Pakistan to rebuild demolished mosque in Islamabad after talks with religious leaders

After days of tension following the demolition of a decades-old mosque in Islamabad, negotiations between the government and religious leaders have yielded a breakthrough.

Authorities have agreed to reconstruct the demolished mosque within four months, temporarily easing a standoff that had triggered widespread criticism.

The controversy erupted on August 11 when Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA), backed by police, demolished Masjid-e-Madni and its attached seminary along Murree Road near Rawal Chowk.

Officials said the mosque, which dated back to the era of former president Zia-ul-Haq, had been illegally built on the city’s protected greenbelt. Heavy machinery was used during the late-night operation between August 9 and 10.

The action, part of a broader plan to remove dozens of mosques from public land, sparked a political and religious uproar. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the demolition, raised the issue in parliament, and demanded immediate reconstruction of the Madani Mosque.

Authorities initially defended the demolition, with the Interior Ministry stating that the decision was taken in consultation with religious scholars. It further claimed that an alternative site had already been allocated, where a new seminary was constructed at a cost of PKR 40 million. However, clerics rejected these justifications and maintained pressure on the government.

Amid mounting criticism, negotiations were held between the Interior Ministry, Islamabad administration, and the Ulema Action Committee.

These talks culminated in an agreement on Tuesday to rebuild the Madani Mosque at its original site within four months. During this period, authorities will also allow daily congregational prayers to continue at the location.

As part of the settlement, the notification regarding the demolition of 50 other mosques was declared “fake,” and officials pledged that the district administration will consult the Ulema Action Committee before taking any future decisions regarding mosques in Islamabad.