Senate questions authorities over years of neglect at Mazar e Quaid  

Islamabad: The Senate Sub Committee on National Heritage and Culture has raised serious concerns over the condition of Quaid e Azam’s Mausoleum, questioning the slow maintenance work, damaged boundary walls, cleanliness issues and security arrangements at one of Pakistan’s most important national monuments.

The issue came under discussion during a meeting of the Sub Committee held at Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi. The meeting was held to review progress on earlier recommendations regarding administrative, renovation and development matters of Quaid e Azam’s Mausoleum and its surrounding areas.

Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi expressed concern over wall chalking and the poor condition of the boundary wall around Mazar e Quaid. He directed the concerned authorities to start urgent renovation work. Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Mr. Asad Rehman Gillani informed the Committee that the boundary wall had not received proper maintenance since 2017 and assured that the issue would be addressed soon.

Senator Bushra Anjum Butt also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of attention given to the national heritage site and questioned why such an important symbol of Pakistan was not receiving the required priority from relevant authorities.

The Committee reviewed several operational issues including security, electricity and water supply. Mr. Asad Rehman Gillani informed the Committee that some problems had already been resolved, while remaining matters would be completed at the earliest.

The meeting was attended by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt and Senator Sarmad Ali through Zoom. Representatives of the Quaid e Azam Mazar Management Board also participated. Officials from K Electric, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, Karachi administration and police authorities also attended the meeting.

The Committee directed authorities to improve security arrangements at the Mausoleum by installing CCTV cameras across the premises and ensuring deployment of sufficient police personnel. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi also directed that a complete security plan should be prepared before reopening the Mausoleum for the general public, including deployment of a Special Security Unit.

During the discussion, the Committee also raised concerns regarding individuals involved in drug abuse found inside the Mausoleum premises. SSP East Karachi informed the Committee that such individuals are usually granted bail within two to three days after legal proceedings and are later referred to the Edhi Foundation for rehabilitation.

Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi also highlighted financial concerns regarding the maintenance of Mazar e Quaid. He observed that the Government of Sindh currently carries the financial responsibility for maintaining the Mausoleum and suggested that other provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir should also contribute annually towards its maintenance and operational expenses.

The Committee expressed dissatisfaction over incomplete sanitation work around the Mausoleum. Officials informed that general waste had been removed, but construction debris was still present in surrounding areas. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi directed immediate removal of all remaining waste and debris.

The Committee also took notice of coordination issues among government departments and expressed displeasure over the absence of the Director General Karachi Development Authority from the meeting.

To improve coordination, Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi directed all concerned departments to create a dedicated communication group where updates regarding Mazar e Quaid improvement work could be shared quickly. He also instructed officials to provide before and after pictures of development and maintenance activities.

The Committee further directed that one Member of the National Assembly and one Senator from Karachi should be included in the Quaid e Azam Mazar Management Board. It also recommended including the President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Board to improve public and business sector involvement.

The Sub Committee will hold another follow up meeting after August 14 to review the progress of all departments and assess whether the required improvements have been completed.