The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture has officially recommended that the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture approach all provincial governments to seek regular financial contributions towards the maintenance and preservation of Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi. A high-level meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of Senator Hidayatullah Khan on Monday to discuss the long-term sustainability of the national monument.
During the session, the committee reviewed a comprehensive report submitted by a subcommittee tasked with addressing critical issues related to the mausoleum and its surrounding areas. Members were informed that the ministry and the Quaid-i-Azam Mazar Management Board are actively implementing various recommendations, including systematic waste removal, the installation of high-definition CCTV cameras for security, exemption from utility charges, and the beautification of entry points to enhance the visitor experience.
The committee expressed satisfaction with the current progress and urged the management to make immediate arrangements to open the main chamber to the general public. Ensuring the sanctity and accessibility of the site remains a top priority for the committee, which emphasized that the mausoleum serves as a symbol of national pride and unity for all Pakistanis.
Regarding the development of the National Museum of Pakistan in Islamabad, the committee was briefed on the strategic shift of the project from its original site at Shakarparian to a new 20-acre plot located in a complex near Bhara Kahu. This relocation is expected to provide more space and better facilities for the preservation of historical artifacts.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will oversee the construction phase of the museum, while the ministry will handle the administrative and operational aspects. The project is being supported by a $6.79 million grant provided by the Korea Heritage Agency, reflecting international interest in Pakistan's cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the committee discussed the existing legal framework for heritage preservation across the country. This discussion was initiated in response to a question raised by Senator Shahadat Awan, who highlighted the need for stricter regulations to protect historical sites from encroachment and neglect.
The committee members agreed that a robust legal structure is essential to safeguard the country's archaeological assets. They directed the ministry to prepare a detailed briefing on the current laws and any proposed amendments to strengthen the protection of national heritage sites.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the ministry to expedite the ongoing projects and ensure that all heritage sites receive the necessary funding and administrative support. Senator Hidayatullah Khan thanked the members for their active participation and reiterated the committee's resolve to protect the cultural identity of Pakistan.
The committee is expected to reconvene next month to monitor the progress of the recommendations made during this session. The focus will remain on ensuring that the Mazar-e-Quaid and other national landmarks are maintained to the highest standards of excellence.
As the government continues to prioritize cultural diplomacy, the successful completion of the National Museum project is seen as a significant milestone in showcasing Pakistan's rich history to the world.