Pakistani security agencies have reportedly warned the government that the resurgence of Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz, who is believed to have links with militant groups and is known for his anti-government rhetoric, poses a security threat to the law and order situation in the capital city of Islamabad.
A report entitled, "Activities of Maulana Abdul Aziz," forwarded to the interior ministry by the country's primary intelligence agency, accused the "Lal Masjid mafia" of having links to militant groups and land grabbers. It also claimed that Aziz was reorganising the Ghazi Force militant group, spawned by his followers after the Lal Masjid Operation, reported the Dawn.
The report stressed on the importance of the Taliban choosing Aziz as a representative on the committee created to negotiate with the government on their behalf.
The intelligence agency also emphasized on the need to keep a check on the growing number of madressahs in Rawalpindi, who have overt or covert links with militant groups.
They named property tycoon Malik Riaz and former MNA Shah Abdul Aziz of Karak as the controversial cleric's "sympathizers.