The Supreme Court (SC) has rejected the government’s plea to stop the demolition of Madina Mosque in Karachi.
The Supreme court on Monday heard a case related to the demolition of encroachments in Karachi and was asked to reconsider the order to demolish the Madina Mosque on Tariq Road.
Last week, the Supreme Court (SC) had ordered to demolish a mosque, shrine and cemetery built on amenity parks’ land near Tariq Road in Karachi.
“Religious tensions are rising due to the court’s order and the demolition of the mosque was raising many questions,” the attorney general told the court.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed remarked that the government could provide alternative land for the mosque if it wants to.
The attorney general maintained that he knew it was the federal and provincial government’s duty to provide land for the mosque. However, he insisted that the SC withdraw its order.
“All we can do is order a delay in the demolition of the mosque till a new site is found for it,” the chief justice responded.
“What is the use of all this action if we start withdrawing our decisions?” the chief justice asked.
“You are the representative of the government. Building a mosque on encroached land is a non-religious act. Islam does not allow this. If you want to build a mosque, build it out of your own pocket,” the judge remarked.
The apex court sought a report from the Sindh government within three weeks and adjourned the case till January 13.
