All about the amazing Pakistan Monument
The Pakistan Monument is a national monument of Pakistan and heritage museum located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan. Moreover the monument was constructed to symbolize the unity of the Pakistani people. Its elevation makes the monument visible from across the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area and is a popular tourist destination.
Overview on Pakistan Monument :
The national monument in Islamabad has two distinct sections: the main monument and Pakistan monument museum.
The giant flower-like structure is made of granite and situated on an elevated platform. It comprises four large petals representing the four provinces of pakistan.
Furthermore these big petals are accompanied by three smaller petals. These represent Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Meanwhile, some incredible artwork occupies the inner walls of these petals. These murals illustrate the story of the independence of Pakistan along with celebrating the important landmarks across the country.
Designing on Petals :
The stunning murals on the first petal of the national monument in Islamabad reflect the beautiful Faisal Mosque. Makli Necropolis in Sindh. Rohtas Fort near Jhelum. Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta and the port city of Gawadar. Meanwhile, the art of the second petal features images of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah. It also illustrates the historic Badshahi Mosque and Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, Karakorum Highway in the northern area of Pakistan and a crowd watching Quaid-e-Azam’s speech.
The artwork on the third petal includes the images of National Poet on Pakistan Allama Iqbal, Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan, the famous Mahabat Khan Mosque in Peshawar, Indus River Delta and the magnificent Lahore Fort. Furthermore, the last petal shows sketches of the tombs in Uch Sharif, Islamia College Peshawar, Quaid-e-Azam Residency in Ziarat, Shalimar Bagh in Lahore and the Khyber Pass, to name a few. The location of Pakistan Monument and the lush green gardens surrounding it also make it one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the federal capital.
Along with a large fountain in the middle of these granite petals, the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad also includes four pillars. Just next to the main monument is a circular terrace with beautiful archways that serves as a viewpoint.
History and Construction :
Pakistan Monument cover about 2.8 hectares of land and located at the west viewpoint of the Shakarparian Hills.
The foundation stone of Pakistan Monument was laid down on May 24, 2004 by former Pakistani President Parvez Musharraf. Twenty-one different architects from all over Pakistan submit their plans. The council selected three to be considered. Finally, Mr. Arif Masoud was entrusted with the task of creating the Pakistan Monument.
The magnificent Pakistan Monument was complete in 2006 under the supervision of Engineer Syed Mahmud Khalid. The inauguration ceremony took place on March 23, 2007, and the Pakistan Monument was opened to the public.
Originally published at https://www.bookerpk.com on September 11, 2022.
