Archbishop impressed by mosque’s architecture

Visiting dignitary will also hold meetings with President Alvi, Prime Minister Imran

LAHORE:

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby on Sunday visited the Grand Jamia Mosque in Bahria Town.

Upon his arrival, the archbishop was received by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs Tahir Ashrafi and administrative officials of the mosque.

The visiting dignitary toured the mosque extensively and appreciated its architecture, which is a blend of traditional and modern design elements.

He was informed that the design was prepared by renowned architect Nayyar Ali Dada, and its construction was completed in seven years.

He was also told that the mosque has the capacity of accommodating 70,000 worshippers at a time.

Archbishop Welby also visited the Quran Library in the grand mosque, where 300 to 700 years old manuscripts of the holy scripture in 17 languages are kept.

Following the visit, the archbishop, along with the premier’s special assistant and administrative officials of the mosque, had breakfast at the Grand Bahria Hotel.

The visiting dignitary, who arrived in Pakistan for a three-day visit on Saturday night, is scheduled to meet President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan as well.