Abdul Aziz Ghazi, the controversial cleric of Islamabad’s Lal Masjid, has accused the Pakistani government of inflicting systemic violence on its people, while also criticizing the potential war with India. In a fiery sermon, Abdul Aziz Ghazi claimed that a war between Pakistan and India would not be an Islamic war, highlighting Pakistan’s internal issues instead. He called out the government for creating a crisis within the country, particularly pointing to the oppressive policies and the violence faced by its citizens.
Abdul Aziz Ghazi’s Criticism of Pakistan’s Government
In a sermon during Friday prayers, Abdul Aziz Ghazi voiced strong opposition to the Pakistani government, asserting that the state was guilty of unjust actions against its own people. He accused the government of systemic violence, which he believes has worsened Pakistan’s internal crisis. Drawing attention to the silence of the congregation when asked if they would support Pakistan in a war with India, Abdul Aziz Ghazi noted the lack of enthusiasm as a sign of growing awareness among the people. He emphasized that the ongoing struggle within Pakistan is far worse than any external conflict, such as a potential war with India.
Abdul Aziz Ghazi criticized the Pakistani government’s oppression, comparing it unfavorably to India’s situation. He questioned if Pakistanis had suffered the same level of injustice as India’s citizens, citing incidents in Waziristan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He accused the Pakistani government of bombing its own people, a charge he said was absent in India. The cleric also pointed to the widespread disappearances of political figures, journalists, and clerics in Pakistan, reflecting on the sense of helplessness among the population.
Lal Masjid’s History of Opposition to the Government
Lal Masjid, a mosque with a history of opposition to the government, has long been a symbol of defiance in Pakistan. Founded in 1965, it became notorious for its anti-India stance and its involvement with Pakistan’s intelligence and security apparatus. However, in 2006, the mosque’s leadership, led by Abdul Aziz and Abdul Rashid, openly challenged the government, calling for the imposition of Sharia law and the overthrow of the state, which they deemed corrupt.
Tensions between the Lal Masjid leadership and the Pakistani government escalated, culminating in the 2007 military operation known as Operation Sunrise. This operation was launched to counter the growing threat from the mosque and its militants, who had engaged in provocative actions, including calls for jihad against the Pakistani government. Despite the military crackdown, the mosque’s leadership continued to resist government authority, making it a significant point of contention in Pakistan’s internal political landscape.
