Masjid-e-Madni relocation was consensual, not forced: ICT admin

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration has clarified that Masjid-e-Madni’s relocation was carried out with the full consent and coordination of its management, rejecting claims on social media of a forceful eviction.

The mosque and its associated madrassa were shifted as part of the federal government’s plan to protect Islamabad’s greenbelts, according to a ICT administration spokesperson.

The issue was first discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by the Interior Minister in January 2025, where it was decided to move the facility to a purpose-built site in Margalla Town.

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Officials said the Murree Road structure was primarily used as a madrassa and was not officially designated as a mosque. Its location on a greenbelt brought it under Islamabad’s ongoing anti-encroachment drive.

“This was not a forced eviction,” an ICT spokesperson stressed. “A larger, better-equipped facility was provided in full agreement with the management. Politicising the matter is unnecessary and harmful.”

The government said the relocation of Masjid-e-Madni was lawful and respectful, ensuring religious and educational activities continued without interruption. Authorities urged the public to ignore misinformation being spread by certain groups for political or sectarian purposes.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in consultation with the mosque’s management, built a modern mosque and madrassa on a 50×100 sq ft plot in Margalla Town. The Rs 40 million government-funded complex includes spacious prayer halls, modern ablution facilities, and paved walkways.

The clarification comes amid social media criticism over the removal of mosques in the federal capital.

‼️ The government has decided to demolish more than 50 mosques in Islamabad, declaring them illegal.

Last night CDA demolished Madni Mosque located on Margalla Town Murree Road and planted trees over it.

On the other side, The government has officially allowed 5 luxury hotels…

— ZAMAN (@zamannx) August 10, 2025

MOSQUE ADMINISTRATORS TO FILE COLLECTIVE PETITIONS

Mosque administrators, served notices by the capital administration to demolish certain structures, have scheduled a meeting next week to decide their future course of action.

Speaking to the media, Qari Sajid, Khateeb of a mosque on G-9 Service Road, said the meeting will be held on Aug 13 at Farooq-i-Azam Masjid in I-9 to discuss the matter and chalk out a joint strategy in response to the notices served to mosques and imambargahs.

He said the meeting will also consider filing a collective petition in court. Some worship place administrations have already approached the Session and Civil Courts separately against the notices. In those cases, the courts summoned the capital administration for an explanation.

“We have submitted all the required documents for the worship places in court,” Qari Sajid said, adding that stay orders have been issued against the notices.

He further claimed the capital administration issued the notices two months ago and forwarded them to police for action. However, police allegedly kept them hidden and only recently informed the mosque administrations about them.

Web Desk