ISLAMABAD: After successful negotiations between the government and former cleric of Lal Masjid Maulana Abdul Aziz, his wife Ume Hassan was released on bail the other day.

Sources in the interior ministry and the district administration told Dawn that on March 3, a committee under the supervision of the secretary interior and comprising the chief commissioner, inspector general of police, the deputy commissioner Islamabad, MNA from NA-46 and Ulema held talks with Maulana Aziz.

After long negotiations, the district administration and the cleric reached an agreement. They agreed that Lal Masjid administration would demolish the under-construction building along with a boundary wall and a gate adjacent to the mosque. A wall will be built along the specified boundary of the mosque.

Talks will be held after Eidul Fitr regarding the remaining under-construction buildings after which there will be a complete ban on any kind of construction.

The Lal Masjid administration promised that no pressure, force or influence would be used against any government or public institution, officials or the general public. Moreover, no one would create a law and order situation.

Moreover, Ume Hassan will not interfere in government and institutional matters. If such interference was found, immediate legal action would be taken.

Hate speeches against the state and its armed forces and the use of print and social media for this purpose are a crime. Strict legal action will be initiated against all such acts, including inciting public for terrorism and spreading religious or sectarian hatred.

Both sides will negotiate over the matter of Lal Masjid after Eidul Fitr and sign an agreement for a permanent solution to the issue.

It was also agreed that the terms and conditions listed in the agreement would be unconditionally followed to maintain rule of law and ensure law and order in the city.

The deputy commissioner Islamabad could not be contacted for comments.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2025