ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Thursday stopped relatives of deposed Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz from holding a press conference on the grounds that mosques should not be politicised.

A press conference on alleged enforced disappearances of Mr Aziz`s family members was scheduled for 3pm. When it was time for the press conference, a large contingent of Islamabad police arrived at the mosque and closed off the main entrance.

Mediapersons who had entered the mosque prior to the arrival of the police remained within 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.

Mr Aziz` nephew Haroon Rashid, meanwhile, criticised the police for taking charge of the mosque gates and said the move was a human rights violation.

`Mosques are also the community centres of Muslims, he said. `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?` The police officer in turn suggested 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 media professionals demanded the police let them into the mosque so they could pray.

Amidst the arguments, the new assistant commissioner, Saad Asad, entered the mosque holding his mobile phone close to his ear.

After a brief discussion with Mr Haroon, he directed the media to leave the premises and told the police to let the faithful in to pray. A mediaperson also entered the mosque 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 registered.

Since there was no word from Mr Haroon, it was considered that the briefing had been called off.

Meanwhile, one police official told the press that Mr Aziz`s family should adopt the course of law.

`There are three forum 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.

A statement issued by the Shohada 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 and Jamia Hafsa, and Mr Aziz`s relatives.