KARACHI, Jan 14: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim here on Friday laid the foundation of Jamia Masjid Baitul Islam in Clifton area.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said mosques are essential for propagation of Islam and prayers before Allah. He called for making efforts for our Islamic identity and religious renaissance.

"It is obligatory upon us as Muslims to construct mosques and maintain them for their being the House of Allah", Dr Arbab emphasised. On the occasion, he announced to give the plot for park adjacent to the Masjid to be maintained under Babul Islam Trust.

Earlier, General Secretary of the Trust, Dr Mohammed Saleh Memon said every one should fully participate in noble causes. He said Islam emphasises on seeking of knowledge and as such we should work for promoting the cause of Islamic teachings.

Later, the chief minister laid the foundation and directed the DCO to take steps for handing over the park plot for maintenance by Babul Islam Trust. He said a boundary wall be constructed around the plot.

The ceremony was largely attended by the area people. Meanwhile, speaking at a reception hosted by him at Chief Minister House, Dr Arbab Rahim said that the government would provide all facilities for the promotion of auto industry.

The government, he said, would fully cooperate to meet the future challenges. Dr Arbab said Karachi has become an international hub for industrial and trade activities and provides access to Central Asia.

He said vast opportunities exist for setting up industries in Sindh and the government will also cooperate for the establishment of joint ventures. He pointed out that industrial and educational promotion coupled with social and cultural improvement, would bring prosperity in the country and this warrants a functional role from each of us.

Earlier, Ms Anjum Qureshi presented the welcome address while other speakers highlighted the need for plying CNG buses so as to make the urban transport system more functional. They assured of their cooperation for an improved transport system in Karachi.

Also present in the luncheon were MNA Arbab Zakaullah, MPAs Mir Abid Jatoi, Begum Gulzar Unnar, Acting General Secretary PML Sindh Abdul Ghaffar Qureshi and Sindh Chief Secretary Aslam Sanjrani. Later the Chief Minister presented shields to important figures in the auto industry. -APP