Pakistan: Another Mosque Painted Red, Islamic Revolution Feared

By Animesh Roul

Embattled Cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz recently said “There are many Ghazis (His brother and Deputy who was killed during Op Silence at Red Mosque) living to be martyred” […] "God willing, Pakistan will have an Islamic revolution soon."

To predict or think of an impending Islamic Revolution in Pakistan is not at all a hard task now. Even keen observers of developments in Pakistan would agree what the cleric said. Self exiled leader Benezir Bhutto guessed it too sitting hundred miles away from the land. The fear of Islamic Revolution which might erupt from religious seminaries or madrassas, is gaining ground as things are shaping up in Pakistan, especially after the fall of Red Mosque. The military operation and subsequent fall of Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) early this month actually have galvanized radical sentiments in Pakistan. This has been fuelled and coupled by anti Musharraf and anti-US wave prevalent in the region including in neighboring Afghanistan. Though it had little effect on neighboring India so far.

In the latest turn of events, on July 28, hundreds of pro-Taliban militants have occupied Turangzai Sahib Mosque located in Lakaro, a tribal dominated area in northwest of Peshawar. The militants later painted the structure in red colour and renamed the Mosque as Red Mosque, similar to the besieged Islamabad mosque. The militants were reportedly vowed to continue the legacy of cleric Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi, deputy head of Red Mosque who died during the military operation in Islamabad and establish seminaries on the lines of Jamia Hafsa and Jamia Faridia soon at Lakaro. The move came following July 27 reopening of Red Mosque and subsequent suicide bombing near a restaurant where around 15 people got killed, mostly security personnel. The suicde attack took place after pro-Taliban elements tried to reoccupy the Lal Masjid (that time it was painted Yellow by government agencies) during evening Friday prayers.

Why the militant choose Turangzai Sahib Mosque? Militants knew that this is the appropriate place to start an Islamic revolution as Turangzai (Lakaro Mosque is named after him) known as “forbearer of Islamic reform in the Frontier Pakistan,” was a religious and nationalist leader who led Pashtun fighters against the British in early 1900s. A detailed study on Turangzai’s life and his revolutionary contribution would be imperative here to understand how and why militants drew inspiration from Turangza’si life and teachings. This is certainly a matter of concern that militants got their much needed martyrs in Turangzai and Maulana Ghazi. More religious seminaries will be under militant’s control soon. Pro-Taliban Militants will occupy major learning centers in Peshwar (e.g. Islamia college) and in Wazirstan and Tribal dominated areas near Afghanistan border. More difficult times for Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf (with or without Bhutto ) and his cohorts are certainly on the cards.

Some Recent CTB Posts on Pakistan and Terrorist Violence:

Pakistan: Revenge Attacks on Chinese Nationals and Security Personnel, July 19, 2007

Operation Lal Deen: Rising at Pakistan’s Red Mosque, July 6, 2007

Peshawar Hotel Blast Rocks Volatile Pakistan, May 15, 2007

Islam and Suicide Terrorism in Pakistan, May 14, 2007

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