THE Islamabad High Court ordered the demolition of a religious seminary, illegally constructed and operated in sector G-11.Replying to a question, the counsel for the cleric, who committed this crime, said that there were a number of madressahs in the capital, running in a similar manner.

In all such cases, besides the CDA, two other institutions are also responsible for the mushroom growth of such illegal seminaries. These institutions are, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and the Wifaqul Madaris al Arabia, Pakistan, the main governing body, which looks after and maintains a list of seminaries operating under its jurisdiction.

Unfortunately all the three bodies silently watch the construction of such seminaries. Besides, Wifaqul Madaris gives recognition and registration to these seminaries.

Does Islamic law allow the construction of a mosque or seminary on an illegally-occupied piece of land? Can, the CII or Wifaqul Madaris enlighten the public?

Hopefully, on the basis of this landmark decision, the CDA will demolish all such illegal seminaries or mosques in the capital.

Abid Mahmud Ansari

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2015

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