ISLAMABAD, Feb 20: Some 12 unauthorised mosques were demolished in different sectors of the federal capital on Wednesday.

The operation was jointly carried out by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, District Auqaf Department (DAD) and capital police.

Official sources told Dawn that these mosques were razed as part of its ongoing drive against illegally constructed mosques and Madaris in the capital.

Two mosques were demolished in sector G-8/2, two at G-9/2 and two at I-10/2, while one each at sectors H-8, I-10/4, I-8/3, I-10/3, F-11/1 and I-8/1.

However, the mosques’ management committees tried to make a hullabaloo during the operation but, no untoward incident was reported.

“As the committees had already been served notices for early removal of the unauthorised mosques, therefore, they did not create law and order situation,” the sources said.

The sources said some of the committees got stay orders against the government action from the local courts.

“However, the committees have failed to produce before the courts any solid proof and document confirming the legality of these mosques and Madaris,” the sources said.

“The drive will continue and more mosques and Madaris will be demolished in near future.”

A DAD official said the ICT had set a criteria for prayer leaders under which the Imam should have the qualification of Dars-i-Nizami, a degree approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) equivalent to masters degree in Islamiyat and Arabic.

“Dars-i-Nizami is a 9-year course which is compulsory for the Imam of every mosque,” he said.

Similarly, all Moazzans of mosques should be Hafiz-i-Quran so that in case of the absence of Imam, they could lead the prayer, the official said.