ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for National Heritage, Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mahmood on Friday chaired Quaid-i-Azam Mazar Management Board’s meeting, which discussed the initiatives taken by Federal Government for better maintenance and development of Quaid’s mausoleum, and the attached facilities.
In 93rd meeting of the mazar board, the Minister was given detailed briefing on the future proposed development projects including the construction of large park tagged “Pakistan Park” and a big museum on the 35 acres land across the road on Southern side of the main Mazar area.
This area gave deserted look and was used by political parties for their rallies.
Pakistan Park would be a state-of-the-art project with estimated cost of Rupees six billion depicting Pakistan’s history, geography and culture marking renowned places in different areas of the country including the five main rivers.
As part of this project, there would be a big under-ground museum on modern lines, which would be very prominent place of national heritage and antiques. The Minister said his ministry was very keen for the execution of this mega national project, however he directed that every thing must be done in full compliance of the rules and defined procedures.
“At the start, at least we should set up park with standard facilities like jogging tracks,” he said. The Minister was also informed that urban forest plantation had been started at 15 acres of Quaid’s mazar land located across the board on Eastern side of Quaid’s mausoleum and that some social organizations had also shown their interest to contribute in the plantation voluntarily.
The Minister appreciated the spirit of the volunteers, however, he directed the board not allow any one to use this national heritage site for commercial purpose or raising funds in the name of upgradation or development of Quaid’s mazar and other attached facilities.
He also approved funds for purchasing new CCtv cameras to replace the old ones installed in the mausoleum area.
Shafqat Mahmood expressed his satisfaction over QMMB’s functioning and the future plans. He assured all possible support to enhance its role.
The meeting concluded with the decision that next meeting of the board would be held within a month to further streamline and expedite the process for timely execution of the projects.
