ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Wednesday approved the construction of a national monument costing Rs427.698 million at Shakarparian.

The ministry of culture will be responsible for completion of the project at the west view point of Shakarparian. Dedicated to the people of Pakistan who sacrificed their today for a better tomorrow, the project has been under consideration since the capital city was planned.

A number of committees were formed to study the proposal and make recommendations on concept, design and location of the monument. Three short-listed designs were presented to and discussed with President Gen Musharraf and the one submitted by Arif Masoud was selected.

The high ground at the west view point of Shakarparian was personally approved by the president after visiting the sites proposed by CDA at F/9 Park and Jasmine Garden.

The site consists of a plateau with about seven acres of sloping terrain around it. The plateau is about a hundred feet above Zero Point. The monument will be visible from all sectors of Islamabad, some parts of Rawalpindi, all vantage points around the twin cities and on days of good visibility even from Murree hills.

The monument will remain the focal point for all visitors to the capital even after the shifting of the airport to new location in future. The monument will comprise four blossoming flower petals representing the people of Pakistan standing united, shoulder-to- shoulder, taking care of the crescent and star.

The inner walls of the petals will be decorated with murals and artwork of assorted nature, reflecting the culture of Pakistan from Kashmir to Chitral, Hunza and Khyber to Kach, Bhambore and Thar.

Opposite the monument's main plaza will sit the building of Pakistan Museum. The theme of the museum is altogether different from other two museums in close vicinity of the monument i.e the National Museum of Ethnology and the Museum of Natural History.

This museum will house exhibits highlighting the struggle and sacrifices made for creation of Pakistan, followed by developmental achievements during the last over five decades.