ISLAMABAD: City managers have decided to restore a historical mosque that caught their attention during the construction of Lotus Lake in Shakarparian.

The mosque is believed to be over 100 years old and was used as a worship place for villagers of Pairan, who were moved out of the area in the 1960s during Islamabad’s development. Like Pairan, a large number of villagers from Islamabad were shifted to Rawalpindi and other parts of the capital, albeit, after receiving compensation from Capital Development Authority (CDA) against their homes and land.

“During construction of Lotus Lake, when we carried out cleanliness operation and removed bushes etc., we found an abandoned mosque,” said Environment Director Irfan Niazi, adding construction material of the mosque suggested that it was built over 100 years ago. The banyan tree located in the mosque’s courtyard is believed to be 500 years old.

CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed said that the authority will restore this historical mosque, adding: “I have already directed my team to take steps for restoration of this mosque, which is also our heritage.”

Construction of the lake, he said, is in its final stage and will soon be a new facility for tourists. It is relevant to note here that in the past, there was a natural lotus lake in the area which diminished during construction of a cultural complex between 2004-5.

Now, CDA is constructing the lake at another place near natural history museum.

“The purpose of this lake and park besides having sitting facility and braque pits is to provide a peaceful environment close to nature,” the chairman said.

The new Lotus Lake is 100ft long and 68ft wide and after testing on trial basis, currently being repaired to stop the leakage of water.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2020