22 November 2022
Bureau Report
PESHAWAR: The conflict between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government and the local government regarding the demolition and reconstruction of the 65-year-old old Masjid Speen Jamaat on University Road in Peshawar has intensified as authorities dispute the restoration plans.
The Mayor of Peshawar opposed the decision and insisted on its restoration and renovation. Peshawar Mayor Zubair Ali stated that the district government will repair and renovate the mosque, but will not grant permission to demolish the mosque building.
On the other hand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif says that if Peshawar Mayor Zubair Ali does not want to allow the construction of the dilapidated mosque, then he should take responsibility in writing that if any accident happens that he and the district government will be responsible for the injured and dead people.
The Speen Jamaat Masjid covers three and a half canals and was built in 1957. According to a report by Peshawar Development Authority, there are 12 central pillars in the main hall of the mosque, 6 of which have become extremely weak. Additionally, the roof beam has also cracked and the foundation of the mosque has become weak due to seepage and leaking pipes underneath.
Local elders, however, remain angry about the decision as they do not want the mosque to be completely demolished. According to DC Peshawar Shafiullah, the decisions are taken in compliance with Shariah law and they are in touch with Muftis and Ulemas in this regard and no step will be taken against Islamic values.
As a precautionary measure and to prevent any accident, seventy madrassa students studying at the mosque have been moved to another religious centre.
