The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad has approved a four-day physical remand for six women and seven men, including Umm-e-Hassan, the wife of Maulana Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid, in a case related to an attack and firing on government employees.
The case, registered under anti-terrorism provisions at Shahzad Town Police Station, was heard by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. The arrested individuals, including Umm-e-Hassan, were presented before the court on Thursday.
According to the case details, the accused allegedly attacked and fired at Capital Development Authority (CDA) staff and police personnel during a dispute over a mosque. The police claimed that construction was underway on a plot allocated by the CDA for a madressah.
The incident reportedly occurred when the CDA administration visited the site to negotiate, leading to clashes. The police stated that the suspects, both men and women, seized construction materials and vandalised official vehicles. Two bullets struck government vehicles, and anti-riot kits were also snatched from law enforcement personnel.
The police requested a five-day physical remand to recover additional evidence, including the alleged weapons used in the attack. However, Judge Sipra questioned, "When the accused were arrested on the spot, what do you want to recover?" Despite this, the court approved a four-day remand.
During the proceedings, the defence argued that Umm-e-Hassan and others were wrongfully arrested while negotiating with authorities regarding the disputed mosque. Her lawyer claimed, "The accused were arrested from the mosque; what did the police have to recover?" he asked.
Judge Sipra, however, pointed out that Umm-e-Hassan had already been declared wanted in four other cases. "We have just come to know about these cases. We will appear in court as required," her lawyer stated.
Expressing concern over religious site-related disputes, he remarked, "Why are there fights over mosques, churches, temples, and Imambargahs? When will we stop fighting over places of worship?"
The police have vowed to arrest other accomplices involved in the incident. A pistol was recovered from one of the arrested men.
The case was registered on the complaint of Magistrate Murtaza Chandio, with authorities emphasizing strict legal action against those involved in obstructing government operations and attacking officials.
