Renovation of historic mosque reviewed

Advisor to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister on Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology, Zahid Chanzeb, visited the historic Masjid Mahabat Khan where renovation and restoration work is underway at a cost of Rs152 million under the K-P Archaeology Directorate.

The magnificent mosque, built in 1630 by the then-Mughal governor, Nawab Mahabat Khan Kamboh, stands as a testament to the Mughal style of architecture, utilizing mud, lime, and Waziri bricks.

On his arrival, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, a prominent religious scholar and khateeb, warmly welcomed him. Accompanying the CM’s Advisor were Director of Archaeology and Museums, Dr. Abdul Samad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) Director MIS Mahad Hasnain, ex-station director of Radio Pakhtunkhwa, Ghulam Hussain Ghazi, and Advisor Tourism’s Principal Staff Officer, Tashfeen Khan.

During his two-and-a-half-hour inspection, the Advisor, an architect himself, pointed out aspects for making the renovation work more sustainable and strengthening the foundations of the mosque. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the strengthening of arches and foundations for the safety of worshippers, even if it required additional funds.

Additionally, he directed improvements to the mosque's sound system. Worshippers informed him that work on the current scheme, directly supervised by the Archaeology Directorate, was progressing satisfactorily compared to previous schemes. They appreciated Dr. Abdul Samad’s close liaison with the project.

The Advisor expressed satisfaction over the removal or demolition of 42 shops and markets around the mosque with the consent of the local business community, making the boundary and exterior features of the historic mosque clearly visible for the first time.

The architect in charge informed Zahid Chanzeb that, besides reviving the original Mughal beauty and elegance of its interior, sound-proof materials and chemicals were being used to eliminate the echo generated in the mosque’s inner hall.