ISLAMABAD: Prolonged tug of war between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Islamic International University (IIUI) Da’wah Academy over the custodianship of Faisal Mosque has taken another ugly turn as both the government organisations are ‘confused’ as to who is responsible for the revenue generation, Pakistan Today has learnt.
During a visit to the mosque, Pakistan Today has observed that a remarkable income can be generated through setting up of a cafeteria and parking space but both the institutions are reluctant to take the responsibility due to the conflict over custodianship. Similarly, there are many resources at the mosque which can be used for revenue generation but the tussle has proven to be economically harmful to the mosque.
Capital Development Authority’s Maintenance Division Deputy Director Muhammad Tahir told Pakistan Today that they only collect funds through visitors’ shoe safe-keeping, for all the other revenue collection the IIUI was responsible.
However, the varsity’s Director General Sohail Hassan denied taking any responsibility for the revenue generation. Both the institutions have been fighting for the custodianship of the mosque for last many years.
The CDA officials say that “according to PC-1, the CDA has been entrusted with the responsibility of construction and maintenance. So accordingly funds are being allocated to the CDA for the maintenance of Faisal Mosque by the government.”
Similarly, IIUI officials say that “according to International Islamic University ordinance 1985, the university shall be the custodian of the Faisal Mosque as well as the building attached to the mosque and it shall be the responsible for its supervision, control and maintenance.”
On August 3, it was reported that the students of the university targeted a CDA official, alleging him for being an Ahmadi. Earlier, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat had also asked the IIUI to vacate the mosque’s premises.
