Built in 2016 by Lt Gen (retd) Israr Ahmed Ghumman, design of the mosque is inspired by Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH)
In the midst of lush green, scenic fields of Narowal’s Khokhar village stands tall the mighty Noor Masjid as an architectural marvel. With its design inspired by the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH), this awe-inspiring structure is touted as the eight most beautiful mosque in Pakistan.
It was built in 2016 by Lt. Gen. (retd) Israr Ahmed Ghumman as a tribute to his love and respect for spiritual Sufi guide Pir Nusrat Naqshbandi, whose shrine is located just adjacent to the mosque. Pir Naqshbandi was born on January 1, 1942 in this very village of Narowal and died on December 21, 2005 in Taxila.
Such is the allure and reverence for this mosque that people from far-off villages and towns say their prayers regularly, while it also serves as a major religious tourist attraction for visitors from across the country. Masjid Noor also holds the distinction of hosting the biggest Eid prayers in all of Narowal.
The architecture of this one-acre pristine white mosque complex is nothing short of is a stunning wonder. Its bright, colorful glasswork is a testament to the craftsmen’s hard work, while its elegant interiors are adorned with exquisite, sparkly chandeliers.
Noor Masjid has the capacity to accommodate approximately 2,500 people at a time, attracting visitors from all over Pakistan, stunned at its beauty. The mosque also features a large ablution room that can simultaneously house up to 35 people. It is also surrounded by a refreshing garden planed with several varieties of fruit trees
Kartarpur Corridor
Narowal also holds the distinction of being known globally for hosting the Kartarpur Corridor in Shakargarh tehsil of the district – a visa-free border crossing and region between India and Pakistan. It was launched in November 2019 by the then prime minister Imran Khan, fulfilling a longstanding demand of Indian Sikhs to facilitate them to visit their sacred site, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, located in the area free of any visa requirements.
The gurdwara is located on the right bank of the Ravi River, where the founder of Sikhism, Baba Guru Nanak, is said to have spent his last years.
According to an agreement between Pakistan and India, 5,000 Sikh yatris were permitted to visit the gurdwara each day via the corridor.