At a time when people feel reluctant to visit recreational spots due to increasing inflation and terrorism in the country, the Pakistan National Monument is one of the rare places, which are still attracting the visitors from all over the country.
The monument, spread over a total area of 2.8 hectares, is located at the west viewpoint of the Shakarparian Hills. Because of the high altitude, a clear view of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad is available from the spot. The structure of the monument comprises four blossoming flower petals built of granite, representing the unity of Pakistani people.
However, lack of transport facility for recreational spots is a major problem for the visitors who have to go on foot a long way to reach the site. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) had decided to construct a loop, which will connect the monument with the Kashmir Highway some five years ago. The said loop is under construction and its completion will somehow reduce the troubles of the visitors.
Notwithstanding the transport-related issues, the opulent structure attracts a large number of citizens. Located in the middle of the federal capital, the Pakistan Monument represents the four provinces and three territories. The blooming flower shape shows Pakistan’s progress as a rapidly developing country. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces (Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh), while the three smaller ones for the three territories (Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Areas (FATA).
After a competition among many renowned architects, Arif Masood’s plan was selected as a final design. The monument has been designed to reflect the culture and civilisation of the country and depicts the story of the Pakistan, dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves for future generations.“These sites reflect the true image of Pakistan. I visit the monument and every week in search of peace and comfort,” said Hamayun Khalid.
Another visitor, who hails from Faisalabad, told this scribe that after leaving the van at the Zero Point stop, he saw a barrier placed at the road leading to the monument. “After seeing the fence, I decided to return because no transport facility is available to reach the monument,” he said, adding that after sometime he jumped the barrier and started a walk to the monument. He was of the view that it was near impossible for the people, who did not have cars, to visit the place.
In an aerial view, the monument looks like a star (centre) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals), similar to that on the national flag. “The four petals of the monument attract the people,” said Younus Khan, the principal of a government-run school in Gujjar Khan. Younus was on a trip to the capital along with his students. Younus taunted that it might be the only step, which the former dictator Musharraf took to promote tourism.
In a bid to construct the memorial, the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) organised a national competition around the theme of signifying the strength, unity and dedication of the people of Pakistan into an icon, representing an independent and free nation. However, the actual plan of the monument was undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, which has been devolved now.
The four petals decorated with murals are the most attractive thing at the site. The central platform is made in the shape of a five-pointed star, which is surrounded by a water body. A metallic crescent surrounding the star is inscribed with sayings of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and poetry of Allama Iqbal. Pictures of Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam and prominent places of the country have also been inscribed in these petals.
The murals on the inside of large petals are based on Islamic architecture, and were decorated by a team of artists led by Kausar Jahan and Zarar Haider Babri, who spent a total of 119,000 hours on the artwork. The first petal features the Malki Tombs, Shahjahan Mosque, Rohtas Fort, Gwadar and Faisal Mosque. The second petal depicts the images of Quaid-e-Azam. The third petal reflects Allama Iqbal, the Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s tomb and other heritages. The fourth petal comprises the images of Sheesh Mehal, Khyber Pass and other appearing sites of the country.
Staffers at the monument told Pakistan Today that many people visited the monument daily, as those visiting Shakarparian also came there.
The CDA can play its vital in promoting tourism at the monument by timely completing the loop, which connects it with the Kashmir Highway. A CDA official said the uncompleted loop was also included in the Zero Point project, which had been inaugurated by Prime Minister Gilani several months ago.
my most favourite place in Islamabad ….
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