The Government of Saudi Arabia shows interest in Renovating the Mosques in Islamabad.
As per the recent reports the Government of Saudi Arabia is interested in renovating and building mosques in Pakistan’s capital – Islamabad.
A Memorandum signed between the Saudi Arabian Embassy and the Ministry of Interior of Pakistan and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) stated that the Saudi government would construct a mosque at the International Islamic University in Islamabad.
The International Islamic University in Islamabad is a public university that offers both Islamic and modern education and is responsible for the administration of the mosque and related matters.
IIUI President Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, who is a Saudi citizen, disclosed in a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa last November that the Saudi government has allocated $32 million for the construction of the mosque. The president appreciated the Saudi Government’s efforts and further stated that the mosque would be a symbol of brotherly relations between the two countries.
Added to this it has also been stated that the renovation of Faisal mosque will soon begin in Islamabad from the funds allocated by the Saudi Government.
The Faisal mosque, which can accommodate up to 300,000 worshipers, has several problems such as the grounds, toilets, air conditioning and electrical works are in poor condition. The mosque also needs a lift to add to its beauty and elegance.
Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and caretaker minister of religious affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry visited the mosque on Friday and discussed the renovation plan with CDA officials and the mosque management.
The Saudi envoy also met Gohar Ijaz, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, who contacted him after he offered his Friday prayers at the mosque and noted its urgent need for repairs.
The CDA responsible for mosque affairs could not maintain the mosque well due to a lack of funds and resources.
CDA officials said they had been making small-scale repairs at the mosque with their funds and federal government funds, which were not enough to maintain it properly.
They said the total cost of renovating the mosque was $45 million, of which the Saudi government will pay $28 million.
The CDA officials appreciated the Saudi government and their interest in renovating the mosque, which they said was a great gesture of friendship and cooperation.
