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Maulana Abdul Aziz's relatives barred from holding press conference at Lal Masjid

Haider Ali 11:12 AM | 25 Aug, 2017
Maulana Abdul Aziz's relatives barred from holding press conference at Lal Masjid
ISLAMABAD - The relatives of deposed Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz were not allowed to hold a press conference on Thursday by the capital administration.

Aziz's relatives had to address a press conference on alleged enforced disappearances of their family members at 3pm, however, a large contingent of Islamabad police arrived at the mosque and closed off the main entrance.

Newsmen who had entered the mosque prior to the arrival of the police remained inside the mosque’s courtyard for half an hour, while those outside attempted to persuade the police to let them in.

“This is a mosque and not a political area,” the police official posted at the spot said, adding: “Besides, there is no one inside the mosque for the briefing, as the maulana and his wife have not arrived.”

On the occasion, Mr Aziz’s nephew Haroon Rashid, took aim at the police for taking charge of the mosque gates and termed the move a violation of human rights.

“Mosques are also the community centres of Muslims, not allowing media persons to enter the mosque is a violation of freedom of movement and freedom of expression. Maulana’s sisters wanted the address the media – what is the threat in that?” he advocated.

The police officer suggested that Mr Haroon address the media on the road in front of the mosque.

“Why not call maulana sahib and hold a briefing on the road? You have been doing it earlier too, so why not today,” the police officer, standing by the gate, asked Mr Haroon.

While their exchange continued, some newsmen demanded the police let them into the mosque so they could pray.

Amidst the arguments, the new assistant commissioner city, Saad Asad, entered the mosque and after a brief discussion with Mr Haroon, he directed the media to leave the premises and directed the police to let the faithful in to pray.

Later, Assistant Commissioner Asad came out to tell the media the press conference had been called off and the grievances of the family had been registered.

Meanwhile, one police official told the press that Mr Aziz’s family should adopt the course of law, for the alleged disappearance of their relatives.

“There are three forums and they approached none of them. First is to lodge a complaint at the relevant police station; they can also approach the courts and there is the national commission on missing persons,” he said, adding: “Creating a fuss is not the best option.”

A spokesperson for Mr Aziz acknowledged that none of the aforementioned forums had been approached, but added that they would file an application with the Supreme Court, Dawn News reported.

Moreover, a statement issued by the Shohda Foundation decried the police and Islamabad Capital Territory administration’s actions.

The statement blamed state agencies for enforced disappearances of people affiliated with Lal Mashid, Jamia Hafsa, and Mr Aziz’ relatives.

Haider Ali

The writer is a civil servant.

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Today's currency exchange rates in Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal rates on March 23, 2023

KARACHI - Following are the foreign currency exchange rates for US Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UK Pound Sterling, U.A.E. Dirham, European Euro, and other foreign currencies in Pakistan open market on March 23, 2023 (Thursday).

Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)

Currency Symbol Buying Selling
US Dollar ‎USD 283.1 286.15
Euro EUR 302.5 305.5
UK Pound Sterling GBP 343.5 347
U.A.E Dirham AED 77.2 78
Saudi Riyal SAR 75.4 76.2
Australian Dollar AUD 187 189.4
Bahrain Dinar BHD 749.55 757.55
Canadian Dollar CAD 205 207.2
China Yuan CNY 40.91 41.31
Danish Krone DKK 40.77 41.17
Hong Kong Dollar HKD 35.92 36.27
Indian Rupee INR 3.41 3.52
Japanese Yen JPY 2.06 2.11
Kuwaiti Dinar KWD 919.22 928.22
Malaysian Ringgit MYR 62.85 63.45
New Zealand Dollar NZD 176.66 178.66
Norwegians Krone NOK 26.33 26.63
Omani Riyal OMR 731.97 739.97
Qatari Riyal ‎QAR 77.43 78.13
Singapore Dollar SGD 208 210
Swedish Korona SEK 26.5 26.8
Swiss Franc CHF 305.12 307.62
Thai Bhat THB 8.19 8.34

Today's gold rates in Pakistan – 23 March 2023

KARACHI – The price of a single tola of 24-karat gold in Pakistan is Rs 203,800 on Thursday. The price of 10 grams of 24k gold was recorded at Rs174,730.   

Likewise, 10 grams of 22k gold were being traded for Rs163,624 while a single tola of 22-karat gold was being sold at Rs 190,880.

Note: The gold rate in Pakistan is fluctuating according to the international market so the price is never been fixed. The below rates are provided by local gold markets and Sarafa Markets of different cities.

City Gold Silver
Lahore PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Karachi PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Islamabad PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Peshawar PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Quetta PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Sialkot PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Attock PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Gujranwala PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Jehlum PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Multan PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Bahawalpur PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Gujrat PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Nawabshah PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Chakwal PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Hyderabad PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Nowshehra PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Sargodha PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Faisalabad PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350
Mirpur PKR 203,800 PKR 2,350

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