TWO weeks ago, I visited Faisal Mosque — Pakistan’s largest mosque with a combined housing capacity of more than 300,000. Its construction began in 1976 after Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal announced a gift of $120 million for the mosque.

Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay designed its blueprint. Nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, it has become a major tourist spot over the years. Thousands of tourists, local and foreign, come to visit the place.

However, the non-availability of cold drinking water in the vicinity of the prayer area causes inconvenience to visitors, especially in summer. Moreover, sightseers are requested to observe the Islamic injunctions regarding the sanctity of the mosque.

The authorities concerned and the visitors should fulfil their responsibilities.

Dr Muhammad Qaisar Abbas

Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2018