E-7 seminary dispute temporarily defused after former Lal Masjid cleric leaves.

ISLAMABAD -- Former Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz has vacated the E-7 seminary Jamia Fareedia, temporarily defusing the standoff that had emerged there.

Capital administration and police officials told Dawn on condition of anonymity that Mr Aziz, his family and his students have left the E-7 seminary and moved to Jamia Hafsa in G-7.

Mr Aziz reportedly left Jamia Fareedia after he was assured by local ulema and government officials that the matter that brought him there would be resolved.

The police presence around the seminary has also been minimised, the officials said, as the situation has been defused until exams - which are scheduled to begin in seminaries on July 11 - are completed.

The officials said that Mr Aziz and Jamia Fareedia administrator Maulana Abdul Ghaffar have both claimed ownership of the seminary. Mr Ghaffar used to be a close aide to Mr Aziz, but they have since developed differences.

Mr Aziz appointed Mr Ghaffar administrator of Jamia Fareedia in the 2000s, they said, but he lost control of the seminary to Mr Ghaffar.

Mr Aziz, his family and 200 Jamia Hafsa students moved to Jamia Fareedia a few days ago. They told Mr Ghaffar and his companions to vacate the premises, leading to a standoff between both parties when they both refused to leave.

Administration and police officials also became involved, but since the dispute was a private one their focus was on maintaining...