LAHORE:The Government College University (GCU) Lahore faculty and staff on Friday initially donated Rs. 3.5 million as Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi opened fund-raising for the construction of a grand mosque on the main campus.

The fund-raising campaign was started at a weekly Durs-e-Quran session where the university staff and faculty unanimously decided not only to construct the mosque but also made initial donations for the mosque.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi made the first donation, which was followed by donations announcement by Registrar Shaukat Ali, Treasurer Abid Shahzad, Dean Prof. Khalid Manzoor Butt, Chief Librarian Muhammad Naeem, Campus Engineer Prof. Engr. Abdullah Yasar, Additional Registrar Muhammad Tahir, Islamic Studies Chairperson Hafiz Muhammad Naeem and other faculty members present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the VC said a small gathering of faculty and staff members present in the auditorium donated rupees 3.5 million. However, he said now they were opening this fund-raising campaign for the mosque to all students, faculty and staff of the university.

He said that hopefully they would be able to generate funds of Rs 100 million for the mosque within GCU by December 31, 2021. He said the mosque would be constructed within the next year.

The VC said a female faculty member donated savings of her wedding expenses, while many donated in the name of their deceased family members. He said some faculty members also announced perpetual donations for the mosque on monthly basis.

Prof. Zaidi said all donations would be deposited in the official bank account of GCU to be audited by the external auditors.

He said GCU now houses more than 2000 faculty and staff members and 15000 students, so they need a grand mosque to overcome space challenges during prayers.