Authorities, clerics in talks after mosque demolition stirs tension in Pakistan’s capital

Tensions are running high in Pakistan’s capital after authorities demolished a decades-old mosque and seminary they said was illegally built on protected greenbelt land.

The action, part of a broader plan to remove dozens of mosques from the greenbelt, has drawn strong condemnation from religious leaders and prompted negotiations aimed at defusing the situation.

Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA), backed by police, carried out the late-night operation between August 9 and 10, tearing down Masjid-e-Madni and its attached madrassa along Murree Road near the Secretariat and Best Western Hotel.

Heavy machinery was used to dismantle the structure, which dated back to the era of former president Zia-ul-Haq.

CDA officials say the demolition followed a mutual agreement reached in January 2025 with the mosque’s administration to relocate the facility. They point to a newly constructed 50x100-foot mosque and seminary in Margalla Town, built at a cost of PKR 37 million, as a replacement.

Authorities argue the move is part of a wider effort to address illegal encroachments on public land with a list of 50 mosques slated for removal.

However, the plan has been put on hold following backlash from religious leaders.

Prominent scholars from Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-Arabia Pakistan, including Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, Maulana Anwar-ul-Haq, Maulana Saeed Yusuf, and Maulana Muhammad Hanif Jalandhri, have denounced the demolition as “provocative” and warned it could have “severe consequences” for the country’s future.

They argue that demolishing a mosque invites “divine wrath” and has caused unrest among Muslims worldwide, demanding that Masjid-e-Madni be rebuilt at its original site and those responsible be held to account.

In the wake of the operation, a heavy police presence, including prison vans, has been deployed at the site of the demolished mosque.

Security in the capital has also been tightened ahead of Independence Day celebrations at Parade Ground and Sports Complex Islamabad, with Section 144 imposed within a 5 km radius of key sites, banning aerial firing, fireworks, drones, and kite flying.

Religious leaders, govt delegation hold talks

Negotiations between religious leaders and government representatives are ongoing. On one side are Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) General Secretary Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and other senior scholars; on the other are Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the commissioner Islamabad, the inspector general Islamabad Police, and the deputy commissioner Islamabad.

Talks were held late on August 10 and today (Monday) with both sides agreeing to seek a resolution that considers religious, legal and administrative concerns.

Officials say further consultations with the federal interior minister will be required to finalize the matter and estimate that at least 48 more hours will be needed for progress.

In the meantime, both parties have pledged not to take any unilateral action while discussions continue.

Defying the relocation plan, religious scholars have already laid the foundation to rebuild Masjid-e-Madni at its original location.

With additional input from Ali Hamza