrested for they are the ones responsible for the atrocities like the ones being committed in Peshawar.

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Kamran

Dec 19, 2014 04:59pm

@Sajjad Khan totally agree with you but that cross dresser is not a khatib he is more like a "khatil".

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Kamran

Dec 19, 2014 05:02pm

@Kamran my namesake (who doesn't think like me) the Lal Masjid and all masjids need to be flushed of hate spewing mullahs who are responsible for breeding the brainless savages that go around playing judge, jury and executioner. So, regardless of whether the masjid is in FATA or not has nothing to do with this issue. Action is needed in all places where hate is being spread and people are being brainwashed.

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navas

Dec 19, 2014 05:07pm

arrest this Mullah.

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Riaz

Dec 19, 2014 05:11pm

@Austin only in Pakistan

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Pakistani

Dec 19, 2014 05:12pm

This sums up Pakistani police. You are arresting the WRONG people. I think civil soicety should now monitor EVERY maddrassa to ensure these mullahs are not spreading hate.

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Khalid

Dec 19, 2014 05:14pm

Not only this mullah, every mullah has still has soft corner for terrorists. Today our mullah says, that these are our own deeds. In every calamity they say about the deeds while the infidels helps.

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Gaz

Dec 19, 2014 05:17pm

This is what happens when we start believing in too many conspiry theories. First we blamed everything on the west and then India we need to realise if you keep on blaming wild conspircy theories then you will never address the problem and neve fix it. It will just get bigger and bigger and bigger.

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Dec 19, 2014 05:19pm

Please arrest lal masjid administration

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Dec 19, 2014 05:25pm

If we all know about the basic principles of Islam, then we won't be in need of clerics like these. ITS OUR FAULT

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Ahmad

Dec 19, 2014 05:26pm

this jamia hafsa recently supported ISIS. They should also be tried in ATCs

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mohammad farooq

Dec 19, 2014 05:29pm

He is not fit to be an Imam or a leader in Islam. He must be removed from this honorable post immediately as he does not know peaceful religion called Islam.

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Riaz

Dec 19, 2014 05:30pm

Don't exploit the sad situation for personal agendas.

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Citizen26

Dec 19, 2014 05:31pm

Just to remind you all, he is a same cleric Abdul Aziz who was caught wearing women's burqa in attempt to escape Lal Masjid operation under Musharraf's era. You can even google his interview in Burqa which he gave to PTV after getting caught by Army personel. First of all, how can anyone say he is a cleric? He was a terrorist and is a terrorist. These are the types of people who are amongst us and causes more confusion in society and spark debates about bad & good talibs. Pak Army, its hight time for you to teach such devils a lesson that their seven future generations could remember. Take action army and we as a nation are untied and will say yes to your every action.

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Kash

Dec 19, 2014 05:31pm

Come back Musharraf. People in pakistan were ignorant of your policies. Now they realise their mistake. Musharraf did wrongs and he at least admits them, but in my opinion he also did many rights.

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rashid

Dec 19, 2014 05:36pm

General Musharraf proved right when he went after Rana Ch Iftikhar ex CJ and Lal masjid!

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Aurang

Dec 19, 2014 05:36pm

Is this awakening from from long denial sleep????

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Qaisar

Dec 19, 2014 05:37pm

Whoever has soft corner for these terrorist and thugs must be dealt with iron hands. There is no place for sympathizers of these thugs in Pakistan. These thugs and their sympathizers should not be given opportunities to use the name of Islam for their very own interest.

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Red Dawn

Dec 19, 2014 05:38pm

So, there are our state's priorities!

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hammad

Dec 19, 2014 05:41pm

@jamil These madassrah student shot dead a policeman in the neck (which started the operations ). While he was bleeding to death, these peaceful students shot at the ambulance which came to pick him up. These peaceful students burned down Ministry building in the heart of Pakistan. I can keep on going. You should be ashamed of yourself. Musharraf's biggest mistake was to let this Mullah live (Period)

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hammad

Dec 19, 2014 05:45pm

@Gul Pasha The Lal masjid investigation report is out 94 people were killed 1 lady. NO WOMEN NO CHILDREN. Learn the facts and stop spreading lies

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nav

Dec 19, 2014 05:47pm

So it means we will never learn from our mistakes..this mullah along with his followers shud be removed immediately.

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pagrri Sanbhaal

Dec 19, 2014 05:52pm

Bravo Civil Society.If ever you catch this Mullah dont leave him unharmed.

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Dec 19, 2014 05:59pm

I don't understand one thing we keep on talking about how taliban leader his hiding in Afghanistan who plans attack on pakistan but we have this butcher in our capital and no one is doing anything to arrest or hang him

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Nadia

Dec 19, 2014 05:59pm

This is ridiculous, why is there an FIR registered against the wrong people! Good to see people protesting this, more should follow.

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Imran

Dec 19, 2014 05:59pm

Musharraf was 100% correct in taking action against these savages. A vigil for what? Armed mullahs that threatened the writ of the government by establishing their own legal system and giving sentences? These Lal Masjid savages were given multiple requests to step down, but they vowed to fight till the end. The end met them and they got what they deserved. Their munafiq leader fled in a burqa and that signifies them all. Good riddance you beasts, now time to tackle the Taliban monkey in the room!

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An Indian

Dec 19, 2014 06:02pm

We Indians stand by Pakistani civil society in its fight to wipe of out all forms of terrorism from its soil. You are not alone,1.2 billion Indians are with you.

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Khalid

Dec 19, 2014 06:04pm

The Lal Masjid terrorist maulana should be arrested for supporting Talibans and even naming the library "Osama Bin Laden", is clear demonstration of how much hatred this man has inside him for Pakistan and Pakistanis. When is the government going to take any action against this snake?.

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A. Mangal

Dec 19, 2014 06:05pm

Finally, Mr Pervaiz Musharraf was right! Wonder where is Hamid Mir and his GEO, the champion and sympathizers of Lal Masjid terrorists? These thugs ought to be in custody by being in association with the terrorists!

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AHA

Dec 19, 2014 06:08pm

"Protesters and supporters took to social media and launched the Twitter hashtags #LalMasjidVigil and #ArrestAbdulAziz to express their outrage." Hope this is the turning pointy for Pakistan. We turned 180 degrees in 1979 when Zia did what he did. Hope we turn 180 degrees again in 2015.

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ala

Dec 19, 2014 06:08pm

Why Pakistan, s friend Saudi Arabia is not uttering any word after all it is their money which helped for radicalisation of Pakistani people

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saeed

Dec 19, 2014 06:15pm

salute our news channels who brought this insane man to give interview, they can do anything to gain popularity

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saeeds

Dec 19, 2014 06:22pm

Jibran and all other protester are my hero . This movement die now than it is all over than people are responsible for children death. Shame on government to protecting those people. This is first time I m going against Pakistani government.

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Jawad

Dec 19, 2014 06:24pm

Is Musharraf still being tried for Lal Masjid operation? If so --- the case should be dropped immediately with an apology. And probably Lal masjid be shut down.

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umer salahuddin

Dec 19, 2014 06:29pm

He is one of the persons who give hideouts to the terrorists which resulted in Lal Masjid operation. There was news in the papers in those days in which he was quoted that our suicide volunteers will take revenge on Lal masjid operation and right after suicide attacks started.

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Pali

Dec 19, 2014 06:29pm

Get the rope

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Taimoor

Dec 19, 2014 06:30pm

Hope now people realise that everything Musharraf was found doing during is govt was right!!!!!

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Azad Khial

Dec 19, 2014 06:30pm

Why can't Imran Khan use his so called street power for some good and do a dharna outside this mosque and denounce its cleric. In fact I would love to hear any unequivocal condemnation of fundos from Khan Sahib.

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Khalid

Dec 19, 2014 06:31pm

@Citizen26 - Couldn't agree more. You have said everything I wanted to say. Thank you.

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Dec 19, 2014 06:35pm

Army has the means to take these bigots out by covert operations. Once the leadership is gone, the followers will have no ideology to follow.

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Whatever

Dec 19, 2014 06:35pm

Pakistani people have awaken. This is the Naya Pakistan. Keep going and kick these terrorists and their apologists out of this country!

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Muneeb

Dec 19, 2014 06:36pm

@AV Bagur, that is what we are doing, starting from today. .

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Dec 19, 2014 06:37pm

@Austin "So terrorist can call police for protection,only in my Pakistan" Actually pakistani police are there to protect those terrorist than to protect innocent pakistanis. Well-known terrorist 'Saeed Hafiz' has also police protection and Pak Govt. run train for his rally.

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Aleem

Dec 19, 2014 06:56pm

@Kamran Nonsense! There can never be a parallel government or power to challenge the writ of the state. What happened at Lal Masjid was an action to put down a fitna. Had the government allowed the Lal Masjid gang to continue, every masjid on every corner would have started doing the same. This bakvaas of the Lal masjid people should not have been tolerated from day 1. Had this been in another Muslim country like Saudi Arabia or Egypt, they would have razed the masjid to the ground along with its occupants.

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Muhammad

Dec 19, 2014 07:04pm

This and some other likes of it are spreading pure hatred in our society by constantly brainwashing young gullible kids and adults alike. They do not believe in Islam and Muhammad Ali Jinnah's vision. They do not believe in our constitution. They malign Pakistan army! Musharraf's decision was one of the best in the history of this country. No one should be allowed to reject Constitution of Pakistan and spew hatred openly like this. It's a shame

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Ali

Dec 19, 2014 07:26pm

Arrest this coward, always anti-State, anti-constitution, and the first thing he does is call for their help when in trouble, or wear a woman's disguise to escape. All sane and civil members of society stand with the protesters, we are all with you. May god keep you all safe

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Yawar

Dec 19, 2014 07:33pm

When sectarian radicals gather and start delivering their hate filled speeches, the police are nowhere to be seen. But when people come out to protest their actions, the police comes out in force.

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Asif Kashmiri

Dec 19, 2014 07:42pm

General... v miss u

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raja waqas

Dec 19, 2014 07:46pm

@Adam thanks bro

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khalil

Dec 19, 2014 07:47pm

Civil society should stand up united to stop any political or religious leader who endorses or sympathizes with the view that force and intimidation is justified to advance one's religious belief just as it is unacceptable to advance one's political views. Instead only good will and kindness to all peaceful citizens of Pakistan should be accepted and encouraged. All religious leaders and political leaders and news leaders should be held to this litmus test. Zero tolerance for bigotry should be adopted as the code of life.

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Waqar K.

Dec 19, 2014 07:49pm

It was under the Mushraf regime that the terrorism sky-rocketed

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Azam Khan

Dec 19, 2014 07:52pm

@jamil, I think you've got a very short memory my friend. There were many terrorist attacks before Lal Masjid was raided. In fact all fingers pointed to the Lal Masjid for those attacks. Please for heaven's sake do not turn and twist facts. Musharaf or no Musharaf, the Pakistan army chief had to take action against these self proclaimed defenders of Islam.

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Peaceman

Dec 19, 2014 07:52pm

These Mullahs be restrained or jailed for long time or disturbing peace and putting their terrorists thinking to innocent worshipers.

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Khalid

Dec 19, 2014 07:59pm

@Kamran These friends of the Talibans, must be arrested and asked if they are Pakistanis. If they are, they should be tried for treason. No ifs and no buts.

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Asad

Dec 19, 2014 07:59pm

Would that they had made similar preventive measures against the terrorists

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protester

Dec 19, 2014 08:04pm

Govt will make a historic blunder if they go to stop the protesters.Rather govt should comply with the demands of protesters so that the awareness can spread all over Pakistan.

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Rizwan

Dec 19, 2014 08:07pm

We support civil society for their action against the supporter of terrorist. Keep it up.

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Dr. A. R Malik

Dec 19, 2014 08:16pm

PLEASE arrest this Maulana under the Zero Tolerance Act for inciting hate

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isarivelan

Dec 19, 2014 08:20pm

@Shahid Shahid my friend money is coming from wealthy Saudis, they don't care about who gets killed in Pakistan, they only care about Wahabism and make sure that their society is peaceful from attack like this so that they can travel to western world and enjoy material life.

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Yumi

Dec 19, 2014 08:20pm

It is time that these madrassas, maulvis, seminaries and their funders be punished for their inciting behaviour, lack of legitimacy for being religious scholars, direct or indirect link with terrorists etc. The kids in their possession should be rescued and educated as normal human beings. Military should take over these affairs as civilian government has black sheep inside who will never take these steps.

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zaffar igbal

Dec 19, 2014 08:31pm

@Hamza The people of Pakistan have should punish this man

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abbas hamadani

Dec 19, 2014 08:38pm

Zabardast ! keep it up guys, we are all with you

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samina

Dec 19, 2014 08:43pm

Lets all rise against TTP and come out to support this rally!! This is the time to stop insanity once and forever.

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Fawad

Dec 19, 2014 08:43pm

Qoam jaag gayii hai.. Thanks IK

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Aziz

Dec 19, 2014 08:46pm

All people should join civil societies. Nawaz Sharif should invite joint session (NA and Senate) to sign law for Mosque reforms. All Madaras should be converted to regular schools, government should open hostels to replace resident Madrasahs and stop their funding sources and also repel Hudud ordinance. Let's be real this law (Hudud) is giving lot of excuses to terrorists (Mullahs) to use innocent people and gain strength. Government should weaken them.

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ZAT

Dec 19, 2014 08:46pm

we want to get rid of such so called mullahs. We are with civil society people

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faz

Dec 19, 2014 08:48pm

We miss Musharaf badly at this time....shame on PMLN. ...cowards who can't even come out and speak openly against such people

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Tahir Chaudhry

Dec 19, 2014 08:50pm

This gangster should be behind bars. It baffles one's mind that is roaming free and Gen. Musharaf is being prosecuted for Lal Masjid fiasco.

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rehan

Dec 19, 2014 08:55pm

why the police have arrested Civil Society members? this is madness.

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Dec 19, 2014 09:00pm

Here is Pakistan's problem n a nutshell: "Islamabad police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against participants of the protest on the complaint of the mosque management."

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sadia

Dec 19, 2014 09:26pm

People of pak please grow up. See how musharaff answers to all media persons. How much learned confident vigilent minded n above all patriotic he is when it comes to giving statement s about pak? Atleast analyse things neutrally and compare your selected politicians like zardari n nawaz they cant answer a single question from international community. Please wake up atleast not for us but for our children

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Syed Zaidi

Dec 19, 2014 09:31pm

@Hamza People of Pakistan are already Paying Price for this madness.....every TV Screen is telling that truth every day.

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aarukhbe

Dec 19, 2014 09:32pm

When Musharraf attacked the lal masjid, evwrybody condemned him. Why is Altaf taken so seriously? Pakistanis are hypocrites!

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Raja Islam

Dec 19, 2014 09:35pm

Places like Lal Masjid are breeding grounds for terrorists. The community needs to get Maulana Aziz out of there. Masjids are communal properties and are not owned by any mullah.

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Syed Zaidi

Dec 19, 2014 09:36pm

@Kamran Lal masjid was not in fata where you need.such action. Problem is NOT in FATA...it is in Lal Masjid....Masjid is for Sajood

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Farhan

Dec 19, 2014 09:46pm

Well done people.. Stay awake and annihilate all such enemies of humanity from our country. Well done.

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Shafique

Dec 19, 2014 09:56pm

This Cleric is not alone. There is a huge number of such clerics and their supporters in the country. Govt. must act to take control of all madrassahs!

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Dec 19, 2014 10:20pm

The best way to treat your people is patience. Lal masjid episode could have been solved by cutting all means of necessity. Attacking own people is no mean to solve the issue. Swaran mandir attack was an example. Now chapter is over. Pakistan fought wars one to help USA agsinst USSR and second to defeat Alqaida. What ever it did is best known to weak leaders. What it gained. Trouble at home and killing of innocents in Afghanistan. Now people so affected can not be allowed to kill innocent children. Solutions lies in amicable line with no loss. Also come out from clutches of Mossad CIA and others

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Lucky Star

Dec 19, 2014 10:22pm

@jamil There must be some reason to do that. Go, get informed.

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Erik

Dec 19, 2014 10:31pm

SSP Asmatullah I personally prayed for your recovery when you were injured by protestors, because I saw the truth in your eyes when you spoke to protestors. I still feel the same for you. You are a brave and honest person. Pls help us against TTP sympathisers. Do not stand with those who support the killers of our children.

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Faisal

Dec 19, 2014 10:34pm

Yeh cheez, people have finally woken up.

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Umer Salahuddin

Dec 19, 2014 11:14pm

FIR will do nothing. A trial should be opened in Anti Terrorist court under act of terrorism against him as he gave hideouts to terrorists a few years back and still supporting them even after Peshawar incident. FIR means to suppress allegations against him.

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Mohammad Amin

Dec 19, 2014 11:20pm

Should arrest him, these are the kind of people misrepresenting the best religion.

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Dec 19, 2014 11:58pm

I wish Pakistan all the best in getting rid of these terrorists. May god be with you!

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Javed Iqbal

Dec 20, 2014 12:03am

Every Madrassah in Pakistan be kept under strict observation. The Government should interrogate all the student studying in Madrassah from time to time to know what they are being taught there. The admission of foreigners in Pakistani Madarssah be banned for ever.

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Mustafa

Dec 20, 2014 12:05am

I understand that the demonstrators are outside Lal Masjid because Abdul Aziz didn't condemn the Pesahwar incident. But the article fails to mention the reason behind registration of an FIR against Abdul Aziz. We as a nation are ought to do the RIGHT thing and we must address the menace of terrorism in the right way. We must not follow the failed 'friend or foe' approach that US has had before going to war with Afghanistan. US is packing and will soon leave Afghanistan. If we alienate too many of our own then where we will go from our own people. We must come up with an effective and, above all, a CORRECT strategy.

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Sher

Dec 20, 2014 12:25am

Arrest him, then send him with his family to D G Khan from where he belongs.

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Ozair

Dec 20, 2014 12:26am

There are over 8000 Madrassa's running illegally in Pakistan, out of which many are spreading terrorism and extremism, the government needs to close ALL OF THEM and regulate the ones that are officially open, hire qualified people to preach the correct version of Islam rather than this nonsense these barbarians are spreading, close the lal masjid and arrest that joke of a human being abdul aziz, lock him up and throw away the key, this man is a coward and even tried to escape the lal masjid operation in a Burka, maybe he can use that Burka in prison

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qaisar

Dec 20, 2014 12:29am

Let's take our Islam back from these terrorists....thank u people......

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Murtaza Mandvi

Dec 20, 2014 12:32am

Good job - however in this age the FIR is still hand written and unreadable - aah I guess its one step at a time.

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Dec 20, 2014 12:40am

Well done people

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Owais Mangal

Dec 20, 2014 12:53am

I think people's pressure is required within our borders and Army's pressure at the border and beyond. Ya Rab, help!

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Aamir

Dec 20, 2014 12:58am

Musharraf did the RIGHT thing 8 years ago. He had guts and he had a vision. We are an unthankful nation. We had a great leader who was dealing with these murderers ... and what do we do???? we put a case on Musharraf. Shame on us.

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tariq

Dec 20, 2014 01:08am

@Hamza absolutely right

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NAZ

Dec 20, 2014 01:16am

@Kamran -----hamza is right gen musharaf was right.

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Ahmad

Dec 20, 2014 01:25am

@jamil No - you are deluded. There had been two wars in Waziristan already before the Lal Masjid Operation. We have been fighting the Taliban since 2004. Lal Masjid siege was in 2007 because the stupid militants in the mosque were calling out for the imposition of their brand of Shariah over the entire country. As if they get to decide how the rest of Pakistan should live.

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SMQ Zaman

Dec 20, 2014 01:28am

It has taken the lives of 132 children and 15 teachers, executed in cold-blood in a real-life horror-movie, and 125 wounded for our nation to unite with one voice, finally, against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. It is high-time that the Government of Pakistan must stop the message of hatred, sectarianism, and terrorism that has been perpetrated from these Madressahs or Religious Schools for more than three decades! For the last 10 years, I have been saying the 'enemy is within' and we are fighting our 'war on terror' not that of the USA or the West and vociferously since the day IS claimed its so-called Caliphate; finally, our nation has woken up!

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Jibran

Dec 20, 2014 01:44am

In a society where there is little hope that the misdeeds of Mullah's such as Abdul Aziz will be countered, the civil society have shown some courage, however we don't see the so called champions of civil society including Asma Jahangir and Atizaz Ahsan coming forward and support the people who have taken a noble step, probably there is little to serve their interest.

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Dec 20, 2014 01:46am

@Sab - This is part of the reply from the civil society.

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Pramod Delhi

Dec 20, 2014 01:50am

Pakistan need to be a free thinking state where religion is every ones personal matter and you can like or dislike someone who does not do something right as per your thinking but you ll let law decide it.

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imtiaz

Dec 20, 2014 01:53am

Kudos

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M Rabbani

Dec 20, 2014 02:16am

@jamil the problems started with zia and have gotten progressively worse...kill them all.....we need a Kemal Ata Turk!

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G.A.

Dec 20, 2014 02:29am

Men like this Maulana is a cancer in our midst that needs to be eradicated.

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rana1

Dec 20, 2014 02:40am

With all newly gained 'tabdili agai hae' euphoria,perhaps pakistanis can stand up to mullahs who create discord amongst the minorty sects and religion.Hope these very people will demonstrate boldly without fear or favour when a christian,a Hindu,Ahmaddiya etc is being victimised for his faith and believes.All madrasas and mosques should be closed for preaching hatred.

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sid

Dec 20, 2014 02:40am

@Gul Pasha What an appalling comment. In the Lal masjid incident if you remember, there were many opportunities provided to the terrorists to drop their arms and surrender to the state. They declined and in the end met their fate. In the Peshawar case, those lunatics didn't even give the children a chance to surrender!!!.. there is a huge difference and I am absolutely appalled with your response. As for the innocent lives lost in the lal masjid cleansing operation, then the reports that I read (not from the Taliban obviously) was that those innocent people were being used as human shields and the Pakistan Army was being as careful as it could to avoid collateral damage. Please develop a conscious and reflect on your hurtful comment.

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TZaman

Dec 20, 2014 03:08am

We need in Pakistan what was done in Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. We must tell the mullahs to correct there ways or get ready to be forcibly removed.

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wizarat

Dec 20, 2014 03:27am

I am with the MQM on this They have been warning us for the last 10 -15 years they were correct in demanding an Army action in Karachi as well as Punjab.

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Yawar

Dec 20, 2014 03:28am

Finally the tide has turned against these radical elements who held the entire country hostage by wanting to impose their interpretation of Islam on the entire population and inciting violence on those that disagree.

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M. Siddique

Dec 20, 2014 03:28am

How about Mullah Fazalur Rehman (MNA)? We have not heard him say anything about the massacre. Its time protest against him as well.

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MALIK

Dec 20, 2014 03:56am

@Hamza Very true

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khan

Dec 20, 2014 04:05am

Sad demise of democracy in Pakistan and welcome to quasi martial law, shame on these politicians that we have to look back at military ? black day for Pakistan Democracy but please hang these people like abdul aziz minimum for a feeling of relief

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imran

Dec 20, 2014 04:20am

Great. The silent majority is no longer willing to be silent. Another benefit of Imran Khan's dharna.

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Truthful

Dec 20, 2014 04:28am

@Kabir Musjid is not responsible it is the musjid's management that is bad.

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Mahrukh

Dec 20, 2014 04:37am

Musharraf must be a happy man today. He'll sleep like a baby tonight.

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Pankhaj Roy

Dec 20, 2014 04:41am

@Hakim Only if sanity would prevail !!

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Faisal Sayeed

Dec 20, 2014 04:44am

Not Condemning is not necessarily unlawful....just very unethical. This mullah should not be left to go free. People like him, when removed from position of power, go amongst general population and pose further risk of preaching extreme ideals, promote hate and violence. Truth be told...he should be put on-air by Geo or PTV so people of Pakistan get an opportunity to see these extremists up-close and personal.

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Ali

Dec 20, 2014 04:50am

Heart and all strength goes out to these brave protesters, who have managed to get this ground-breaking FIR registered. You have set an amazing and courageous example. All strength to you all.

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Sami

Dec 20, 2014 04:55am

Make every mullah take a stand. Either he is with us, or he is against us. Ask each mullah to condemn, in no uncertain terms, terrorism in general and the Peshawar school massacre in particular. Those who fail to do so, should be prosecuted as traitors for abetting and providing comfort to the enemies of the state.

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Pankhaj Roy

Dec 20, 2014 05:08am

@M Rabbani I hope we get one and get him soon. If Pakistan has to survive like a decent country.

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rana1

Dec 20, 2014 05:12am

People are baying for blood and what is the government doing in return........doing what the people want by hanging no one related to the Peshawar incident..people you are being taken for a ride.......wake up as Nawaz is only securing himself. Nawaz Sharif government is weak and General Raheel came back from Afghanistan empty handed with no positive action.So these hangings are meant to make the government look efficient.They have nothing,all these years consecutive governments have never been able to end this menace and now you think this one will?

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Shasan

Dec 20, 2014 05:13am

@Kabir There is no need to demolish the masjid. But any cleric or political leader who supports the Taliban in any way, through words or deeds, needs to go ASAP.

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Rim

Dec 20, 2014 05:15am

People power, if authorities prove ineffective.

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Malik

Dec 20, 2014 05:16am

@Hamza Dear Hamza. It is because of Musharraf that we are in this situation. We never had this problem before he conducted the operation.

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rana1

Dec 20, 2014 05:17am

@Ahmad .....these hangings are meant to secure Nawaz chair and the public is baying for blood and what better way then hang a few who are not a coterie of TTP.Our general Raheel too is making it look like he got a positive response in Afghanistan,but nothing came of it.

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Malik

Dec 20, 2014 05:18am

@M Rabbani Please. Killing is not part of Islam. If Pakistan was a place where everyone got their rights and a good living standards, we wont be in this mess. The politicians are to blame for creating this mess.

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Raja

Dec 20, 2014 05:55am

These Uneducated Mullahs are destroying the country, they are black mark on Islam, they must be arrested

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Zaher8

Dec 20, 2014 06:02am

PML N is totally Sielent & i have doubt on PML N that will support case at Court Proceeding This Moulana should be Hangged in Open Pindi Market & have Justics For Moderate Mind People Rember this Bagoda Moulawi was Running in Burkha & He was arrest in Past & Release by Govt which we say Democratic Govt

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mike hasan USA

Dec 20, 2014 06:25am

Beginning of the 'new Pakistan' ...... only people of Pakistan can do it

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ma ma

Dec 20, 2014 06:29am

@Kabir Absolutely right!

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Indian

Dec 20, 2014 07:10am

@Mustafa "I understand that the demonstrators are outside Lal Masjid because Abdul Aziz didn't condemn the Pesahwar incident." That's NOT true. The demonstrators are outside Lal Masjid because Abdul Aziz REFUSED to condemn the Pesahwar incident. There is difference between both things. FIR should be launch for the same reason.

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pakiboy

Dec 20, 2014 08:37am

police .. no where to be seen if public needs it !!

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Viqar Khilji

Dec 20, 2014 09:07am

Jamia Hafsa should be closed down and its administration arrested as it is preaching violence and praising those who have been declared terrorists by the state. Secondly there is a need to investigate the allegations that this Madrassa and the adjoining mosque were built on illegally acquired land. If the allegations are correct then necessary measures need to be adopted to correct the situation.

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khawar

Dec 20, 2014 10:06am

Molana Abdul Azia must be boycotted

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mir

Dec 20, 2014 10:11am

He should be tried for treason and must be punished. ...

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Verma(INDIA)

Dec 20, 2014 10:30am

Dear pakistani civil socity, We are watching u, this is a very brave gesture. We are also watching ur media people and understand the threat of their lives. we should must raise voice against these people. But also be safe. An indian

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Dr. Walid Khan

Dec 20, 2014 09:06pm

Maulana is full of lies and hate please put a burqua on him and kick him out of the country.

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Mustafa

Dec 20, 2014 09:25pm

this evil maulana needs to pack up collection of his burquas and leave

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UncleSAM

Dec 22, 2014 05:32pm

Its funny that you guys are still calling him a 'Maulana'

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