Govt begins reconstruction of Jinnah Residency

Reconstruction and renovation of the historic residence of the nation’s founding father has begun after more than three months of its ransacking by the insurgents in western hill resort of Ziarat, sources said on Saturday.
The Ziarat Residency in Balochistan province was ransacked and then put on fire allegedly by the Baloch separatist insurgents fighting the Pakistani government. The beautiful edifice located at the top of a hillock and surrounded by one of the ancient jungle of juniper trees was turned into rubble.
The destruction incited nationwide anger and shame as it was a national heritage. It was the last abode of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, better known as Quaid-e- Azam, from where he was brought to Karachi where he passed away in 1948.
The Residency also housed national heritage items, including things Jinnah used – his clothes, caps, portraits and other articles of national pride.
Footage broadcast by a private television channel showing insurgents ransacking the building and tearing down the portraits of Jinnah also sparked a controversy.
Sources said the provincial government had allocated Rs 70 million for restoration of the residency. The provincial government will finish the work before August 14, the day when the nation celebrates its independence day from the British rule.
Pakistan is faced with Baloch insurgents in western Baluchistan province for years and they frequently attack the state installations, officials and security forces. During the recent devastating earthquake in Awaran district and other towns of the province insurgents fired rockets on the security forces helicopters and convoys carrying relief goods for the affected areas.