ISLAMABAD: The Senate Museum, which traces the evolution, history and reorganisation of the upper house of parliament, was inaugurated at Parliament House on Tuesday.

The museum contains pictures and artefacts, murals, dioramas, exhibits and historical documents. It was an initiative of Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, who was also behind the installation of a monument in the lawn of the parliament building and Dastoor Gali, a corridor in the building.

Speaking at the inauguration, Senator Rabbani emphasised the significance, sanctity and standards of the Senate, which were upheld because of the struggle of its members since its creation.

“The museum emphasises that all departments and institutions remember the past in order to progress,” he said.

Several senators and MNAs were among the visitors after the museum was declared open. Visitors had photographs taken next to life size statues of late and former senators, while several dioramas captured both positive and darker moments in history.

With the help of audio guides, visitors can hear the history depicted in each diorama in six languages, including Urdu and English.

Senator Rabbani praised Lok Virsa and the Capital Development Authority for their contribution to the initiative and for helping give shape to his vision for a museum in the parliament building.

Aftab Ahmed Changezi, the artist behind the museum’s sculptures, said preserving history through art was the best way to pass moments on to younger generations.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2018