BAHAWALPUR: Bahawalpur division’s Corps Commander Lt-Gen Sher Afgun has vowed that the army will take measures to preserve the historic heritage of Noor Mahal and other monuments in Bahawalpur.

He said this while inaugurating the Noor Mahal Park at an impressive ceremony held on the premises of the Noor Mahal Complex on Tuesday night.

Mr Afgun paid homage to the late Bahawalpur Nawab for acceding his state to Pakistan and constructing magnificent buildings and forts in the former state areas.

He said the army would always pay special attention towards their conservation and upkeep for the coming generations.

He said the maintenance of monuments would add to their beauty and grandeur and it would be a tribute to the Nawab of Bahawalpur from the present custodian -- the Pakistan army -- of his palaces and other historic heritage.

Brig Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry, commander of engineer 31 Corps, briefed the audience about the park uplift work with the help of slides informing them that the work had been completed within four months.

He said the park’s multifarious work included a pathway through shady trees describing it as ‘Jaman Gali and Thandi Sarak’.

He said an antique style royal fountain, a 9-holes mini-golf course, amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 120, gazebos, sitting arrangements for visitors, a 2.8 kilometer-long jogging track with lighting arrangements, a water body with a bridge, children’s play land, hybrid irrigation system and an electric supply system for the illumination of park and allied facilities were some of the highlights of the Noor Mahal Park.

Brig Chaudhry said the park would remain open for the general public without any restriction.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2017