ISLAMABAD, Sept 14: Hundreds of people staged a protest rally outside the Lal Masjid and at the Aabpara market against the government over closure of Lal Masjid and detention of Maulana Abdul Aziz.

The demonstrators carried placards inscribed with slogans like “Reopen Lal Masjid,” “Set Maulana Abdul Aziz free.” Strict security measures had been taken amid reports that security forces had encircled Lal Masjid from all sides. People were subjected to extensive search.

Police and students exchanged hot words on several occasions. The protesters were not allowed to offer Jumma prayers inside Lal Masjid despite protracted dialogue with the administration to make this possible. MMA legislator Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz led the Jumma prayers outside Rehman Masjid in Aabpara Chowk.

Talking to journalists, he said the government was pursuing “mean tactics.” The closure of the Lal Majid closure and operations against mosques bore testimony that the rulers had become US stooges. He demanded that Maulana Abdul Aziz be released immediately and Lal Masjid be reopened for prayers.

The police and the district administration prevented the media persons from visiting Lal Masjid and arrested two persons.—Online