ISLAMABAD: The International Islamic University (IIUI) administration and a group of students on Friday resolved their dispute over a makeshift mosque.

A local court on Friday resumed hearing of a case filed by the students against the closure of the mosque, expulsion of five students and registration of an FIR against them.

During the proceeding of the case, Javed Akbar Shah, the counsel for students, told the court that his clients were expelled from the university for raising their voice against the closure of the mosque.

He said the university also got an FIR registered against the students. He pleaded that the students had been using the mosque as they could not understand Friday sermon being delivered in Arabic.

On the other hand, the counsel for the university, Rehanuddin Khan Golra, contended that the mosque had to be closed down due to security reasons. He said the students were expelled for violating discipline.

Civil judge Ayesha Shabbir directed both parties to resolve the issue. To this, Rehanuddin Golra and university official Dr Azizur Rehman said they were ready to accept the genuine demands of the students but for this the complainants should also show flexibility.

After arguments, it was decided that the university after completing a due procedure would restore the expelled students while the FIR would also be quashed. On the other hand, it was also decided that the students will use the main mosque of the university and makeshift mosque will be handed over to the varsity administration.

The sermon will be delivered in Urdu as well and prayers’ leadership will be given on a rotation basis.

“The mosque issue has almost been resolved; now the students will have to file an appeal for their restoration and the university will consider their application. We will also consider students’ request for quashing the FIR,” Rehanuddin told Dawn.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2015

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