THE portrait of Quaid-i-Azam that used to adorn a mound on Islamabad Expressway has been missing since Aug 14 when reportedly it was damaged in a windstorm. The people of the twin cities miss paying homage to the founder of the nation.

Various theories doing the rounds regarding reasons for delay in the restoration include, among others, the absence of skilled craftsmen to repair the Turkish artwork, the work being low on the priority list of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for fund release, and a likely change of site from the old Airport Road to the expressway leading to the new airport.

The judicial verdict on the recent desecration of Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi has already demoralised public at large. The authorities should expedite the restoration of the portrait.

We have failed in maintaining the geographical limits of Quaid’s country and the sanctity of his mausoleum. Let the people at least have their Quaid’s portrait restored and enjoy saluting the father of the nation while commuting between the twin cities.

Haroon S. Pasha
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2020