'Terrorists hiding inside Lal Masjid'

Islamabad: Terrorists belonging to defunct organisations and armed with the latest weapons are hiding inside Lal Masjid in the capital, claims Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Ijaz-ul-Haq.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Friday, Ul-Haq said the vast majority of the 4,000 female students of Jamia Hafsa have already left the premises. The majority were taken home by their parents, but some still remain as they have nowhere else to go.

He added that although negotiations were under way with the militants the issue will only be solved after they vacate the building.

It is the first time a federal minister has admitted that known terrorists from banned religious outfits are hiding in the important seminary of the federal capital as well as being equipped with the latest weapons.