Pakistan stresses need to reverse ‘alarming tide’ of Islamophobia on international day to combat it

RAWALPINDI: Sheikh Sajid Mahmood, a Pakistani entrepreneur in his late 50s, soaks the winter sun after offering Zuhr prayers at a mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. The worship place, which stands as a spiritual and cultural beacon, draws thousands like Mahmood, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, with its tranquil appeal.
Surrounded by busy markets and towering buildings, the Markazi Jamia Masjid, or central grand mosque, is an architectural marvel that not only offers a unique retreat to devotees, but also captivates visitors with its vibrant frescoes and intricate design, offering a glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of Rawalpindi.
The mosque’s foundation was laid in 1896 by Amanullah Khan, who later became the King of Afghanistan, alongside a prominent local religious figure, Peer Mehar Ali Shah of Golra Sharif in Islamabad. Since its completion, the mosque has served as a central place of worship for Sunni Muslims in the city, whose numbers multiply in Ramadan.
“I am from the second generation [of devotees praying here]. I am almost 60 years old now. [We] get a lot of spiritual satisfaction by praying here,” Mahmood told Arab News, explaining how the vastness of the space provides him a sense of serenity.
“Look at the sunlight, there are rows of prayer mats laid out in the courtyard. You can also get an idea from this, smaller mosques are confined on the sides.”

Mufti Muhammad Siddiq-ul-Hasnain Sialvi, who leads prayers at the mosque, shares a “deep connection” with the place.
“This mosque is the largest in the Rawalpindi division, accommodating up to 7,000 worshippers,” he said. “The arrangements for [late night] Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan are excellent, and we also have a grand arrangement for Iftar. A large number of people perform Itikaf [or seclusion in the last ten days of Ramadan] here as well.”
The Markazi Jamia Masjid’s architectural beauty is a sight to behold as it blends elements of Mughal architecture with local designs. The main prayer hall, dominated by three domes and several minarets, reflects the grandeur of traditional Mughal architecture, featuring arches and intricate floral motifs. Local adaptations imbue the mosque with a unique identity that speaks of Rawalpindi’s heritage.

Inside, the walls are adorned with hand-painted frescoes, some of which have been meticulously restored over the years. The frescoes, with their detailed floral patterns and geometric symmetry, evoke the splendor of Mughal craftsmanship. Though some of the vibrant blues, reds and yellows have faded with time, they still retain their beauty, telling the story of an era long past.
The mosque’s spacious courtyard serves as the heart of the complex, where worshippers gather before entering the prayer hall. During Ramadan, the worship place comes alive, especially during Iftar and Taraweeh as the open space allows for a comfortable congregation, offering a welcoming environment for all.
“There is more rush here in Ramadan, the open courtyard makes it comfortable for people,” said Waqas Iqbal, a jeweler who regularly visits the mosque. “You don’t feel cramped, whether it’s summer or winter.”

But for Mahmood, the mosque is a sanctuary of peace.
“The open courtyard and the peaceful surroundings make it a special place to pray,” Mahmood said, explaining how the vastness of the space provides a sense of serenity that “smaller mosques often lack.”
More than just a place of worship, Rawalpindi’s Markazi Jamia Masjid offers visitors a chance to connect with the city’s past. Its management, which falls under the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, ensures the mosque undergoes maintenance every 10 to 15 years, so that it stays in pristine condition for the future generations.
“Many prominent personalities have offered prayers in this grand mosque and the Imam of Haram Sharif [in Makkah] has visited and led prayers here,” said Sialvi, the prayer leader, adding all these factors makes it a special place for the residents of the neighborhood and an honor for Rawalpindi.

ISLAMABAD: The death toll from a militant hijacking of a train in Pakistan’s southwestern mountains has risen to 31 soldiers, staff and civilians, the military said on Friday as it accused India and Afghanistan of backing the insurgents.
The separatist Baloch Liberation Army, which claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack, released a statement saying its fighters had escaped with 214 hostages and since executed all of them, without giving any evidence to back that up.
Militants took over the Jaffar Express in a remote mountain pass in Balochistan province, blowing up train tracks in the attack then holding passengers hostage in a day-long standoff.
Army spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said soldiers killed 33 of the insurgents, rescued 354 hostages and brought the siege to a close. He added there was nothing to suggest the BLA had taken other hostages from the scene.
A final count showed 23 soldiers, three railway employees and five passengers had died in the attack and rescue mission, Chaudhry said, up from a previous estimate of 25 casualties.
He added that Pakistan had evidence that India and Afghanistan had backed the insurgents, echoing accusations made by the foreign ministry after the attack. Both countries have denied the accusation.
The separatist group released a statement in response to the army, saying it had killed all the hostages in its custody. Pakistani officials have accused the group of making exaggerated claims in the past.
“This battle is not over yet but has intensified,” the BLA said in its statement.
The BLA is the largest and strongest of several ethnic Baloch insurgent groups which have been fighting for decades to win independence for the mineral-rich province, home to major China-led projects including a port and gold and copper mines.