CAA to redesign, extend Peshawar airport mosque

PESHAWAR: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has contacted top architects of the country to prepare a state-of-the-art design for reconstruction of the present mosque at the Bacha Khan International Airport, said a senior official on Thursday.

“The reconstructed masjid would have space for worshippers three-time bigger than the present one and would be fully renovated,” said Nadir Shafi Dar, Director Planning and Development of the CCA, while talking to a select group of reporters here.

The official explained that alternative accommodation arrangements for other offices would be made before demolishing the buildings adjacent to the present mosque.

“This will ensure open space and allow free movement of visitors in front of the terminal building,” he went on to add.

Nadir Shafi Dar said a board of officers had been constituted which had recommended demolition of the old buildings, except the mosque. The official said the expansion work of the airport was in full swing. The expanded airport would be inaugurated next month.

He said two passengers boarding bridges (Avios), four lifts and escalators had been installed, adding the ongoing development work at the facility has almost been completed.

“Passengers would get international standard facilities after the completion of the ongoing expansion work at the airport and the facility would cater to the needs of passengers of the province for years to come,” the CAA official added.