A case has been registered against former Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz for leading Friday prayers despite a government ban on congregational prayers.

A video circulating on social media, verified by Dawn.com, shows Aziz leading prayers attended by a large number of people. Before the prayers, he also asked worshippers to ensure "no gap remains" between them — which is against the government code for Friday prayers.

City SP Sarfaraz Virk said the case against the cleric was registered under Section 144 at Aabpara police station and the first information report was "sealed" on orders of the capital administration.

Maulana Aziz was booked last week as well for gathering people at Lal Masjid for Friday prayers despite the ban.