Cleric booked for flouting mosque curbs
islamabad — Another case was registered against cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz for violating the ban on Friday congregations imposed by the government as part of its measures to stop the spread of Covid-19, it was reported on Sunday.
This is the third case as two more cases were registered against Aziz, the cleric of Islamabad’s famous Lal Masjid, in the last three weeks, Dawn
News quoted the police as saying.
A police officer said that the new case was registered under section 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the PPC along with the arm ordinance.
For three consecutive weeks, he has violated the restriction on Friday congregations.
One of his companions was also booked in the latest case on Saturday for displaying arms which is also banned in the capital.
However, no one has so far been arrested in connection with the three cases. There is a restriction on congregation in mosques but the cleric led Friday prayers at Lal Masjid.
The cleric and his companions were asked to stop people from violating the restriction but they ignored, a police officer told Dawn News, adding about 200 to 300 people gathered in the mosque.
However, the officer said any move to arrest Maulana Aziz or his companions would lead to a law and order situation.
The first case against the cleric was registered on April 3 and the second on April 17.
An officer of the capital administration added that a few religious scholars were approached to negotiate with the Lal Masjid cleric and convince him to follow the government order. —