ISLAMABAD: In the world of diplomacy, the height of diplomacy is that the relations between the citizens of two different countries not only exist but are also established on a sustainable basis.
Diplomatic missions strive to live up to this definition defined by expert diplomats, but very few countries achieve such stability of relations. If a list of such countries is compiled, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be at the top.
The depth and intensity of the sentiments related to Saudi Arabia in the hearts of the Pakistani people is unquestionable. This is not just a claim, but Pakistani cities, mosques and other places attributed to the Saudi royal family, especially the former Saudi ruler King Abdulaziz, are living examples of this.
Cities in Pakistan were settled in the name of Shah Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as well as roads, streets and intersections were attributed to him. From Karachi to Islamabad, there are many places that are proof of Saudi rulers’ love for Pakistan and Pakistanis.
Shah Faisal Mosque, Islamabad
The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is presented as a symbol of the city. Spread over an area of 33 acres, this mosque is a well-known place for everyone, due to its unique architecture and other unique features.
The construction of the Shah Faisal Mosque, located at the foot of the lush green Margalla, began in 1976 when the Saudi ruler, King Khalid bin Abdulaziz, laid the foundation stone in 1976. After an international competition, the design chosen for the mosque was by a Turkish architect, according to which the construction of the mosque was completed in 1986.
According to the inscription installed in the Shah Faisal Mosque, the first prayer was offered in the mosque on June 18, 1988. At that time, $45 million was spent on the construction of the mosque, of which $28 million was provided by Saudi Arabia.
Faisal Mosque with a capacity of 3 lakh worshipers was the largest mosque in the world from 1986 to 1993. Currently, it has the honour of being the fifth-largest mosque in the world and the largest in South Asia.
Roads attributed to Shah Faisal
The highway leading to the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, and Shahrah Faisal, one of the main highways in Karachi, the country’s largest city, are also attributed to the Saudi ruler, King Faisal bin Abdulaziz. Shahrah Faisal of Karachi was called Drug Road before it was attributed to the Saudi ruler. Shahrah Faisal is said to be more than 18 km long and hosts several important political, commercial and military locations.
Faisalabad
Faisalabad, the third largest city of Pakistan, was given a new identity on September 1, 1977, and then it was declared as ‘Faisalabad’, meaning ‘The city of Faisal’. Faisalabad’s old name ‘Lyallpur’ was named after a former British Governor of Punjab ‘Charles James Lyall’.
Shah Faisal Colony and Shah Faisal Town Karachi
Shah Faisal Colony, a residential settlement located on Shaarah-e-Faisal in Karachi, has grown into a town. This town attributed to the Saudi ruler, became a town under the transitional management, then this setup including the surrounding areas was called Shah Faisal Town.
Shah Faisal Base, Karachi Faisal Base
The headquarters of the Pakistan Air Force’s Southern Command and airbase of the PAF War College, Faisal base is also attributed to Saudi King Faisal. Established as the RAF Drug Road, the base was named after the Saudi ruler in 1975, 48 years ago.
