KARACHI
Emirati business magnate Suhail Muhammad Al Zarooni, Chairman of the Al Zarooni Group, has made a fervent appeal to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to intervene for the recovery of the Sakina Sultan Mosque in Defence Phase 8, Karachi, which has remained under occupation for the past three years despite repeated representations to senior civil and military authorities.
The mosque, constructed in 2006 by Suhail Al Zarooni in memory of his late mother, Sakina Sultan, has become the subject of a prolonged dispute. Expressing grave concern over the continued occupation, the UAE business tycoon urged the Field Marshal to ensure restoration of possession, stressing that such a step would not only safeguard a charitable institution but also reinforce the historic bonds of friendship between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Mr. Al Zarooni recalled that when the mosque was allegedly occupied three years ago, he had sought assistance from then Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir. However, despite the passage of time and repeated appeals, possession has yet to be restored.
In 2024, letters were addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, Corps Commander Karachi, DG Pakistan Rangers Sindh, IG Police, Chief Minister and the Sindh Governor. Yet, according to Suhail Al Zarooni, no meaningful progress has been achieved.
He further pointed out that a court had issued orders for the mosque’s possession to be handed back, but the matter has remained entangled in appeals filed by the occupants.
He also questioned the Defence Housing Authority’s prolonged silence, noting that even though the alleged occupants had instituted a case against the DHA, the authority had failed to act decisively for three years.
Suhail Al Zarooni was of the view that the unresolved dispute could erode the confidence of Emirati businessmen who have consistently supported philanthropic and welfare initiatives in Pakistan.
“If possession of Sakina Sultan Mosque is not restored, the confidence of UAE businessmen in Pakistan’s charitable and welfare environment may be affected,” he cautioned, adding that such erosion of trust could ultimately impact philanthropic activities across the country.
Reiterating his appeal, Suhail Al Zarooni urged Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to personally intervene and ensure that the mosque is restored to its rightful management. He emphasized that a prompt resolution would send a strong signal of Pakistan’s commitment to protecting charitable institutions and further cementing Pakistan-UAE relations.
