BAHAWALPUR, March 25: The 108 recipients of the Pakistan civil awards on the Pakistan Day includes late Sardar Raees Ghazi Muhammad, who was awarded a posthumous Sitara-i-Imtiaz for financing the historic Bhong Masjid in Rahim Yar Khan.

The mosque is considered to be a remarkable symbol of Islamic and modern architecture. It is one of the few mosques and buildings in the world that have been given 'Aga Khan award.'

The Bhong mosque has a large complex having a library, mosque for women, madressah, guest house and a residential portion for the students studying there. Its dome has golden lining.

Sardar Raees Ghazi, the father of former minister Raees Shabir Ahmad Khan, began the construction of Bhong Masjid in his native town in 1932. The construction continued for about 60 years, though its main portion were completed in 1982.

In 1986, the mosque was adjudged one of the best mosques in world along with six other buildings and given the prestigious 'Aga Khan award' in Morocco. The former minister received the award - a trophy and a commendation certificate - on behalf of his father. However, he refused to accept cash from Moroccan king, Prince Karim Aga Khan.

Later in 1994, former president Sardar Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari visited the mosque and announced a financial grant of Rs400,000, but that, too, was turned down by Raees Shabir. However, some time later, the late Raees Ghazi's second son, Raees Munir Ahmad Khan, got transferred the presidential grant in the name of a maternity ward of the Ghazi Hospital.