NewsMonday, March 03, 2008
Jamia Hafsa’s madrassa head ousted over ownership claim
* Cleric denies charge, accuses Umme Hassan of harassment
By Fazal Sher
ISLAMABAD: Jamia Hafsa’s Principal Umme Hassan on Sunday sacked the in-charge of the demolished madrassa’s I-9/4 branch. Umme Hassan told Daily Times that Maulana Ehsanul Haq was removed as Jamia Fatimatuz Zehra’s head after he claimed ownership of the madrassa. She said Haq was also involved in corruption. She said Haq had been overseeing the madrassa affairs for the last eight years in a rented house in Street 38-B of I-9/4 as Jamia Hafsa employee. She said three months ago, Haq had claimed ownership of the madrassa and demanded Rs 3,30,000 as property cost and everyday expenditure made over the last eight years. Umme Hassan said she had paid the sought-after amount to Haq and asked him to leave the madrassa. She said over 100 students taught by 10 teachers were enrolled with the madrassa. Ehsanul Haq, however, denied the charges and said he had left the madrassa along with his family for fear of life. He claimed that Umme Hassan, accompanied by armed men, threatened him with dire consequences if he continued to occupy the madrassa. He said he owned the madrassa and its plot, adding he has already moved a local court in this respect. He said he had separated the madrassa from Jamia Hafsa during Lal Masjid operation before getting it affiliated with Wafaqul Madaris. He claimed he had discussed the matter with Umme Hassan on Saturday but some students and teachers loyal to her occupied two portions of the madrassa later in the day. Haq said he had reported the matter to the police but in vain. Industrial Area Police Station SHO Munawar Ali Mehar denied that Ehsan had approached him. He said the madrassa belonged to Jamia Hafsa administration and not the cleric.
Courtesy Daily Times