Policy Research Group   - Strategic Insight: Lal Masjid cleric barred from entering NWFP

Lal Masjid cleric barred from entering NWFP
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editor on 19 June, 2009 12:03:00
 
NWFP government has shut doors on Abdul Aziz, the firebrand cleric of
Islamabad’s Lal Masjid, saying his presence would be prejudicial to law and
order in the border province.
Aziz was under house arrest till recently. He was caught in July 2007 crackdown
on Lal Masjid for its Islamist Talibanisation drive in the Pak capital. The ban
on his entry into NWFP is initially for one month under the Maintenance of
Public Order ordinance.
The cleric wanted to visit the Hazara division to be the chief guest at the
convocation of a seminary. Officials fear he could use the occasion to make an
inflammatory speech or indulge in activities that could undermine the operations
against the Taliban militants.