Supreme Court to be approached to review its verdict on Lal Masjid

10 Oct, 2007

The government will move the Supreme Court praying to review its decision regarding the opening of Lal Masjid and building of Jamia Hafsa, said Interior Ministry Spokesman Brigadier Javed Iqbal Cheema (Retd).
"There are certain difficulties with regard to implementation of the decision of the apex court," he told the weekly news briefing on Tuesday. Jamia Hafsa was built on encroached land and it could not be built on the previous pattern, he said.
Cheema said that Pakistan would take up the inquiry report of Samjhota Express fatal accident with the Indian government during the second round of Joint Anti-Terrorism Mechanism Talks beginning from October 22 in New Delhi. "Pakistan has some reservations on India's interference in our tribal areas in NWFP and Balochistan. We will express our concern", he added.
On the question of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto's return, he said she would be provided full security on landing anywhere in the country. He said he would not talk on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). "This is not my cup of tea," said the spokesman, adding the interior ministry had not received any instructions from the government on the implementation of the NRO.
Responding to a question on Supreme Court decision on Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa, he said that only 205 sq. yards land was allotted legally to the administration by CDA for building Jamia Hafsa. But the then management occupied more land illegally, he remarked. The Supreme Court would be pleaded to withdraw such concessions in the verdict on Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa, he added.
Cheema said the government would fully honour the Supreme Court's orders and make the efforts to construct seminary for day-scholars. Originally, the Madrasa was for day scholars. There was no facility of boarding for student in the seminary in original plan. These are the issues, which we want to be explained by the court.
Regarding appointment of pro-Maulana Aziz's Khateeb in mosque, the spokesman said it was just a temporary or stop-gap arrangement and ICT Administration would soon appoint the permanent prayer leader with the recommendations of the Auqaf Department.
He said there was no specific threat of terrorist activity in the country. But generally, the law enforcement agencies would remain ready for any eventuality. "We will not lower our guards. The state of high alert will be maintained", he said. On the situation in Swat, he said the federal government would provide every assistance to the NWFP government if the latter indicated of any required help from the federal government.

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