Islamabad
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mahtabbashir@gmail.com
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
For more than four decades, since Islamabad first rose as the nation's beating capital in 1961, Federal Government has cradled a vision: to raise a living monument that would mirror Pakistan's soul.
Over the years, countless minds have convened, poring over blueprints of meaning, debating form and function, searching for a site worthy of the dream. This edifice was never meant to be mere stone and steel; it was destined to mirror Pakistan as a beacon of enlightenment, progress, and prosperity, a promise first whispered by the Quaid, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and immortalised in the verses of Allama Iqbal.
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| A three-dimensional model of the Pakistan Monument Museum |
When President Gen. Pervez Musharraf laid its foundation stone in May 2004, the monument began its journey not just as a structure, but as a ceremonial anchor, a stage where the nation's spirit would meet the world's gaze.
Unlike Karachi, which houses Quaid's mausoleum, or Lahore, which features Allama Iqbal's tomb and Minar-i-Pakistan, the capital has historically lacked a central point of homage for foreign dignitaries.
Previously, visiting luminaries were taken to Shakarparian Hills for tree-planting ceremonies, a practice that had been exhausted with most global leaders. The monument's dedication to the people of Pakistan represents a democratic and non-denominational symbolism, distinguishing it from recent monument-building initiatives that featured replicas of Chaghi mountain or symbolic military hardware displays.
Countering post-9/11 misconceptions
Following the aftermath of 9/11, Pakistan confronted numerous challenges, including unfounded allegations of supporting Taliban forces in Afghanistan and maintaining links with Al-Qaeda networks. Pakistan successfully justified its position as a frontline ally in combating terrorism alongside the United States.
The National Memorial Museum capitalises on this context by highlighting the country's soft image and refuting baseless allegations of Pakistan being labelled a rogue state. Furthermore, the memorial addresses the essential need to promote Pakistan's art and culture, an emphasis that is both timely and well-deserved.
The selection of an iconic design
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf made the long-awaited decision to construct the Pakistan Monument with a clear concept and design, tasking the Ministry of Culture with planning and execution.
After considerable preparatory work spanning one year, the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) organised a National Competition to transform the theme of strength, unity, and dedication into an icon representing an independent and free nation.
From twenty submitted designs, a jury of experienced architects selected three shortlisted proposals for presidential review. The design by Arif Masoud emerged victorious, earning him a cash prize of Rs.200,000.
Monument's symbolic architecture
The Pakistan Monument comprises four blossoming flower petals representing the people of Pakistan standing united, shoulder to shoulder, shielding the crescent and star beneath them. The design concept embodies simplicity and strength, conveying the vision of safeguarding the motherland. The inner walls of the petals will feature decorative murals and artwork.
A metallic crescent will bear inscriptions of Quaid-i-Azam's sayings and Allama Iqbal's poetry. The shining star at the centre will be surrounded by a water body with submerged lights, creating a stunning visual display especially at night when the entire monument is illuminated. The surrounding spaces will be connected through a garden walk interspersed with beautiful plants.
The appointment of Dr. Uxi Mufti
Selecting the right person to execute this mega project, ensuring both picture-perfect finish and timely completion, proved a nerve-wracking decision for the President.
Despite intense competition among government officials, President Musharraf ultimately chose Uxi Mufti, who distinguished himself through his steep commitment, devotion, and loyalty to his country. Mufti had to navigate bureaucratic resistance, but his actions consistently promoted Pakistan's art and culture more effectively than mere words from others.
Dr. Mufti, a connoisseur of art, literature, and folklore, was entrusted with overseeing all aspects of the National Memorial Museum. His innovative and creative concept-plan for the monument surpassed all competitors, demonstrating his novel perception and inventive ideas.
As Creative Director, he organised the First International Artisans-at-Work Festival under UNESCO in 1994 with 70 participating countries, the Festival of D-8 Countries in 1997, and the International Silk Route Festival in 2000 and 2002.
Mufti serves as Vice President of the World Crafts Council and has contributed as Creative Consultant for the Baltit Heritage Fort Museum in Hunza for the Agha Khan Foundation. He also served as UNESCO Cultural Consultant to the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan for MANAS 1000 Celebrations, becoming a recognised leader in folk and cultural preservation across Islamic countries of Central Asia.
Dr. Mufti has received the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance and the 17th Asian-Pacific International Culture and Arts Fukuoka Award 2006 from Japan, making him only the second Pakistani after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to receive this prestigious honour.
Recently, he was also decorated with Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan.
Shakarparian hills site
The high ground at the west viewpoint of Shakarparian Hills was selected by a deputed team for this memorial. The seven-acre (2.8 hectares) site stands approximately one hundred feet (30 metres) above Zero Point, offering ideal location, accessibility, visibility, and prominence.
The monument will be visible from all vantage points of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Architectural integration and distinct identity
Located opposite the monument's main plaza, the National Memorial Museum is designed so its architectural form and height do not overshadow the memorial's main structure.
The museum's theme revolves around Pakistan's creation and development, distinguishing it from other nearby museums, including the Heritage and Natural History Museums. Given that a National Art Gallery, National Archaeological Museum, Museum of Natural History, and an Ethnological Museum exist within one kilometre, this museum must neither duplicate nor overlap, hence its unique identity.
Exhibition themes and galleries
The museum will house exhibits highlighting Allama Iqbal's Concept of a Muslim State in South Asia, Quaid-i-Azam's efforts and struggle for Pakistan's independence, and Pakistan's current status as a forward-looking developing state.
The exhibits, coupled with audio-visual effects, aim to create serenity and deep love for the nation.
A dedicated gallery honours the partnership of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the philosopher's stone and Occum's razor, who together provided the Islamic vision and the accomplishment to materialise Pakistan into reality.
History and continuity section
This section portrays how Arab conquest and successive migrations from Central Asia deeply impacted the ancient Vedic civilisation of the Indus Valley, ultimately leading Muslims to emerge as a distinct cultural pattern and people.
Impact of Islam Section
This gallery demonstrates how Islam improved and built upon a land chosen as the cradle of civilisation, contributing to and enriching the great tradition of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
It reflects how Islam forms daily rituals and sentiments, serving as a moralising force promoting peace, moderation, unity, tolerance, respect for others, and universal brotherhood.
Population and habitat section
This section depicts diverse abodes, habitat, languages, populations, communication, and Urdu's role as Pakistan's national language.
Portraying folklore and old traditions passed through generations, this section highlights that the average rural Pakistani may be unlettered but not illiterate, possessing a 5,000-year-old culture, tradition, and collective intelligence.
Addressing socio-cultural criticism including gender bias, honour killing, civil liberties, child labour, fanaticism, poverty, fundamentalism, ethnicism, illiteracy, human rights, democracy, and freedom, this gallery presents Pakistan's standpoint positively and without controversy, highlighting major development and economic achievements.
This sector showcases major advancements in industrial, nuclear, and defence technology, education, discovery, and invention.
Portraying Pakistani heroes' achievements across defence, culture, sports, science, education, and technology.
A multi-screen, multi-image show entitled "The Land of Many Splendours" concludes the museum visit, inspiring and motivating all visitors.
The National Memorial Museum's construction commenced after the Earth Breaking Ceremony by the President on 25th May 2004.
While the memorial building construction is complete, the décor and creative work continues. The monument is scheduled for inauguration by President Musharraf in March 2007.
Under Dr. Uxi Mufti's out-of-box thinking, the museum promises something for everyone, attracting not only locals but also overseas visitors who will grasp Pakistan's true and factual soft image.
Preserving the region’s ancient wisdom and vibrant cultural heritage for posterity is an imperative duty. The National Memorial Museum serves as a vital instrument to counteract the prevailing misperceptions about Pakistan by showcasing its profound socio-cultural fabric.
The contemporary challenges of extremism are fundamentally rooted in societal stigmas and taboos; addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to strengthen the nation’s cultural foundation.
Ultimately, this Memorial will resurrect fading traditions and reaffirm Pakistan’s authentic identity, one defined by its intrinsic ethics, modern outlook, and pragmatic spirit.
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