CDA absence raises alarm as $6.79 million museum grant faces risk

The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture has expressed serious concern over the absence of senior Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials from a meeting concerning the unresolved transfer of land for the proposed National Museum of Pakistan at Shakarparian.

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture has expressed serious concern over the absence of senior Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials from a meeting concerning the unresolved transfer of land for the proposed National Museum of Pakistan at Shakarparian.

The committee warned that continued delays in transferring the land could put a US$6.790 million Korean grant-in-aid at risk. It directed the CDA and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture to resolve the issue at the earliest.

The meeting was chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan at the Old PIPS Hall at Parliament Lodges in Islamabad. Senators Syed Waqar Mehdi, Bushra Anjum Butt and Rubina Khalid attended the meeting, while Senator Shahadat Awan participated as the mover of the agenda item.

Expressing displeasure over the absence of senior CDA officials, the committee directed that a letter be sent to the Ministry of Interior regarding the matter. Members stressed that parliamentary committees should not be undermined and relevant institutions should ensure the attendance of senior officials at such meetings.

During a briefing on the proposed National Museum at Shakarparian the committee was informed that the unresolved land transfer had created concerns over the future of the Korean grant. Members stressed that the matter should be settled without further delay to prevent the funding from lapsing.

The committee also reviewed broader issues concerning the protection of national heritage sites and encroachments around protected locations. It urged the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture to ensure effective protection in accordance with the prescribed 200-foot buffer zone.

Officials were also asked to provide details about 523 priceless artefacts returned from the United States, including information about how the artefacts were taken out of Pakistan and what action was taken in the matter.

The committee was separately briefed on efforts to obtain international recognition for Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Officials said the traditional clay musical instrument Borendo had recently been inscribed by UNESCO while efforts were continuing to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Bhanbhore.

Concerns regarding Ranikot Fort were also discussed with the committee stressing the need for stronger coordination between the federal government and Sindh authorities for preservation of the Great Wall of Sindh commonly known as the Wall of Asia.

The committee further reviewed preparations for the Lok Virsa Mela where cultural ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states are expected to be invited. Officials said Lahore has been declared the Cultural Capital of the SCO.

Senator Hidayatullah Khan recommended inviting provincial chief ministers the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the event.

The chairman also directed the ministry to provide details of coordination meetings with provincial authorities over the past six months and province-wise spending on heritage protection and preservation.

The committee emphasized that Pakistan’s national heritage represents its history, identity and cultural legacy and must be protected for future generations.