Plea seeks ban on 'indecentfilming' at Faisal Mosque

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued notices to the respondents including the in-charge of Faisal Mosque, seeking their responses to a petition calling for a ban on entering in 'masjid' in inappropriate attire and the filming of videos with dancing and music within the premises of Faisal Mosque.

The petition, filed by a citizen, Musharraf Zain, was heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir. The petitioner appeared in court accompanied by his legal counsel.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir sought responses from the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Chairman CDA, Ministry of Religious Affairs, President International Islamic University, IG Islamabad, and the Estate Office on the petition of citizen Musharraf Zain.

The petition contended that numerous videos circulating on social media depict individuals recording indecent content within the mosque's premises. It argued that videos featuring music and dance compromise the sanctity and dignity of the mosque, while the filming of such content in semi-nude or inappropriate clothing constitutes a violation of the mosque's sanctity and contravenes the right to religious freedom guaranteed under Article 20 of the Constitution.

The petitioner further stated that formal written complaints had been submitted to the mosque's in-charge, the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, and the Chairman of the CDA, but no action had been taken.

Similar complaints were also sent to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the President of the International Islamic University, and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.

The petition urged the court to prohibit entry into the mosque by individuals wearing indecent or inappropriate clothing and to ban the recording of videos involving music and dance within its premises.