The Turkish Red Crescent has laid the foundation stone for restoring the 118-year-old Hazarat Ibrahim Mosque in a village of Jhang district, Punjab.

Addressing the ground breaking ceremony, the general secretary of Turkish Red Crescent Huseyin Can said it was a great honour to restore a historical mosque in a brotherly Muslim country. “The Turkish nation has not forgotten the friendship of Muslims of the sub-continent,” he said, referring to their assistance in the Turkish War of Independence. He said Turkey has always stood behind their Pakistani brothers and sisters in difficult times of flood and earthquake.

The mosque was built by local people in 1901. However, years of neglect have weakened its structure making it dangerous for worshippers praying inside.

Chairman of The NGO World Mr. Zafar Iqbal proposed this project to the Director General of Turk Kizilay at its headquarter in Ankara Turkey. The project was approved by the board and started execution in October 2019.

This is the only mosque in that village and population of 3000 was forced to pray in open area. Management of the Turk Kizilay realized its need and approved this great gift to the residents of village.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, the village representatives honored the Turkish guests with traditional turban and also presented them a model of mosque.

The projects will be completed in a year and inaugurated by the high level officials of Turk Kizilay.