The Red Mosque, situated in the heart of Islamabad, is once again in the news.
The New York Times reported that the Red Mosque pays homage to the world’s once most wanted terrorist and inaugurating a library after his name ‘Martyr Osama bin Laden Library’.
The mosque has always been in the midst of controversy for various reasons, and also when its leaders made a pilgrimage to meet its hero and slain al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden or the bloody battle between security forces and militants seven years ago that claimed over 100 lives.
Maulana Abdul Aziz, the chief cleric of the mosque, was once a part of the peace process between the Pakistani government and the Taliban militants.
But, he left the process mid-way saying that talks are not possible until Sharia law comes into force in the country.
The most recent move on the part of mosque comes at a crucial time when the country is battling militancy and is still in two-minds over whether to initiate Army operation or negotiate with them.
Hailing Osama as a “hero,” Aziz reportedly said, “If Pakistan truly has freedom of expression, then we should be able to express our love for our heroes.”
As per the reports which stated that Aziz was a part of the 2007 firefight that claimed the lives of his mother and brother. The picture of him escaping the mosque covered in burqa and clutching a purse was played on the national television.
He was arrested and charged with abduction, murder, arson and terrorism which were dismissed by the court later. The court had held responsible former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf for the incident.
According to the NYT report, Aziz was soon released and the mosque was reconstructed after a generous donation of at least $150,000. Now, over 5,000 students study in the madrasas here.
Land worth millions of dollars was also provided to the mosque which constructed a woman’s madrasa where the Osama bin Library has been built.
Ayman al-Zawahri, Al Qaeda leader, has also openly spoken in favor of the mosque.