The Quaid-i-Azam Mazar Management Board (QMMB) convened its 99th meeting in Karachi under the chairmanship of Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, the Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture. The meeting brought together senior officials and board members to discuss key issues pertaining to preserving and enhancing the historic and cultural significance of Mazar-e-Quaid, Pakistan’s revered national monument.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi inaugurated the proceedings by welcoming the participants and highlighting the national and cultural importance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum. Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, were among prominent attendees. Other distinguished participants included Senior Joint Secretary Mr. Sabino Sikander Jalal, Accountant General Sindh Mr. Mehmood Amir, and respected board members Mr. Abid Saleem Qureshi, Mr. Fahim Iqbal Siddiqui, Mr. Ali Akbar Gujjar, and Mr. Inamullah Shaikh. Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Farah Naz Akbar also participated at the special invitation of the Federal Minister.
The board deliberated on several critical agenda points, primarily the proposal to relocate the historic chandelier from the mausoleum to the National Museum of Pakistan for better preservation and public display. Members reviewed and approved the annual budget estimates for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the mausoleum complex, alongside requests made for provincial funding assistance. Plans to further develop the peripheral areas surrounding the monument and undertake a significant renovation project at the Aiwan-e-Nawadrat-e-Quaid-i-Azam (Quaid’s Museum) were extensively discussed.
Additional topics addressed during the session included repainting and restoring the dome and ceiling of the mausoleum, filling vacant staff positions, and enhancing employee welfare. The Federal Minister and Secretary NH&C Division closely evaluated progress on the existing renovation and maintenance efforts, emphasizing the importance of proactive conservation measures. They provided clear directives aimed at facilitating swift and efficient implementation of all proposed initiatives.
The meeting ended with unanimous agreement from all stakeholders to continue dedicated efforts toward ensuring the preservation of Mazar-e-Quaid as an enduring symbol of national unity, pride, and reverence.
