Quaide-e-Azam’s Mausoleum renovation reviewed in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, Aug 07 (EPI): A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture was held today at Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi.

The meeting was convened to review the progress and updated status of the recommendations made by the Sub-Committee during its previous meeting held in Karachi. It is pertinent to mention that the Sub-Committee has been addressing all administrative, renovation, and development issues pertaining to Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum and its surrounding areas.

The meeting was attended by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt and Senator Sarmad Ali (via Zoom). Representatives of the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board (QMMB) attended the meeting in person, while representatives from K-Electric (KE), including Sarang Sheikh and  Asif Shujar, the Additional Commissioner Karachi, joined virtually.

Abrar Jaffar, Municipal Commissioner, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC);  Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, Managing Director, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB); and  Zubair Nazeer Shaikh, SSP East Karachi, representing the Additional IG Karachi, also participated in the meeting via video link.

During the session, the Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Asad Rehman Gillani, informed the Committee that issues relating to security, water supply, and electricity had been partially resolved and assured the Chair that all remaining operational matters would be addressed at the earliest.

Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi took notice of wall chalking and the deteriorating condition of the boundary wall and directed the concerned authorities to undertake its renovation on an urgent basis.

The Secretary for National Heritage and Culture acknowledged that the boundary wall had not received proper maintenance since 2017 and assured the Committee that the matter would be resolved promptly. Echoing these concerns, committee member Senator Bushra Anjum Butt expressed strong dissatisfaction over the apparent lack of priority being accorded to the country’s national heritage site by the relevant authorities.

The Convener directed that one Member National Assembly (MNA) and Senator, both from Karachi be included as members of the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board. He further directed that the President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) also be included as a member of the Board.

The Committee also emphasized the installation of CCTV surveillance cameras across the premises and the deployment of adequate police personnel to strengthen security. The Convener directed all concerned departments to take the Resident Engineer on board before initiating any matter relating to Mazar-e-Quaid.

Regarding the reopening of Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum to the general public, the Convener directed that all necessary operational arrangements, a comprehensive security plan, and the deployment of a dedicated Special Security Unit (SSU) be ensured to safeguard the prestigious national monument against any untoward incident.

The Chair also inquired about the legal procedure applicable to individuals involved in drug abuse who are apprehended within the Mausoleum premises.

SSP East Karachi informed the Committee that such individuals are generally granted bail within two to three days and are subsequently referred to the Edhi Foundation for rehabilitation.

To ensure long-term financial sustainability and promote nationwide participation, Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi observed that the Government of Sindh alone bears the financial burden of maintaining Mazar-e-Quaid. He recommended that the remaining provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), be requested to make annual financial contributions towards the Mausoleum’s maintenance and operational expenses.

The Committee also expressed dissatisfaction over incomplete sanitation efforts around the Mausoleum’s perimeter, observing that although general waste had been removed, construction debris was still lying in the surrounding areas. The Chair issued strict directives for the immediate removal of all remaining debris.

The Committee further expressed displeasure over the absence of the Director General, Karachi Development Authority (KDA), from the meeting.

To ensure effective coordination and accountability, Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi directed that all concerned departments communicate through a dedicated WhatsApp group for prompt coordination and response. He further instructed that he be added to the group and that before-and-after photographs of the site’s development and maintenance work be shared regularly.

The Convener announced that another follow-up meeting would be convened shortly after August 14 to review the latest progress made by all concerned departments.