Special Forces Assemble at Lal Masjid!
-7th July 1:30 AM
The problem might just have exasperated by the operation as F-7 and E-7 are rocked by gun fire, and explosions. Jamia Faridia is located in E-7. Good God… help Islamabad. What the heck!!! >:X These might be the same students that were released yesterday. I fear they have regrouped and rearmed. Damn…
7th July 1:30 AM
Earlier, Ahmed reported,
Some development as reported by www.onlinenews.com:
ISLAMABAD: Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi Friday showed willingness to hand over 3 orphans.
It has learnt that member of MMA Shah Abdul Aziz made a telephonic contact with besieged leader of Lal Masjid extremists to know about situation of teenage students, female and male, requested for their hand over, guaranteed for their proper look after but Lal Masjid mullah imparted that there were no teenagers in Mosque as propagated by government expect three, one male and two females, could be handed over on the pledge of their proper bring up.
Later on, Maulana Aziz had informed and discussed this development with officials of Interior Ministry to hatch a mechanism for the custody of these orphans.
Mega phones being used to inform the press and media men around to move back, further, from the firing zone.
7th July 1:18 AM
SHOTS FIRED! Firing from both ends in the standoff, Lal Masjid have opened fire with the Spec Ops doing the same! Heavy firing heard from the G-6 area as far as G-10. Ambulances can be heard rushing towards hospitals. The Special Forces have made a final move in as it seems. 7.7.7 in the making!?
Dear Reader, this is a LiveBlog of the Operation Lal Deen/Silence after 3:00 AM, on 4th of July, 2007. Interviews of both the brothers Rasheed and Aziz. The beautiful Islamabad. Journalists up-front in line of their duty. The down low on the nitty-gritty. The story of Maulana Aziz mian’s arrest and who got the credit. Your thoughts? How it all began, who should have died, and who actually did! This post will stick to the top till we reach a concluding point in this tragic episode unfolding in Islamabad. You can view all the new posts from our authors on Islamabad Metroblog right below this one. Your comments are invaluable source of information and discussion. Thank you very much.
-The IMB Team
(Islamabad for outsiders – 1185 x 1032 px, 589.9 KB)
6th July 11:40 PM
Women representatives from the Parliament of Pakistan are now going inside the Lal Masjid to coax the ones inside to give up and surrender. They are accompanied by a member of the national assembly from the Muthida Majlis-e-Amal party also of the name, Maulana Aziz. Complete name, I don’t know? A clarification from D0CT0R,
Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz is an MNA from MMA not related to LAL masjid administration.
6th July 8:05 PM
Just found this video on another forum, Parents of Lal Masjid on BBC Urdu.
6th July 7:45 PM
Women representatives from the Parliament of Pakistan have requested to go in and talk to the ladies inside. The reaction to that from the masjid clergy is negative with, they are vary of the fact that, “Men dressed as women will try to infiltrate our stronghold!” …They are still thinking along those lines? Damn, man!
Meanwhile S.S.G. has been called in. The counter-terrorism wing of the Pakistan Army, very much similar to Mi5 in functioning and role.
6th July 7:30 PM
Residents of surrounding sectors heard yet again another maddening exchange of gunfire with random booms, explosions from the side of Lal Masjid. The crackdown on the Lal Masjid has now lasted for over 3 days, and it seems the forces outside are trying to push the ones inside to crack out of the compound. Around 6:30 PM and later this exchange of gunfire took place. And 2 tulbaa are said to have died, while 4 are injured.
Earlier today, at 3.30 AM, there was another similar clash between the forces who are holed up in their positions and both of them seem to be waiting for the other one to give in first. While the armed forces outside try to make head way, wall by wall.
There are constant reports of parents outside complaining that their children inside are being forced not to surrender against their wills. Pakistan Television ran a video of a man of pakhtun origin totally broken into tears for the life of his son inside. This is sad.
Mean while, Fakeera updates us on the attack on President Musharraf.
6th July 5:00 PM
Rasheed Ghazi says that 400 students have written their wills, and are placed on “Minbar” of the mosque. We’re ready for the final battle.
6th July 1:35 PM
From unconfirmed sources, Jjust learnt that a rocket almost Hit Musharaf’s copter while he was going for Flood affected areas monitoring. Rocket missed the target and Lal masjid Clerics may be related to this. (any confirmations??)
6th July 12:30 PM
1. Three hours relaxation in curfew for Jumah Prayer. Officials have announced a relaxation in the curfew for three hours starting from 12:30 pm till 3:30 pm in view of the Jumah Prayers break today amidst the Lal Masjid standoff. There are also reports of three more people who have surrendered to the authorities today.
2. Rasheed Ghazi claims more than 100 shells landed in the mosque’s compound in last one hour. Just moments ago, while talking the Geo TV, the leading cleric of Lal Masjid, Abdul Rasheed Ghazi has claimed that more than a 100 shells have landed inside the compound as a result of heavy firing and shelling by the authorities in the past hour. Rasheed Ghazi also denied reports of a rocket launcher attack on an APC of the armed forces yesterday.
He remained insistent as before on his previous conditions for giving up control of the mosque and the madrassas and laying down weapons. He further said that it is wrong of the government to assume our efforts to resolve this issue as our weakness and blamed the government for not willing to show any flexibility to end the standoff.
(Thanks to Fauzan Sohail for the updates).
6th July 10:00 AM
Still, no progress. Maualana Abdur Rashid and his associates are still not willing to lay down their arms. Heavy gun fire and even rocket attacks are going on since the previous night. Some bullets passed from over the residential area and some bullets hit a wall of Poly Clinic Hospital.
Image courtesy DT shows the seminaries being taken in blind-folded yesterday.
Geo reported firing of rockets from Lal Masjid, which caused a little damage to rangers’ AMCs. Security forces also fired dummy mortars with great sound and smoke.
Nevertheless, the lady officers who captured Aziz are being rewarded.
6th July 12:50 AM
Abdul Rasheed Ghazi is finding ways to save himself (more) and others with him. Face saving is of more importance; after yesterday’s bashing of his elder brother. Senator Tariq Azeem has assured him that he wont be asked to remove his shirt for security checking.
So now Ghazi asking for Cease fire and govt asking for cease fire … and both the parties are not ready for it.
On the other hand, heavy fire was reported few minutes back. Security forces are so close to the building itself that it would be moment’s game to turn the tables. Few students still managed to climb out.
*Confusion Confusion Everywhere* (Refer to interesting discussion on geo at the moment)
5th July 10:05 PM
Latest developments, hollow words? You decide
I am ready to surrender along with all students: Abdul Rasheed Ghazi -via The News.
The deputy head of Lal Mosque Maulana Abdul Rasheed Ghazi has dramatically announced to surrender along with all the students including females amid the full-fledged “silence operation”, which was launched by forces at Lal mosque and Jamia Hafsa.
” I am ready to surrender along with all the students including females, we are ready to handover Lal mosque to Auqaf department and Jamia Faraidia will be handed over to the Wafaq-ul-Madaris, Mr. Ghazi said while taking to Geo News in an exclusive telephonic talk.
However, he said all the cases lodged against him were fake cases.
Maulana Abdul Rasheed Ghazi expressed his desire that he along with his mother should be allowed to live in portion of Lal Mosque (Hujra) for few days so that they could be shifted at another place.
The government should investigate against those, whom the government seems, are involved in any suspicion activities, he said.
6th July 10:00 AM
Still, no progress. Maualana Abdur Rashid and his associates are still not willing to lay down their arms. Heavy gun fire and even rocket attacks are going on since the previous night. Some bullets passed from over the residential area and some bullets hit a wall of Poly Clinic Hospital.
Geo reported firing of rockets from Lal Masjid, which caused a little damage to rangers’ AMCs. Security forces also fired dummy mortars with great sound and smoke.
Nevertheless, the lady officers who captured Aziz are being rewarded.
5th July 9:25 PM
As the issue progressed while Ghazi rasheed’s discussion with Dr. Shahid Masood; it’s been heard that shortly a press-conference by Brig (r) Javed Iqbal Cheema is expected on this issue.
On the other hand, security forces are penetrating deep in the surroundings of Lal Masjid (from all sides). The explosions that rocked Lal Masjid few hours back has resulted in broken walls.
Discussions through various channels with Shujaat Hussain and Maulana Taqi Usmani are in process too.
5th July 8:45 PM
The Lal Masjid Radical cleric, Maulana Rasheed, clarifies stance by saying he is willing to give the land to the government, and the school and mosque to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (correct me if I am wrong) only if the government forgets about him and his acts… and lets him go free. This was in addition to what he said earlier about letting the unknown, misunderstood students at the mosque free. He also claimed that the government was propagating anti-Lal Masjid propaganda, while speaking on GEO News. Seems like the situation has forced the radical cleric to rethink his stance regarding the situation. Plus, its damn hot today in Islamabad :|
Well, as the war went on in a small part of G-6, I saw all of my office colleagues show up for work today. A few of them stayed back home who had to come via any of the blocked routes. Lets hope this stand-off ends soon.
5th July 8:19 PM
Speaking to ARYOne World on a telephone line Maulana Abdul Rasheed Ghazi is demanding for a safe passage to exit the building/area. The non-militant students still inside the building be given guarantee of no arrest. And that he too be given a safe passage out of there unconditionally. The Armed Forces and the government however have no plans of creating a line of dialog or start negotiations with the ones inside. If they surrender, or come out peacefully they will not be shot at, but indeed taken into custody. This is what the situation is atm. I personally feel the Maulana should surrender himself, and save himself and his family the torture and suffering along with embarrassment and humiliation of this entire episode.
Maulana is in the company of his wife, daughter and his aged mother along with 50 to 100 Taleban. BTW Taleban is a plural of Talib, meaning pupil, so I am not politically stereotyping the ones inside here.
5th July 8:12 PM
I don’t know why, but I sought out the lyrics to A Perfect Circle’s perfect song for the moment, ‘Annihilation.’ While the last few lyrics are entirely paradoxical for the situation Islamabadis are in, but they are all the more powerful.
Power is power, the law of the land,
Those living for death will die by their own hand,
Life’s no ordeal if you come to terms,
Reject the system dictating the norms
From dehumanization to arms production,
To hasten this nation towards its destruction,
It’s your choice, your choice, your choice, your choice,
Peace or annihilation
Bleh! :( Such a sucky day for the entire nation. Posting updates as they come…
5th July 7:42 PM
I really dont think weapons inside would be as lethal as those outside… but still.
TOTAL 19 KILLED TILL NOW. The militants, holed in the premises of Lal mosque and Jamia Hafsa, are in possession of hand-grenades, petrol bombs and other lethal weapons, Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said.
********
4th July 2:23 AM
Dawn Television reports that the 111 Brigade from the RWP Corps has assembled at the Lal Masjid and there is a high probability of an assault. The area is cordoned off completely, and there is a curfew. EVERYONE IS ADVISED TO AVOID THE AREA AS SPECIAL FORCES AND OTHER SECURITY PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN TOLD TO EXERCISE MINIMUM RESTRAINT, ZERO TOLERANCE AND ‘SHOOT ON SIGHT’!
4th July 2:40 AM
The government sources have confirmed a GO AHEAD with the operation on Lal Masjid. The President has approved action on them. ENTIRE G-6 IS CORDONED OFF EXCEPT EMBASSY ROAD – STAY PUT, STAY SAFE. The students have been told to surrender and come out with arms in the air without the weapons. Paramilitary, Special Ops, and other law enforcement forces have taken up positions around the Lal Masjid. The entire area has been blacked out and there is utter silence all around.
4th July 3:00 AM by A For [Pine]Apple
Time till 3:30 given for further ACTION.
Almost half an hour to go (time of IMB is One hour ahead than local PST, BTW).
4th July 3:10 AM
SHOTS FIRED!
4th July 3:14 AM
Sporadic fire from both sides. Ambulances, fire brigades, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), and sand bags in position!
4th July 3:23 AM
Heavy casualties expected. Ambulances reportedly fully stocked with first aid and other life saving medical equipment.
4th July 3:35 AM
Helicopters can be heard in Islamabad’s air. Tanks moving around the Blue Area road.
And lal masjid’s site is no longer blocked ( they’ve got new web designers :-))
4th July 3:48 AM
The vehicles shown in various footages on TV are not of Tanks, but are Armoured Personnel Carriers (Troop carriers). War Hymns were heard blown from Lal Masjid few minutes back, before Azaan e Fajr.
4th July 12:21 PM by Fauzan Sohail
Almost 100 male students and 6 more female students have exited the compounds of Lal Masjid moments ago after Lal Masjid reps announced that all who wanted to leave can leave the mosque. Moments after they came out, sporadic firing started from unknown sources thus dispersing this group in random directions.
4th July 12:53 PM by Fauzan Sohail
DEADLINE to SURRENDER has been extended till 12 noon today and a continuous stream of male and female students are coming out of the mosque towards the securities. Bear in mind that all of these are innocent students who have been at the Lal Masjid for religious studies and are coming out because of a leniency being provided by the govt on the request of the relatives of these students who have come over to Islamabad from all across the country
TWO SUICIDE BOMBINGS have taken place since this morning. One in Bannu district that has killed one person and injured many. Another suicide bomb has ended in martyrdom of 4 army soldiers at 10:30 am. The attack happened at 10:30 am today on the convoy that had 6 armed forces people. 4 died on the spot and two are critically wounded.
4th July 12:59 PM by Fauzan Sohail
Students coming out of the Lal Masjid have told reporters that: ‘It is not that easy to come out of Lal Masjid as it might seem to those outside.’ When asked to elaborate on this statement, all of them refrained from further comments stating that: ‘What we might say right now might not be good for us in the future.’
4th July 5:42 PM
Activity near the Lal Masjid intensifies as gun shots from automatic rifles are heard. Tracked vehicles can be heard. Gun smoke can be smelt several meters away from the site of action. The loudspeaker has gone mute, that was chanting Allah-o-Akbar. After the willing students left, the ones left inside seem to be ready for death or victory.
4th July 5:55 PM
Deadlines to surrender are having no effect on the ones inside, they are not budging. Neither will the ones outside. I think this will be one long journey to the finish line. The Government WILL SOLVE the problem, says press release. Kashmir Highway, connecting Grand Trunk Road and Muree has been barricaded.
4th July 6:15 PM
Atleast 4 Choppers sighted circling over the Lal Masjid! The Nai’b Khateeb Mr. Ghazi has not backed down from his stance to accept Shahadat and accepted his fate in a talk with Maulana Fazl ur Rehman. The type of the choppers is still unknown… whether they are assault aircraft or transport aircraft, that might lead to suggest the intensity with which the operation might be undertaken.
4th July 6:23 PM
AH-1 Cobras flying at tree top height.
4th July 6:45 PM
All Hospitals on Stand-by, doctors, nurses, surgeons summoned to expect high number of trauma and emergency cases. Assault Helicopters are able to take down targets from afar, and are built for urban warfare, armed with a gattling gun on the nose and Hellfires/Air To Ground Missiles on the wings made to take down tanks, bunkers and structures.
4th July 7:00 PM
Last update. Will start updating after this ends. Hope it ends in a bloodless confrontation and quick. Pray for the dead, pray for the mad, pray for your and mine safety. Allah Hafiz for now.
4th July 8:10 PM
MAULANA ABDUL AZIZ ARRESTED WHILE FLEEING WITH THE WOMEN IN A BURQA. So much so for Jihadi spirit! Confirmations still coming in. Initial reports by PTV and DAWN TV.
4th July 11:30PM
Latest update: More students are coming out and Ghazi Abdul Rasheed, who is in meeting with ullema inside, is now quite ready to surrender themselves and the Children’s Library. The information is not officially confirmed thugh. But with maulana Abdul Aziz arrested; chances are the operation Lal Masjid will end very soon now.
This can be considered end to Lal Mosque Saga … hopefully!
5th July 13:00 PM
After passing of the deadline (12:30 PM) given to the Lal Masjid administration for surrender, firing started in the mosque area. The administration had given 12:30 deadline to the students entrenched in the mosque. They were advised to leave the mosque immediately otherwise they would themselves be responsible for any harm. The ministry of interior has announced curfew break from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in G-6 of Islamabad, however the break has not be given in the Lal Masjid area. (Courtesy Geo News).
5th July 4:00 PM
Full-fledged commando operation has been launched at Lal mosque. Intense cross firing between the Law Enforcing agencies and students of Lal mosque has been started and the explosions have rocked the Islamabad. The commandos and the Rangers have also taken control of the office of Environment ministry beside the Lal mosque. (-Courtesy Geo News)
Um e hasaan said to be inside Lal masjid and not captured. For Breaking News, listen to this 1.5 minute audio stream. More details in this 14-minute audio stream. See Video (13:00 PM) on BBC and Geo (12:00 Pm) bulletin.
5th July 6:00 PM
Heavy gunfire exchange deafens the G-6 Sector, reports! A gun manned by an army soldier atop an APC.
AH-1 Cobra of the Pakistan Army Aviation wing:
Another APC under a camouflage net:
Troops lined up:
Courtesy Getty Images
5th July 6:15 PM
Operation codenamed: “Silence Operation”
A full-fledged commando operation has been launched at Lal mosque, the sources said.Intense cross firing between the Law Enforcing agencies and students of Lal mosque has been started and the explosions have rocked the Islamabad.
The commando operation has been codenamed as “Silence Operation.”
I wonder if they are attacking with silence or they are trying to silence?
5th July 7:25 PM
Gunshots can still be heard in an around the Lal Masjid vicinity where the operation is taking place. The entire area has been evacuated long before anything could start. There is report that there are still a few hundred students and Majid officials camping inside. Maulana Rasheed’s sister tells about her brothers unwillingness to surrender. I personally see this thing going down to the wire where Maulana sahib will call truce. Hopefull.
Earlier, there was an explosion in the same area, and it cannot be confirmed that what that was. Some suspect it to be some noxious gas to suffocate them out of the building. Some say the smoke billowing out of the building is that of fire from a shell/missile fired into the compound.
Maulana sahib seeks comfort in the company of bewildered children, and confused youth inside the compound.
Here is a photo of the older brother, Maulana Abdul Aziz, who was caught with the burqa, taken from the BBC News Online slide show on the event.
Time till 3:30 given for further ACTION.
Almost half an hour to go (time of IMB is One hour ahead than local PST, BTW)
Geo just showed a flash that road to parliament lodges also sealed, any further info from anyone else??
No… comment added… btw you can edit my entries too :)
*secrets not to be told on-air*
Hint Hint – Yes :P
Keep us updated
God protect any innocent victims!
I thought you didnt know, A. But you are allowed to add stuff on your own… just keep it between the div tags.
Good work dude … and why’s the pic in post is moving with every refresh … lol
3:30 AM set as the first deadline for militants to lay arms and surrender
Yaaar madad karo naa…! :@ coz the specops one was shits.
I am going offline at 3:30, gotta go to office. These bastards will keep me awake.
Ohh … u r doing great work dude (Y)
:)
Let’s see If I can be fast fast as you :>
Thanx for updating. I wish sab kuch thek ho jaye :(
Choppers, nice! I want to see some cobras…!
i hope the girls surrender, keep the ghazi bros.
in some war, winner after dominants becomes a losser.
in this case govt will be either, Govt take operations or withheld operation because majority in Mosque is innocent & their simple requirement is implementation of Shariah.
Riaz Hussain Azam
riazhussainazam@gmail.com
New Web designers… LAWL!
lol@new web designer
” 111 Brigade from the RWP Corps has assembled at the Lal Masjid ”
Why would they assembled at LAL MASJID and not GHQ?
See an update post on All Things Pakistan too.
Allah sab ko apnay hifz o aman main rakhay.. m so worried ..
Weird question MB :S
While talking to Dr. Shahid Masood, Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi, Na’ib Khateeb of Lal Masjid has said that they are ready to give up arms if Govt. guarantees that no action would be taken against them… He’s live on GEO right now!
Maulana has given up so quickly once he realised government is serious? :S
this is the best news of the day.
i hope the surrender without any further loss of life.
Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman is in the process of negotiating a deal between the two parties to avoid bloodshed…
So quick? This time he realized that he too may be killed apart from the young kids so he calls it a quit. Pathetic.
Why no action. He should be charged with terrorism charges.
Folks, just wanted to thank you all for the updates. They are most useful. Please keep the details coming.
I have used some, with credits and kudos to Metroblog Islamabad at Pakistaniat.com where we are also trying to keep an eye on things.
Dr. Shahid Masood advised him to surrender for the sake of saving lives of these kids.
They’re about to kick start the operation in the masjid. And are asking the girls and kids to leave the masjid through the other way.
Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi, Na’ib Khateeb of Lal Masjid accuses rangers for killing of a journalist, 5 students and a namazi
Hey would you guys think with all the issues facing Msharraf in 2007, the curse of 64 is slowly drawing closer on Musharraf? If people may recall that a few months back a Chain SMS moved across Pakistan stating
Age 64 & the Presidents of Pakistan
Iskander Mirza ousted at 64
Ayub Khan died at 64,
Yahya Khan died at 64,
Zia Died at 64, &
Musharraf will be 64 in 2007 ???
Just a thought – seems like the dude is sitting at the edge of his grave with too many battles open across to many sides.
Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman in talks with the PM.
Whay the hell is he talking to him??
Mulana Diesel – needs to lubricate his importance – why else !!1 lol
what age is Mualana Abdul Rashid Ghazi`?
Operation likely to be put off, pressure to continue
I guess he’s 45, I remember him saying that when giving ex-prostitutes a chance to marry him.
Doctor sahab, great piece of info
Whats your age by the way :P
Operation has been suspended, Rasheed Ghazi has agreed to surrender arms in front of Maulanas.
I was asking why is Maulana talking to the PM? Can our PM make any decisions?
What does it mean to surrender to maulanas. So we are going for yet another parallel government of Maulanas? And what would they do to him? Keep him in their houses on their personal gaurantees? Just like Ijaz-ul Haq did last time?
Maulanas as in Wafaq-ul-Madaris’s administration (the state institution that controls all Madrassahs in Pakistan). And for everything after that he’s given the right of decision making to Maulana Diesel and said that he’ll oblige by whatever is decided by Fazl-ur-Rehman.
Fazlur rehman is not the chief justice. Its not about Ghazi’s choice whose decision he is going to accept. But I am happy that kids are safe and also that they couldnt get more martyers out of it. But once surrendered, they should realy try him for all the mess he has created.
Hmmm Aaj is now reporting heavy exchange of gun fire between Jami’ah Hafsa peeps and security forces.
Me in office right now & am not able to check out anything except IMB which is my only source right now.
Guys,
Please keep updating. . . .
Saad, thanks for keeping us updated.
Hi MB,
how come ur in office, its 5 in the morning, r u the earliest bird in town? :-)
Night shift man!!
No update coming , why ?
Ya how about some update… ?
The situation is still the same as it was before. Maulana Fazl ur Rehman just told Aaj TV that they’re trying to make Jami’ah people surrender their arms before Maulanas from Wafaq ul Madaris. The bone of contention as of now is Rasheed Ghazi’s demand to continue having the control of the madrassah even after the surrender of weapons while the Gov. has demanded them to hand over the control of the place to them.
All the police is being replaced by security personnel while a network of barbed wires and baricades is being expanded all over the place.
Here’s a story from a Time/CNN reporter who was inside yesterday, she leaves a lot OUT of her report…
Here’s the latest from Reuters on this. The good new is that a lot of parents did pick up their children yesterday.
@Teeth
Iskander Mirza ousted at 64
Ayub Khan died at 64,
Yahya Khan died at 64,
Zia Died at 64, &
Musharraf will be 64 in 2007 ???
Iskander Mirza died at almost 70
Ayub Khan died at 66
Yahya Khan died at 63
Where are you getting your facts from man?
Almost 100 male students and 6 more female students have exited the compounds of Lal Masjid moments ago after Lal Masjid reps announced that all who wanted to leave can leave the mosque. Moments after they came out, sporadic firing started from unknown sources thus dispersing this group in random directions.
There was a suicide attack on pak army canvooy which killed 4 pak army personels. This ust broke.
Dear Reader, all of your ‘useful’ comments will be added to the post, later on.
DEADLINE to SURRENDER has been extended till 12 noon today and a continuous stream of male and female students are coming out of the mosque towards the securities. Bear in mind that all of these are innocent students who have been at the Lal Masjid for religious studies and are coming out because of a leniency being provided by the govt on the request of the relatives of these students who have come over to Islamabad from all across the country
TWO SUICIDE BOMBINGS have taken place since this morning. One in Bannu district that has killed one person and injured many. Another suicide bomb has ended in martyrdom of 4 army soldiers at 10:30 am. The attack happened at 10:30 am today on the convoy that had 6 armed forces people. 4 died on the spot and two are critically wounded.
UP
Students coming out of the Lal Masjid have told reporters that:
‘it is not that easy to come out of Lal Masjid as it might seem to those outside.’
When asked to elaborate on this statement, all of them refrained from further comments stating that:
‘what we might say right now might not be good for us in the future.’
Govt. should not give them anymore chance ….smooked them out..boombed the place to ashed
Govt. should not give them anymore chance ….smooked them out..boombed the place to ashes…so in future no body dare to think like these 2 bros
please keep us updated as in china there is no geo or jang web site available for updates due to rush.
http://thenews.jang.com.pk/updates.asp?id=25397
200 male students and 100 female students surrender.
The figure is constantly on the rise
More than 500 have surrendered
I cant bear any loss of young lives. I wish all of them surrender by deadline. These youngsters are very precious to us. And these guys and unseen hands behind them, who are manupulating are ruining Islam’s name in front of the whole world. What kind of muslims these are :( . Allah hum sub ko hadayat day.
Deadline extended to 3:00 PM.
Surrendered ones are above 600 now.
THANKS to all our readers who were updating reports on IMB
It’s appreciated … Kudos to ya all …!
at the one end ppl are dying at balochistan or lahore and this bloddy dictator,kutey ka bacha has started an operation .. wat a sick country we lived in where ppl like zia,altaf,bibi,ayub,yahya,mushy,nawaz ruled us ..
f*** them all
I guess they’re both in battle to decide who’s the bigger fool!
Its time to fuck up the mullahs! i say kill the mullahs
Govt should not extend deadline any more…smoke then out , bomb this place and make it to ashes….all those inside should be vapourised
Govt should not extend deadline any more…smoke them out , bomb this place and make it to ashes….all those inside should be vapourised
Loss of life, any life is a very tragic event. However, in cases such as this, when the perpetrators are willfully maligning the name of Islam, all of these morons should together with their leaders be given exemplary punishments.
Why is it that we Muslims, are so gutless, so quick to lynch and hang a poor ‘Masih’ or ‘John’ falsely accused, but have no stomach to punish our own? Is this the way of Islamic justice Pakistani style?
Let us rid ourselves of these pests (here and in the political arena), lock, stock and barrel while the iron is still hot.
I was at office, I am building back to where I left from! In that space, I am adding all your comments.
I hope the Govt does not flinch now. For God’s sake finish this festering sore, and make it quick.
We have to wrest our Pakistan back from both the Mullahs and the Military.
Whats the truth in the Maulana Ghazi being arrested?
Yes he was arrested trying to escape wearing a burqa. What a bloody whimp. Good work
Maulana Abdul Aziz (elder bro of Maulana Ghazi) arrested while trying to flee wearing a Burqa :D. He was trying to run away in a group of girls and when rangers tried to search them, girls raised a ruckus, upon which women police officers were asked to search them. This resulted in the arrest of Maulana Sahib :D
Guess what did the women police officer find when they searched under the burqa of the escaping maulana?
No – wrong thought!
They found nothing. (i.e no balls)
And this is the hardcore maulana, the one who was the more strict of the two brothers. His sister said in the morning that Maulanas are ready to ‘die’ and will not ever do such a thing. This guy was asking people/students to die for the message that he was spreading and he himself opted to run away in a group of girls :)
^ Come on man, its not that funny a situation :s!
Maulana in Burqa …
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2610/aaaajzo3.png
Nice1, Saad! :D
Bohat aala … Phil & fakeera … great work :>
Bohat alla you also! Now you take over please, coz i am going to sleeps… GoodLuckHaveFunStaySafe :D
Acha, one last thing! Three Cheers for IMB! \o/ Yaaay!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL !
GOOD JOB TO ALL THOSE WHO UPDATEING TILL NOW !
Allah ka Suker hay
Peace
Eventually the drama is about to end:
Other Topi is ready to surrender after sacrificing 20 people!!!!(may be more)
Where is the motivation and lectures which they were relaying to masses? intersting situation…
It is well clear that it is a staged drama however, final episode may be different or opposite to wht have been told to these brothers by script writters.
I am concerned that now Chaudary Shuj has stepped in, the criminals will not be brought to justice. I hope to God that these terrorists are brought to justice…. warna aagey mushkil ho gee…. the surrender should be unconditional.
And then, the burqa-people say “why does the world hate us for wearing a burqa???? I mean… this is sooo lame! They hate us for wearing a burqa and covering our (ugly) faces blah blah blah…”
Next step: ban the burqas… for sure! Internationally! That’s the only way they can ensure that people’s sexual orientation is… well… consistent… and then they accuse people of running a brothel…
Hmm… maybe maulana auntie was going to a brothel him/her/itself… afterall, his sexual orientation is screwed up big time, isn’t it, folks?
I would have come up w/ a story – but I’ve got exams from Monday… if only…. *sigh*
I’m concerned by a few people in Pakistan pushing their own ideology to be the law! And I am equally concerned by religious fanatic morons who are keeping their eyes closed on the reality.
Hellooooo! Y is the prostution existing? Bcoz people demand it. Y are the religious leaders not concerned about making Islam more attractive so that youth follows it.
For all who want to ignore the reality, here is a fact – Google Trends shows Pakistan leads the world when searching for word “sex” on the internet. http://google.com/trends?q=sex . So what should be the next step? ban the internet?
The land of sufis is turning into land of hypocrites.
@Shaheer: Condemn the act not the burqa.
Great resource Punj-aabi – but then Pakistan also leads the word searching for the word “Allah”: http://google.com/trends?q=Allah&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all&sort=0
hey ,,
Whats next I am hearing that Rangers are moving to Red Spot…
????
Thanks
@ CLAUDE and PUNJ AABI – Guys the thing is that both God and Sex are missing in this land of the pure. Therefore that is why Pakis are searching for them on the internet!
BOZZ,
What are you searching here ????????????
you should go back where you belong to because you have a lot of SEX at your place ….no wonder why you come out of your home, may be you want to give a chance to others to have sex.
lolzzzzzzzzzz
Peace
@ BOZZ: I’m the contrary of Maulana Auntie: a woman with a man’s name – i.e. in French Claude can also be a woman’s name :)
4:00am I am watching aaj tv and they are reporting around 12 blasts near the mosque the operation seems to be still ongoing and authorities are trying to smoke out the remaining students inside the mosque
Thanks God that the Mullahs are exposed so badly. But I still hope that no more blood is spilled, and everybody inside comes out safe. No matter how misguided , bent to kill others, ready to impose their idelogies on others, and taking freedom of other the people inside may be, most of them are just misguided youth. We must never hate. If you saw the people coming out on television, it strucks how alike we all are. Those chaps were just so dejected and disappointed about something they beleived so much. After all we all are made up of blood and flesh. Dont call for death of anybody, not even Maulana Raheed et. al. But do keep them away from society from creating this kind of mess.
Another good thing is that this time govt is not sanctioning the authority of Mullahs in general by not accepting their interference. This is first time I have seen happening in pakistan, that the govt could give mullahs a shut up call.
I dont get it. Why this Maulana Rasheed talks like he is a head of some state, and doing talks with another state of Pakistan. What does it mean that we are doing only defence? The state has full right to send its men anywhere it deems appropriate and to arrest people who are wanted in some case. And then he talks about the conditions he has put forward. What does he think of himself? President of Islamic republic of jamia hafsa?
And strangely media also uses these phrases like these guys are realy running a state.
If I am wanted in some case in Pakistan, i am sure that the police would not give me an option to start negotiating with them. Why is this logic so hard to understand for some people?
The most funniest thing is not when Mulana Abdul Aziz escaping in burqa but it is when Maulana Abdul Raheed says He wants to meet a High Official of Government. An Idiom in Farsi is “Uzr(excuse) Az Gunnah, Badtar(more bad) Az Gunnah”—and-wise ppl can understand by just a sign.
Apparenlty Maulana like sburqa so much he is stil wearing it. I wonder if he thinks its the armour that will protect him from enemies.
@Phil,
It’s not the burqa that I’m targetting – it’s the use of the burqa.
Having lived abroad for years and years, I always wanted to know what’s behind the burqa. Now I’m wondering how many males are behind the burqa lol.
Actually, if people can be honest and truthful, and stop misusing the burqa (which leads us to your point – condemn the act), then I think people won’t be frustrated.
Many associate the burqa w/ kamikaze bombers and what not… and since it’s such a perfect way of escaping and hiding, in MY view (which means that others are FREE to disagree and disapprove), strict measures should be taken to prevent the abuse of the facility (burqa).
My two cents.
@Everyone – did you catch ARY’s presenter interviewing the “dude” at the LOLMasjid? They manage to catch him on telephone at around 11.30pm last night (Wednesday). It was good to know that the LOLMasjid brigade has internally broken down.
But what’s more shameful is the act done by PTV and the caught Maulana (forgot his name)… him having to wear a burqa on screen, and told to get it off… all a staged interview, and deplorable. I mean – why don’t you just take the interview straightly! No fancy humor blah blah… besides, it wasn’t funny…
And yea – though I didn’t get to see the whole interview, word has it that the interviewee wasn’t letting the maulvi speak in full – he’d interrupt him now and then… is that so?
Cross dressing maulana? Maulana Auntie? LOL Masjid? Maulana Diesel? Anyone remember Maulana Whisky (Maulana Kausar Niazi of PPP)? These baffoons have made Islam a joke!
shameful for pakistanis again.
any youtube videos of Maulana abdul aziz’s interview with ary??? darn !!! I missed that .
this rasheed guy is mad he says it has been 3days since aziz got captured — mad guy
http://stopdesi.com/view_video.php?viewkey=56fc8a4d2a519803d51b
intw of maulana ghazi raheed after his bro was caught.
and this is abdul aziz’s intw on ptv today
http://stopdesi.com/view_video.php?viewkey=650923ea331c15af3b16&page=1&viewtype=&category=mr
Ghazi wants safe exit and not to be killed after surrender. Hopefully, this will end soon.
Rasheed Ghazi’s sister denied that he is ready to surrender :(
The Maulana will have a Fatwa coming soon regarding the escape and Auntie that, “It is all Jaiz under certain circumstances.”
the question that remain unclear is that did he had spare burqa or did he borrowed it from “one of her students” :P
Abdul-Rasheed (sorry but I don’t consider him a maulana) is willing to surrender provided he allowed to leave with his mother and no charges are put up against him (AS IF!!)
As for all the extremists inside (again, sorry but i don’t consider them students), he said that they can undergo a verification and if there is nothing big against them then they should also be set free.
No mention of his brother’s fate.
Rangers and security forces are announcing that Abdul-Rasheed should surrender and his life will not be threatened in any way.
What is to become of the schools associated with Lal Masjid? Is there any chance that they will be taken over by responsible people and do some good next term?
Michael, a very good question. To the best of my knowledge, the Jamia Faridia (men’s wing) was the only other school associated with Lal Masjid apart from Jamia Hafsa (women’s wing). Jamia Faridia had already been evacuated before this episode, and all male members moved into the Lal Masjid. To the best of my knowledge.
I say they take a look at Jamia Farida again, that is 2 to 3 KM away from Lal Masjid.
While talking to Dr Shahid Masood, Maulana Ghazi says that he and others are willing to put down weapons and come out provided that they’re not humiliated just like his elder bro and treated properly and provided that his students are able to go free after proper verification and registration (to clear them of any linkage to banned organizations) , he is willing to hand over both Madarsahs to Wafaqul Madaras (governing body of all madarsas in pakistan) and the Lal Masjid to Oukaq(Govt’s department which controls Masjids/relegious places all around pakistan)
Regarding the schools i.e. jameya hafsa specially attached to Lal masjid. Since, the construction is purely illegal; I’ve a gut feeling that forces will demolish the lal Masjid as well as jameya.
Time will tell!
& Thansk Sumayya :-)
As for Say NO to Extremism … I’m with you in raising the slogan. But the Image you’ve associated with it – I dont agree to that.
If a girl is wearing a burqa and she feel much comfortable in it; then why should anyone have a problem with it?? Wearing burqa is not wrong neither is extremism; carrying weapons and killing your own people in name of Jihad; falsifying the Image of Islam is extremism.
The image of extremism at the moment is ‘the burqa’ but I can listen to other suggestions too.
how about a bearded man with LMG?? you’ll find enough of such pics on BBC I’m sure !
Regarding the burqa being the image of extremism, I personally know of many women who wear burqa yet strongly condemn the actions by these clerics. It is insensitive to use it in this context. Perhaps an image of a guy in turban holding a gun would be better.
Burqa is for good. And sometimes it fails to protect. We have example of our very own dear baray bhayya. Blaming everything on Burqa for extremism, is so sterotypical and as well as skeptical.
OK, ok, banalee hai nai wali… :x hosla kero !
Rocket fired from Laal Masjid at an Army armoured vehicle.
How did they manage to stock such weapons while sitting in the heart of Islamabad…?
Its all a big diversion. I bet Ghazi will come out unharmed in the end. The hollow talk will continue till deception is required. There is something really fishy going on in the background.
Kashif: this is no diversion. Put your conspiracies aside on this issue.
i think so there are connections which no one has seen, remember the bugti guy and guys in waziristan they were killed but in this case they are given time and time and time and than to face save an interview on PTV. This is a drama in which innocent lost there life and the episode is near end.
Amnesty offer for all who lay down arms – By Naveed Siddiqui – Daily Times – Friday, July 06, 2007:
* President approves plan to drop cases against Lal Masjid students and clerics since February
* Orders short and swift operation
(…)
Amensty offer for Mullah Rasheed is akin to letting his get away with the reign of tyranny he had been unleashing on the citizens of Islamabad for last six months, not to mention the kidnapping of police officials and arsoning and damaging government property. It will set a bad precedent and will amount to rubbishing teh martyrdom of the two rangers. No deal; no amensty for terrorist. Amensty offer will come to haunt the givernment — don’t we know what happened in Waziristan where the government dithered. The evil of mullahs should be rooted out form the heart of Islamabad for once and for all.
I really hope the offer of ‘amnesty’ is a ruse to lure them out without more fighting. Amoung those remaining are the most guilty in all of this, those that present the most danger to society. Give me a break, launching rockets from a mosque in downtown Islamabad, unacceptable.
What’s the rush. If they won’t come out, cut off the water and wait them out. Give them the choice. If they come out, great. If they don’t come out, the first to become sick from dehydration will be younger children, and bad on them for neglecting those children. If they attack, hit back.
My vote for an image of extremism in Islamabad today would be an image of Lal Masjid in the background with bearded armed men in the foreground aiming and firing in the same direction at something beyond the images field of view.
For all those who are at their offices , out of country etc. You dont have to continually refresh some news site or wait for updates here. You can go to jumptv.com and watch ajj tv for free online.
Latest updates as of 12:25 pm today:
>> 3 hrs relaxation in curfew for Jummah Prayers > Rasheed Ghazi claims more than 100 shells landed in the mosque’s compound in last one hour
Just last week Mush while addressing a military gathering said that he is willing to take action against Lal Masjid provided media does not display pictures of bloodsoaked dead bodies live on tv ▼ .. its quite obvious that last week he had very much decided on the timing on when to trigger this standoff.. diverting everyone’s attention from his Uniform issue,CJ issue and Opposition’s APC in london
▼ he was referring to 12th may incidents in which media displayed dead bodies live on tv after they were brutally murdered by MQM’s terrorists
Maulana Rasheed Ghazi while talking to geo said that
he fears that he’ll be humiliated like his elder bro by forces so instead of surrendering he is willing to go down fighting
Doctor, while it is true that a plan to curb down the extremists in the Red mosque has been talked about and planned by the govt a long while back but the address by Musharraf under question was in fact as a result of extensive pressure by the Chinese govt to fix the issue of Lal Masjid and ensure better security for its nationals in the capital. Bear in mind that this statement was given after the incident involving kidnapping of foreign nationals in the capital by a extremist group of people who were, at that time, hell bent on enforcing Shariat in Pakistan.
Great job guys, keep the IMB Team updated, we can only do as best as we can.
There was a insane amount of gun fire heard in the middle of the night from 3:15 AM to 3:30 AM, just before Fajr adaans, accompanied by a loud blast. Automatic gun fire, exploding shells, etc. was the only thing one could hear when the major part Islamabad was experiencing a blackout due to heavy rains and gales at just about midnight (12 AM).
http://www.antimullah.com/
Check it out … we lesson to learn from our neighbours
jayjay not opening …
@Phil it rained in Islamabad last night?
LOL… media media! :)
Musharraf had left for Turbat a long while back. The anti aircraft guns and rockets have been found on the roof but they were not targeting Musharraf.
@Jay you are not in Pakistan, are you? which ISP are you using?
anti iran websites are quite common, american do support them extensively ..
@ D0CTOR: Yeah, quite heavy for one hour or so… gales too.
media was reporting blasts at chaklala air base, which is used by Mush… some reports were suggesting that Mush’s plane was attacked… which was promptly refuted by ISPR..
It rained Cats and Dogs last night.
125 rounds of anti-air craft gun fired on Musharraf’s plane from a home in rawalpindi. The guy rented and moved in the house just yesterday alongwith a woman and 2 kids and they all disappeared after the firing. If this is true , I dont see how is it possible without involvment of some mullah sympethizers within agencies.
another air attack on a self-imposed president … perfect !!
I saw GEO and ARY guys talking to Ghazees…. and got extremely offended by the way they talked to them… no right to taunt on the weaker party. Chota ghazi sound so weak and lost, islam does not teach to behave like this to the weaker party in a situation like this. Media should be wise enough to help controling the situation, not to give it a blow.
Pretty Simple; Ylast night the chota ghazi said that dont take me weak … i’m suffering from bad throat :-)
another air attack? when was the last one?
i think Mush should move to some secure location, like MQM’s HQ 90(nine zero) in karachi… after all when the terrorist from MQM’s slaughtered around 50 people on streets of karachi then some analyst said that MQM is the 11th Corp of Army coz on that day Mush while addressing a rally in Islamabad said that we shown our force and power in karachi..!
Doctor … I was referring to Zia’s!
Six soldiers were martyred in a suicide attack on a military convoy at Chakdara near Malakand in North West Frontier Province.
According to reports a Major, a Captain and four other soldiers were martyred in the attack on Friday.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and investigating into the incident.
from here
In Pakistan’s mosque fire spreads by Syed Saleem Shahzad (Asia Times), there is an interview with “Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz, who is charged with negotiating a deal between the military and Lal Masjid” who gives his version of the arrest of Maulana Abdul Aziz ["auntie" - are they really called the same or is this a typo?]:
“”He immediately told me that he had been deceived. He said he was called by a senior official of an intelligence agency with whom he had been in touch for a long time. Since the official could not enter the mosque to meet him [to save his cover and identity] he asked Maulana Aziz to come to Aabpara police station [in walking distance of the mosque] and asked him to dress in a burqa to avoid being identified. [Aziz admitted that he and his brother Ghazi had done this many times before when they were declared wanted by the government]. But as soon as Maulana Aziz left the mosque he was arrested.”"
(Square brackets in the quotation by Asia Times too.)
I’ll let you all who know the situation comment on the un/likelihood of this version: I’m an outsider.
Akbar Bugti and his gunmen as well as Ghazi Mullahs and their gunmen are all criminals, who have to be tackled and taken down. The timing of the action against them is not as important as their crimes.
Thank God Pakistan has a leader like Musharraf who stands upto these these terrorist/criminal elements.
2 students have been killed, while they were coming out of the Lal Masjid. No one knows who killed them, because there is heavy firing going on between Security forces and the people from the inside.
a “gola” has just hit Lal Masjid, I think it all will end soon. there is alot of “gard-o-ghubaar” and “dhuwaan”… another dhamaka…
Ghazi Abdur Rasheed can represent a political party all over Pakistan and can stand in great opposition against the current President Pervaiz Musharraf if he is allowed to openly oppose the current policies of the Government in the Parliament peacefully. I am sure there are a huge number of Pakistani people still in favor of Ghazi Abdur Rasheed but unfortunately they are hidden due to terror of force that Government has shown in the last few months.
As a conseqence of too much pressure on General Pervez Musharraf due to already developing opposition he some how wants to silence a new movement (exposed in his operation: Operation Silence) against his policies. This movement was not life threatning to its citizens but was forced to do damage (collatral) as a result of continuous dealing of Govt as if it was dealing with criminals.
Current operation against Ghazi Abdur Rasheed can be considered as a Political assasination if the President orders a huge operation to make him surrender. I am sure if General Pervaiz Musharraf let him lives then there is a great chance that Ghazi Abdur Rasheed will emerge as a great political leader.
Bugti was killed and he was also dealt with the same strategy as you have experienced in Islamabad i.e of going to their homes and harassing them, without assuring them of safety till they were given a fair trial. This is obvious crime being done by the Govt of Pakistan, we need International monitoring of activities of this Govt on this issue of silencing many people in the name of Fight against Terrorism.
Auntie clarification.
Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz is an MNA from MMA not related to LAL masjid administration ..
duh! total propaganda going on against Lal Masjid.
No one can be forced to fight. So how come those students?
Govt. has to distract the ppl out of the Chief justice case and they have managed it succesfully, as the case has taken an important turn.
These fanatic ppl in govt wants no islam and want to completely demolish every thing which will come in their way. They are raising the Masajid down rite now, after then , they will not leave any bearded person. Musharraf can do any thing to retain his govt.
the only reason which is making the govt hasitate to take any lethal action is that in the madarasah, the daughters of Generals used to study. May be some of them are inside. Thats y they are posing theirselves so linient. Else, they will not leave any molvi alive.
Ah!Pakistan… May ALLAH grant u long life
look wat the kala raja [a.k.a Altaf] has said. If his words are taken as true, then he is not a pakistani ( which he isnt any way). Niether most of the persons of his party including Ishrat mian.
Altaf always looking to get his vote bank back, which they have lost after 12th may./
“Musalmaniat khatam ho chukee hai…..musalaman musalman ko nahin marta….kutta bhee kuttay ko nahin khata” (The old man looking for his son)
On the day of Judgement this old man will rise up and hold these bigots responsible for whatever has befallen on him in his old age. Hopefully these Mullahs will have some answer at that time.
May Allah have mercy on Pakistan and especially on this old man…..
nearly 230 people died in rain related incidents in Karachi, hundreds died in Baluchistan and NWFP after rains and flood and nearly 3 million people are homeless and displaced and in dire need of help and govt just to divert attention from its incompetence to deal with this crisis created a sham crisis to keep the media occupied for the moment….
Delegation of Islamic Scholars comprising of 50 members has reached Lal Mosque to put pressure on the Govt to bring forth the rescue efforts for the injured and besieged people inside Red-Mosque. Chances of Nationwide demonstrations is being speculated tomorrow against random killings being done despite of the presence of security personels and law enforcement agencies responsible to protect the citizens. The people in besieged inside are not demanding any ransom or money, nor do they want the release of any of the terrorist groups. I am sure Government has a lot of options if it doesn’t make this a matter of prestige and act wisely. Reminder: Policies which work for American Government doesn’t mean that they can work for our Government of terrorizing the public and achieving their objective through public support.
Some development as reported by http://www.onlinenews.com:
ISLAMABAD: Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi Friday showed willingness to hand over 3 orphans.
It has learnt that member of MMA Shah Abdul Aziz made a telephonic contact with besieged leader of Lal Masjid extremists to know about situation of teenage students, female and male, requested for their hand over, guaranteed for their proper look after but Lal Masjid mullah imparted that there were no teenagers in Mosque as propagated by government expect three, one male and two females, could be handed over on the pledge of their proper bring up.
Later on, Maulana Aziz had informed and discussed this development with officials of Interior Ministry to hatch a mechanism for the custody of these orphans.
LMG the most popular weapon amongst the radical clerics …!
There were explosions in E-7, F-7 just now o_O
any news about what they were?
The miscreants should at least let the authorities retrieve the bodies, they must be buried soon.
The moral of the story….
Never took panga with Army…
they kicked the asss and rest is the History…..
They deserve this…..Army is Right……
I feel relaxed that it happens in ISLAMABAD ….Not in Karachi…..atleast ISLAMABAD people now feel the pain of these sort of situtations …that Karachi always felt….
One more thing MQM is not involved in this case warna tou TITANIC bhee MQM nay hi dooboya tha….
Now people can make difference between Milatent Mullas…….Or Mulla Ism or Mulla Giri…
Have hurd this Before DADA giri …bhai giri ….
the Hot in Market is MULLA GIRI….
I know u people now become angry upon me but this is the bitter truth…..
Word! New post created. Follow the updates there.
Please follow the LiveBlog here: The Siege of Lal Masjid: Day 4 – Operations Intensify.
Excellent blog which is giving the latest updates..even the news paper websites are not being updated. Great effort!
This is disgraceful , what pakistani govt ,is doing with there own citizens in masjid of islamabad, we pakistanis, living abroad are ashamed,
thanks
I was looking at the Islamabad map on the top of this article. If you look closely, you will notice the U.S. EMBASSY compound is the largest building after the Library. It’s larger than then your Supreme Court. After this observation, I have to sadly say SHAME ON YOU PAKISTAN.
According to sources who talked with Maulana Ghazi, deads are being buried as Ambulances were not allowed in by Rangers and Police.
Ex-Cheif Justice of Pakistan in his interview with Geo on Program MERE MUTABIQ, has told that there is no need for bloodshed and Govt of Pakistan should think of an option of granting safe passage to those besieged inside Red Mosque to avoid casualities.
Two separate interviews of a child (14-16) years were shown on two media channels namely “Geo news” and “Ary One World”, having conflicting statements by the child.
Accoring to first interview (on Geo TV), child said he was a student at Jamia Hafsa (which is part of Lal Mosque) and has managed to escape by hiding from the eyes of those who, according to Govt, have forced the people to remain inside the Mosque.
Second interview on Ary One World also showed a piece of paper, given to child by the so-called hostage takers inside Lal Mosque. On it it said that “The Child has taken a stance to fight till his death” and according to child, hostage takers want him to give this paper to the authorities outside who have besieged the Mosque.
Suspicions arises as at first place, child says that he has managed to escape by hiding but secondly he shows this paper that hostage takers want him to give to authorities.
APC (All parties Conference) is also being held in London, represented by almost all the political parties of Pakistan, trying to resolve to a point of how to deal with the current Government and have fair elections. They are also putting pressure on President of Pakistan to stop bloodshed of citizens in the name of fight against Terrorism.
Parents of male students are waiting outside Adiala Prison Islamabad demanding the release of their sons according to a
promise by the Govt for their immediate release along with a payment of 5000 Rs ($ 82.802) for the trouble they faced.
No Accountabilty of Govt officials has been done by media channels on the issue of female students who were arrested from their hostels at “Red Mosque” (Lal Masjid in urdu). Figures are there according to the Govt officials who registered females outside the Mosque while they surrendered but no one is suggesting to get the actual register at Red Mosque Administration for the real number and names since no one is willing to communicate with the Red Mosque Administration from the Govt.I am sure the only actual names and the information about how many were arrested and how many still reside inside the mosque is availaible only with Red Mosque Administration.
Parents of male students are waiting outside Adiala Prison Islamabad demanding the release of their sons according to a promise by the Govt for their immediate release along with a payment of 5000 Rs ($ 82.802) for the trouble they faced.
No Accountabilty of Govt officials has been done by media channels on the issue of female students who were arrested from their hostels at “Red Mosque” (Lal Masjid in urdu). Figures are there according to the Govt officials who registered females outside the Mosque while they surrendered but no one is suggesting to get the actual register at Red Mosque Administration for the real number and names since no one is willing to communicate with the Red Mosque Administration from the Govt.I am sure the only actual names and the information about how many were arrested and how many still reside inside the mosque is availaible only with Red Mosque Administration.
“Now that’s what we call a perfect excuse to kill innocent People”
Wait and see….
News of death of SSG Commander Haroon Al Islam at the hands of millitants is out around 3:30AM pakistan standard time when most of the country is sleeping.
SSG Commander Haroon Al Islam is leading an operation against Red Mosque and was unable to make progress in the stand-off.
Fellas, you guys are doing an excellent job by keeping this blog up to date.
In my opinion, this is becoming a quagmire and the president can’t afford this politically. If he loose this battle, then he is history. Now the more they prolong this battle, the chances of clear victory will become small. I believe they need to isolate the hardcore jihadis in Lal masjid, and smash them. I understand that there will be loss of innocent lives, but in a big scheme of things and in a long run that will be well justified, because everybody knows that the Ghazi was responsible for all this bloodshed.
Current President’s politics has nothing to do with ordinary citizens. It’s not his favor alone that people think our country
has improved, it is the work of all those who actually contributed their part towards the recent progress of our country we
have seen. He is just an executioner of policies without looking for the right consensus. As far as religious affairs are concerned he should be very careful from now on to intrude without a real consensus out of religious parties. Current crisis has already become a disaster for him if he kills all those inside the Red Mosque. Life and Death is in the hands of Allah, and who is he to say that “All Inside will be killed”. Finally he has spoken a word as a proof against himself. He should have been careful… It’s time not to mislead our President and ask him to act wisely, there might still be some time left to solve this crisis or he will have to face a severe opposition not only in public but at political level as well.
One of the members of National Assembly, Shah Abdul Aziz, has appealed OIC for the solution of the crisis of Red Mosque.
All Parties Conference, in london have finally acted. Majority of the members are opposing Musharraf’s current standoff against Pakistan’s citizens.
Fellas, this is law & order situation, not Ideology or principled base situation. The brothers had property dispute with CDA and they were not able to resolve the situation peacefully, so they decided to create the current conditions. Their is no need for involving OIC and any other Mullahs. The Govt has to finish this operation ASAP, because poor people of G-6, Islamabad and the whole country can’t wait any longer for this shameful drama to run. I understand their will be a loss of innocent lives, but unfortunately it is too late in a game to think about that. The sooner we finish this operation the lower will be casualty rate for the soldiers and the students.
@ PKMALANG: “I understand that there will be loss of innocent lives, but in a big scheme of things and in a long run that will be well justified..” Would you say the same if one your your family members was stuck in there?
No, absolutely not. As a commoner I will not be able to make that decision. If I loose my brother or sister, I will be devastated.
But, if I’m a leader and trying to make a strategic decision that will help and benefit the country in a long run, I will not hesitate to pull that trigger.
Keep in the mind that as a leader, one needs to look at the big picture. If a leader do not take a hard decision and back off, the country will loose more innocents lives one way of another. Just look at Somalia, Lebanon or any banana republics in South America. There has to be only and only one king or one power.
The writ of a government should not be challenged, government has to defend its writ on any cost, even though if there is loss of innocent lives. We owe to too our kids and grandkids.
Regards!
PkMalang
Being a Muslim and a Pakistani my heart is also crying over this sad situation and the insult of Pakistan, Muslims, Masajid and Madrasahs all over the world by the wrong attitude and misunderstanding of Islamic norms by the so called (Molana) Abdul Aziz and his blind followers. Much has been said in this matter but i would like to raise following questions for all Muslims and especially to our respected Mufti Sahiban to please comments on them.
1) Why Masjid-e-Zarar was set on fire in Prophet’s (SAW) Era?
2) The land of Masjid-e-Nabwi was purchased by our beloved Prophet Muhammed (SAW); isn’t it meant by the sunnah that no any Madrasah or Masjid can be built illegally or by encroachment?
3) What conclusion can be drawn when Prophet (SAW) said on a moment regarding Rule of Law ‘Khuda ki qasam agar Muhammaed (SAW) ki baiti Fatima (RA) bhi chori karti to unky bhi hath kat diyey jaty’?
4) What about this hadith means ‘kissi bhi nahaq insan ka khon KABY say zyada hurmat rakhta hy’? And can we give preference to Masjid and Madrasah over innocent hostages according to this hadith?
5) What is Islamic ruling if anyone follows any so called AMEER or PIR without his/her parents’ permission? And can any Muslim do Jihad without parents’ permission?
6) What will be the end result if we start giving CONCESSION to the criminals? And is it allowed in Islam?
7) If a criminal who shot dead in fighting against Muslim Law Enforcement Agencies, be called SHAHEED?
8) Is Jihad allowed against Muslims or Muslim Government?
Please think over the current situation under the true teachings of Islam. Decide who is right and who is wrong because both can not be simultaneously right or wrong? And decide our role to maintain dignity and faith on Islam and Pakistan. May God Bless on all Muslims (True Muslims and not on Munafiqeen) Ameen.
1. Masjid Zarar was built with an intention to plot against Muslims at first place.
It was built by non-believers (Mushriks), not by Muslims.
2. How can you be so sure that Red Mosque was not purchased?
3. Conclusion that ‘Khuda ki qasam agar Muhammaed (SAW) ki baiti Fatima (RA) bhi chori karti to unky bhi hath kat diyey jaty’? can only be followed within the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad Salalaho Alaihi Waalihi Wasalam, if and only if there is Islamic Shariah in your country. As far as the Jamia Hafsa issue is concerned, there is no theft being committed. Please don’t mislead your readers by mentioning about an issue that is related with a particular crime, i.e. of theft.
4. Protection of Islamic sanctuaries and mosques is the first priority of every muslim. This is what Ghazi Abdur Rashid did when he moved his resistance from The Mosque to Jamia (university). It was the Army who was firing on the mosque.
5. Don’t misunderstand Jihad as only killing in the name of Allah. Yes Jamia Hafsa,students were doing Jihad with their parents permissions because the education they were gaining was also part of Jihad, and their parents themselves admitted themselves in that institution. As far as the Jihad they started first, it was the Jihad to implement Islamic Shariah, it wasn’t that of killing any one. It is the Govt who forced them to enter a Jihad which was to defend and kill.
6. Criminals are those who cross the boundaries of Allah and allow prostitution in the country. Criminals are those who fail to provide justice and take killing as their only option. Criminals are those who support Criminals in Karachi and Crimals who surround the Mosque.
7. I think you did not see the news from the beginning of the crisis of Jamia Hafsa. You probaly are so naive to give name “Muslim” to those who rule a Muslim Country. Jihad doesn’t restrict you to only kill yourself; working for media and bringing the truth out is also jihad, teaching Islam is also Jihad, and most importantly stopping an evil from your hands is one of the highest level of faith a muslim can have.
As far as Jamia Hafsa is concerned, they were forced to do Jihad due to circumstances created by our so called Muslim Govt.
Whenever our Govt does wrong, they say, “Why is that our Muslim brothers have turned against us, Aren’t we one of them”.
They try to reason that they are on the right path, by giving examples from Hadish and Quran, which they only heard from someone. They don’t even research in what true Islamic values are but start giving examples from Quran in their defence.
–Quran explains as below
They have purchased with the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh a little gain, and they hindered men from His Way; evil indeed is that which they used to do.
With regard to a believer, they respect not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant! It is they who are the transgressors.
(Al-Taubah 9,10)
Our Govt is just disguising itself, although in reality positions are taken by same minded people. i.e. of Hyporcrites. This is the first time Enemies of Islam, inside our country have finally proved through their actions that they don’t have any mercy for true Muslims.
Don’t trust Ijazul Haq’s tears of Crocodile. He is the biggest “Munafiq” and master-mind for the incident.
I have decided to continue the following verses of Surh Al-Tabah, from verse #:11
11.But if they repent, perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give Zakât, then they are your brethren in religion. (In this way) We explain the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for a people who know.
12. But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with disapproval and criticism then fight (you) the leaders of disbelief – for surely their oaths are nothing to them – so that they may stop (evil actions).
13. Will you not fight a people who have violated their oaths and intended to expel the Messenger, while they did attack you first? Do you fear them? Allâh has more right that you should fear Him, if you are believers.
14. Fight against them so that Allâh will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people,
15. And remove the anger of their (believers’) hearts. Allâh accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
16. Do you think that you shall be left alone while Allâh has not yet tested those among you who have striven hard and fought and have not taken Walîjah [(Batanah - helpers, advisors and consultants from disbelievers, pagans, etc.) giving openly to them their secrets] besides Allâh and His Messenger, and the believers. Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.
17. It is not for the Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh), to maintain the Mosques of Allâh (i.e. to pray and worship Allâh therein, to look after their cleanliness and their building, etc.), while they witness against their ownselves of disbelief. The works of such are in vain and in Fire shall they abide.
18. The Mosques of Allâh shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allâh and the Last Day; perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât and fear none but Allâh. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.
I am sorry, there is a typo above.
Surah’s name is
SURAH AL-TAUBAH
Government has’nt took a right or sensible decision…. sooo sad!!! We must not credit da maulana sahibs 4 dere foolish deeds, we agree dat they selected a wrong path 2 impose their intention but atleast govt must have a look on themselves dat wat our nation has become? I must say dat PAKISTAN is no more an ISLAMIC COUNTRY!!!
Sorry 2 say…. Maulana Abdul Rasheed predicted himself b4 da private media dat his SHAHADAT was confirmed bcz PAKISTANI GOVT is following da suggestions of their beloved AMERICA. Musharraf cannot even digest his food without asking 4m BUSH!!! HATS OFF 4 MAULANA SAHIBS….
Thanks God atleast here I was able to see ppl who opposed the killing of innocent ppl as it is clear by now that the whole operation was a massacre being done by our Army against da innocent of the innocent ppl. Otherwise I was horrified to read ppl supporting this heinous crime. Those who still believe in the Govt vies should read Ansar Abbasi s column in THE NEWS on this issue and think twice. They should also see the press touring the wreckage of that Mosque. If it looks like this after clearing operation it horrifies me to think what it looked before. It was not an operation to release hostages but to bombard ppl who said no to the Almighty General. Just like he did with the Bugtis in Wana Waziristan and Bajaur.
Everybody was equally responsible for this massacre and bloodshed except for one person. There was only one person who honestly and desperately tried to save these innocent ppl and that was Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz Sahab who proved himself to be an honest, sincere and true Human being and I dont believe anyone’s else claims and bayanat. All of them have proved to be wrong. Whatever Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz MNA did was the right thing to do. The whole nation except him is equally responsible in this bloodshed. And about media I just want to say ke unho ne apni dukan sajai hui thi aur sache dil se kuch bhi nahi kia. Unke liye yeh aik khabar thi. Agar woh bhi koshish karte tau kuch ho jata. ab baad mai maatam ka faida??? yeh bhi dukaan sajana hua.
Everyone said everything and thats all we can do because if we do sumthing we r assumed to be extremists and wen we dont say anything we r called munafikeens.Since past 8 years we are being ruled by a person who is fearless and heartless.He only knows how to play dirty politics with his people and how to make America happy.700 people are missing in pakistan who were taken away by agencies and now their families are left only with memories of them.And how unfortunate r those people who dont even get to know that if their fathers, brothers, sons , husbands are even alive or not.They dont even know for wat reason are they being charged.No head of the state on earth is allowed to pick the people of his choice ( bearded ones are the most wanted ones)and just sent them anywhere he likes.
Affan Leghari, a 22-year old student of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Pakistan’s most prestigious institute of higher learning, was picked up by security forces in October 2004.
since then his family haven’t seen him.He dint belong to al qaeda and even if he did , he shud hav been bought to the court not to the Gautanamo detention centre.I dunt get how our so-called leader musharaf is able to sleep.When day and night people are mourning and crying and asking for justice.
Maulana Abdul Rasheed Shaheed, choosed the wrong way to achieve the most righteous goal.May Allah forgive his sins.Ameen!! But the question to Musharraf is why dint he do an operation on the people who were responsible for 12th may bloodshed in Pakistan.Even those peole created a bad image about pakistanis but its just that they weren’t fighting on the name of islam and dats why they were let go.And it all happened because musharraf allowed this to happen.
Musharraf is trying to be all mighty.Hes forgetting tht there is a divine authority much much greater than all the powers and authorites and soon he will be accountable infront of Him.
lal masjid incident has changed lives of many including mine.It dint effect me directly ofcourse but it has indirectly.I’m forced to think , think and think.Where r we going, why r we suffering, why the people who take the name of Allah are delt disrespectfully and all the other killers who kill for the sake of power are being suppport.May Allah bless us and show us the right path.And i guess the revolution has just began.And never look at these controversies and politics as they want u to see it.But always see it the other way round. And now i just want to add the story of a little gurl whos crying everyday in the memories of his father.
Sitting against a small writing table in her home in Pakistan’s northern city of Rawalpindi, 10-year old Ayesha Janjua writes a letter to President General Pervez Musharraf.
“Dear uncle Musharraf, my father’s name is Masood Janjua, who went missing on July 30, 2005, along with his friend Faisal Faraz,” she writes.
“His name should be familiar since he is one of your detainees,” Ayesha adds, fighting back the tears.
“Dear uncle, put your daughter in my position and think how much it hurts to have her father taken away like that.”
Janjua, a 45-year old businessman, is being held without trial over his alleged ties to Al-Qaeda.
He was on his way to Peshawar along with his friend Faraz, whose whereabouts are also not known, when they vanished.
“I have not seen him in one and a half years, even on last three Eids,” Ayesha writes.
“Something is missing in my personal and family life. I feel insecure. The base of the family is not there. The base that protects us.
“I feel that my whole world has crumbled. I know he is there and alive and around me. He is in my heart.”
PAKISTAN ARMY MURDA BAAD… KILLER ARMY
One can say Maulvi Ghazi Murda baad. The Running Mullah. But thats not it. You know, I know and everyone else as well.
So be logical. And I say a please with it!
Essence of mil strategy is to understand the degree of evil, it is better to commit a lesser evil than bigger evil.By killing the terrorist Govt has commited a lessor evil.Allowing a save passage would have been a bigger evil.