Pak govt. orders closure of Islamabad mosques at night

Islamabad, Dec. 21 (ANI): In the wake of a fragile security situation in the country, the Pakistan Government has ordered all mosques in Islamabad to be closed after Isha prayers to ensure that terror suspects don't stay in them at night.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik conveyed the decision to the Ulema after talking part in a rally in Islamabad on Sunday to promote religious harmony during Muharram.

According to the Dawn, the orders would be implemented in Islamabad, but it may be followed in other parts of the country by provincial governments.

The paper quoted Islamabad's Deputy Commissioner Amir Ali Ahmed, as saying that the Ulema had assured the government that they would keep mosques locked after Isha prayers and reopen them for Fajar prayers.

"It is feared that suspects can hide in mosques at night and carry out their nefarious designs (terrorism activities) in the day time," the official said.

The possibility of any suspect staying in mosques at night has increased after the local administration decided to keep a close watch on the clients of hotels, inns and guesthouses.

However, it is believed that the orders will not be followed strictly, as such orders had also been issued in the past but mosques didn't follow them. (ANI)