Written by: Noor-ul-Huda Khalil
Though my pen trembles as I write these words, I must write them—for history must never be forgotten.
The Demolition of the Fortress of Faith – A Profound Blow to the Heart of Islamabad
In 2007, the Pakistan Army launched a brutal assault on the innocent female students, Hafizas, and teachers of Lal Masjid in the heart of Islamabad. This attack was not merely the decision of a Pakistani general or the military but part of a broader conspiracy orchestrated by the United States, Israel, and Indian intelligence agencies, aimed at eradicating religious consciousness.
Lal Masjid was not merely a place of worship; it was a symbol of Islamic awakening. Within its walls were courageous men and dignified women, driven by profound religious conviction, who boldly raised their voices against tyranny, oppression, and the unlawful policies of the time. Yet, this voice was intolerable to those who stand as enemies of the true spirit of Islam.
The Dark History of Oppression and the Blood of the Innocent
In July 2007, under General Pervez Musharraf’s orders and with direct U.S. involvement, the Pakistan Army launched a brutal assault on the students, scholars, female students, teachers, and Huffaz (memorizers of the Quran) at Lal Masjid. The operation deployed 10,000 troops, supported by heavy artillery, tanks, helicopters, and chemical weapons, including phosphorus bombs and toxic gases.
According to official figures, over 1,000 female students, scholars, and Huffaz (Quran memorizers) were martyred, but eyewitnesses claim the number exceeded 3,000. Not only were they killed, but their bodies were also burned by the military to erase all evidence of the massacre and conceal the full scale of the atrocity.
The most heartbreaking aspect of this tragedy was the forced disappearance of around 200 dignified and devout female students—advocates for the implementation of Islamic law. According to various reports, many of these young women were handed over to American forces in exchange for thousands of dollars and were subsequently transferred to secret U.S. detention facilities like Bagram and Guantanamo.
America, Israel, and India – The Secrets of the Hidden Deal
The Hidden Hand of America:
During the operation, U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson maintained direct contact with high-ranking Pakistani officials, and American advisors were present alongside military commanders.
The CIA funded the operation with $500 million.
Following the operation, senior Pakistani generals who led the mission were rewarded with permanent visas and properties in the United States.
Israel’s Support:
During the operation, the Pakistan Army employed advanced Israeli-made weapons, such as laser-guided bombs and toxic gases, to eliminate the victims without leaving any trace behind.
Some officers within Pakistan’s intelligence agency (ISI), who deemed the operation illegal, unethical, and in violation of war principles, were either killed or forced to resign.
India’s Role – RAW’s Covert Manipulations:
India’s intelligence agency, RAW, misled the Musharraf government with fabricated intelligence, portraying Lal Masjid as an ‘Al-Qaeda hub.’
Indian operatives, embedded within certain circles of Pakistan’s military, provided both technical and intelligence support for the operation.
After the operation, Indian intelligence paid $15 million to certain Pakistani media outlets to depict the assault as a ‘counter-terrorism success.’
Internal Resistance Within the Army and the Silenced Officers
During the operation, several religious officers within the Pakistan Army opposed the assault on Lal Masjid. Some high-ranking military officials, who deemed the attack ‘un-Islamic,’ were dismissed, while others were killed.
Colonel Abbas – He opposed the operation against Lal Masjid and was murdered by unknown individuals.
Major Amir – An intelligence officer who attempted to expose the truth but was abruptly forced to resign.
Brigadier Ali Khan – He also opposed the operation and was falsely imprisoned on charges of “terrorism.”
Pakistan’s Double-Edged Policy – Shifting Blame for Its Failures
If Lal Masjid was a ‘terrorist hub,’ why were only the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic studies taught there?
If the goal of the operation was to eliminate ‘terrorism,’ why were innocent female students handed over to the Americans?
Why did high-ranking military officers receive permanent U.S. visas and properties after the operation?
Instead of rectifying its failed and un-Islamic policies, Pakistan continues to shift the blame for its deteriorating security situation onto others. Recently, Umm-e-Hassan, the head of Jamia Hafsa, was arrested for making legitimate Sharia-based demands, which sparked widespread outrage on social media.
Pakistan is deceiving its people by using propaganda to mask its failed security policies while shifting the blame for its internal crises onto Afghanistan.
The truth is that Pakistan deliberately stirs religious sentiments, oppresses Muslims, and incites anger, pushing people to take up arms—allowing corrupt generals and political leaders to retain their power. Instead of correcting its own policies, Pakistan continues to blame Afghanistan to mislead its people.
The Story of Lal Masjid – A Chapter That Can Never Be Erased from History
The blood of Lal Masjid had not yet dried when the same oppression resurfaced. Umm-e-Hassan was arrested, and innocent Huffaz once again faced state brutality. However, history records everything, and the truth will never be concealed.