The magnificent Pakistan Monument is a National Monument of Pakistan that represents the heritage and antiquity of Pakistan. It pays tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their country and the people’s patriotism.
The heritage museum building is in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the Shakarparian Hills. The construction of the building is to show the solidarity of the Pakistani people. It is a popular tourist destination that makes the National Monument more visible in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area.
It symbolizes the unity of the Pakistani people. The monument was constructed to dedicate to those who struggled hard for Pakistan’s betterment.
History of the National Monument of Pakistan
Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was the first to create this Monument. In 2004 the government laid the foundation stone. After that, the board of architects and city planners held a competition for the building’s architecture to choose the final design.
In 2005, this landmark was constructed to show the power and strength of the country’s people. Nearly 21 architects from all over the country submitted their proposals for consideration. Finally, the board finalized the three designs. But Arif Alvi got the honor of designing the final Pakistan Monument design.
In 2006 the Monument was completed. Engineer Syed Mahmud Khalid supervised the whole construction process. The inauguration celebration was on March 23, 2007. The Monument building covers about 2.8 hectares of land and is one of the largest buildings in Pakistan.
The Monument shows a more profound understanding of Islam’s start, the Mughal era, the pre-partition history of the Pakistan movement, and the significant events that led to the subcontinent’s partition.
Quick Facts – National Monument of Pakistan
| Location Coordinates Category Started Date Completed Date Status Owner Architecture Architect(s) Main contractor Structural engineer Civil engineer Style Covered area Construction cost | Islamabad, Pakistan 33°41′36″N 73°04′06″E Public Monument May 25, 2004 March 23, 2007 Active Ministry of Culture, Pakistan Modern Arif Masoud Universal Corporation Private LTD. Mushtaq Daud Khizar Hayat Asghar Islamic 2.8 hectares Almost Rs. 600 million |
The Architecture of Pakistan Monument
National Monument of Pakistan looks like a fully blooming flower with a petal-shaped structure built of granite. The inner side of the petals is engraved with the layout of Lahore because it has Badshahi Mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan, and Khyber Pass. The Monument widens into a marble terrace. It gives a scenic view of the city.
The remaining four large petals of the Monument indicate Pakistan’s four provinces Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. The three smaller petals indicate the three territories of Pakistan Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and the Tribal Areas.
The building’s center is designed like a five-pointed star. It has water around it. A metallic crescent surrounds the star, engraved with sayings of our country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and poetry by National Poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The structure of the building is made up of granite it was imported from Brazil, and marble, imported from Spain. The inner walls of the petals have impressive artwork.
Read More: NATIONAL ANTHEM OF PAKISTAN
Design Concept of Monument
“We should learn from history but not remain in it.”
-Arif Masoud (Architect)
The building concept is derived from Mughal architecture. The structure of its four petals represents the traditional muqarnas of Mughal architecture, proving the importance of unity and integrity for Pakistan.
The first petal of the National Monument shows the beauty of the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, Makli Necropolis in Sindh, the port city of Gawadar, and the detailing of the Rohtas Fort near Jhelum.
Images of our founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Mother of the Nation, Fatima Jinnah, and Pakistan’s historical landmarks illustrate the second petal.
Images of Allama Iqbal – our national poet, the Mahabat Khan Mosque, the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, the Lahore Fort, and the Indus Valley civilization show the third petal.
It presents images of the famous Sheesh Mehal, Uch Sharif’s tomb, the Khyber Bypass Islamia College Peshawar, the Ziarat residence, and other magnificent places in Pakistan. It reflects the Monument’s artwork.
There are many other features of the monument that include the four pillars. In addition, it displays the principles of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e Azam, Unity, Faith, and Discipline written in English and Urdu.
A large fountain emerges from the monument’s center, providing a splendid sight for visitors. The next one is a wall dedicated to everyone responsible for constructing the monument. This wall has the handprints of architects, engineers, designers, and laborers. Finally, the chief architect Arif Masoud’s name is carved in stone at the entrance of the main Plaza.
A beautiful terrace adjacent to the Monument has circular entrances and provides a 360-degree view of the entire city. It is a lovely place to visit due to its architecture.
Pakistan’s monuments are among the most famous places in Islamabad due to their unique design and scenic location.
Islamabad Museum
The Islamabad Museum is a museum located in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. It was established in 2003 and is managed by the Pakistan National Council for the Arts. The museum has a collection of over 50,000 artifacts related to Pakistan’s cultural and historical heritage.
The museum is divided into various galleries, including the Pakistan Movement Gallery, which showcases the country’s independence history. It also has an Islamic Gallery displaying Islamic art and artifacts. There is also a Buddhist Gallery, a Gandhara Gallery, and a Stone Age Gallery, among others.
Some of the most notable artifacts in the museum include the Fasting Buddha from the Gandhara period. They also have a 5th-century stone Buddha head and a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara from the 7th century.
The museum also has a library and research center. It is open to scholars and researchers who wish to study the country’s cultural and historical heritage. Islamabad Museum is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It provides valuable insight into Pakistan’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage.
Visitor’s History
On average, 1500 tourists visit the area every day. The monument structure is like a star in the center and looks like a crescent moon from an aerial view; this indicates the star and crescent on Pakistan’s flag.
Kate Middleton and Prince William arrive in a rickshaw for dinner at Pak’s National Monument. Prince William and Kate Middleton were invited to dinner at the National Monument in Islamabad on a five-day tour. The British High Commissioner hosted a specially painted motorized rickshaw. Kate opted for a green glittering emerald gown with traditional earrings for a dinner look. Prince William wore a knee-length sherwani with matching trousers.
Monuments of Pakistan with names
- Badshahi Mosque – located in Lahore, is one of the largest mosques in the world and was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
- Faisal Mosque – located in Islamabad, is the largest mosque in Pakistan and was gifted by Saudi King Faisal.
- Lahore Fort – also known as Shahi Qila, is a historical fort located in Lahore and was built during the Mughal period.
- Minar-e-Pakistan – located in Lahore, is a national monument that marks where the Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940.
- Mohenjo-daro – located in the Sindh province- is an ancient city part of the Indus Valley Civilization and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Shalimar Gardens – located in Lahore, is a Mughal-era garden complex built by Emperor Shah Jahan.
- Taxila – located in the Punjab province- is an ancient city that was once a center of Buddhist learning and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tomb of Jahangir – located in Lahore, it is the mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
- The tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah – located in Karachi- is the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founder and is also known as the Mazar-e-Quaid.
- Wazir Khan Mosque – located in Lahore, is a beautiful Mughal-era mosque built by the governor of Lahore, Hakim Ilm-ud-Din Ansari.
Conclusion
Pakistan Monument in Islamabad is a National Monument of Pakistan built to symbolize the Pakistani nation’s unity. The memorial consists of four large petals, each representing one of the country’s provinces, and a central tower representing the federal government. The monument’s walls are decorated with intricate stone carvings and murals that depict significant moments and figures from Pakistan’s history.
Visitors to the National Monument of Pakistan can enjoy stunning views of Islamabad and the surrounding Margalla Hills. They can also explore the museum inside the monument, showcasing the country’s cultural heritage and history. The memorial is also famous for picnics and evening walks and is often beautifully lit at night.
FAQs
Q No 1: What is the entry fee for National Monument of Pakistan?
A: National Monument of Pakistan entry fee is currently Rs. 30 for Pakistani citizens and Rs. 500 for foreign tourists.