Drug Peddlers and Fence Theft at Mazar e Quaid Raise Security Alarm
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: Serious security, cleanliness and management concerns have surfaced around Mazar e Quaid after a Senate committee was informed about the entry of drug peddlers, theft of fencing, illegal shops and encroachments inside the premises of the national monument. The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture also reviewed the affairs of the Quaid e Azam Mazar Management Board, its Rs353.921 million budget, weak security arrangements, lack of fixed board tenure and the need for stronger representation from Karachi in the board.The meeting, chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan at Parliament House, examined legislative and administrative matters linked to the National Heritage and Culture Division and the Quaid e Azam Mazar Management Board. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi also attended the meeting.The most serious concerns were raised when the committee was briefed about problems inside the Mazar e Quaid premises, including drug peddlers entering, theft of fencing and illegal shops operating as encroachments. Officials informed the committee that the illegal shops had recently been removed, but the discussion raised serious questions about how such activities were allowed around the mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan.Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi recommended involving the Inspector General of Police to ensure proper law and order and effective security arrangements at Mazar e Quaid. The recommendation came after members expressed concern that a national monument of such importance requires stricter surveillance, better policing and coordinated security management.The committee also discussed cleanliness issues at Mazar e Quaid. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi expressed concern over the presence of garbage inside the premises and offered support in arranging a meeting with Karachi waste management authorities to improve sanitation arrangements.Questions were also raised about the functioning of the Quaid e Azam Mazar Management Board. The committee was informed that the current board was formed in 2023 and has held five meetings so far. However, it was also revealed that the board has no fixed tenure, raising concerns over institutional clarity, continuity and accountability.Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi sought the proceedings of all five board meetings, including the decisions taken and the status of their implementation. The secretary informed the committee that four of the five meetings were held during the last ten months.The committee recommended that representatives from Karachi should also be included in the board, given the location and local importance of Mazar e Quaid. Officials informed the committee that a new board is likely to be formed and members from Karachi may be included.The committee was informed that QMMB has five officers in BS-17 and above, while 107 employees are working from BS-01 to BS-16. The total estimated budget of the board for the financial year stands at Rs353.921 million.Officials briefed the committee that the Mazar e Quaid area covers 13.718 acres, while the southern surrounding area spans 35.277 acres, where a proposal for establishing Pakistan Park is under consideration.The committee recommended that all four provinces should contribute Rs50 million each for the maintenance of Mazar e Quaid and the provision of better facilities for visitors. It was also suggested that Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan should contribute according to their capacity.The committee also reviewed proposed legislative amendments linked to administrative powers following the Mustafa Impex case. Officials said the term “government” was being broadly used for administrative decisions, including appointments of lower-grade employees and amendments in service conditions, requiring federal cabinet approval and causing delays. The proposed bill seeks to replace the term “government” with “concerned division” or “minister” where required, allowing powers to be delegated to relevant authorities for smoother administration. The committee unanimously approved the bill.The National Heritage and Culture Division also briefed the committee about its responsibilities regarding the protection and management of Mazar e Quaid. Officials said the division remains in close coordination with the Sindh government, which has provided cooperation in matters related to the mausoleum.The committee was also invited to visit the Sir Syed Memorial Museum, where rare and valuable historical items collected from different parts of the world have been preserved. The chairman appreciated the performance of the National Heritage and Culture Division in protecting the country’s cultural heritage.The committee decided to establish a sub committee to monitor matters relating to the National Heritage and Culture Division and ongoing work at Mazar e Quaid. Officials also informed members that renovation and reconstruction work at the Aiwan e Nawadarat is in progress, while an additional grant under PSDP will be sought for the next financial year.
Read in Urdu: مزارِ قائد میں منشیات فروشوں کی موجودگی اور باڑ کی چوری پر سیکیورٹی خطرات کے خدشات
Copied From: Drug peddlers and fence theft at Mazar e Quaid raise security alarm
