ISLAMABAD, July 10: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Thursday directed all departments concerned to complete the project of national monument at West View Point, Shakarparian, by 2005.

Speaking at a steering committee meeting, which was also attended by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali, the president underlined that the monument should reflect national ambience and diversity of the country’s culture.

It was the first meeting of the committee attended by the prime minister to review the progress of the project. President Musharraf had laid down the foundation of the monument last year.

The president and the prime minister reviewed the progress of the construction work and discussed design features and other related aspects of the project.

They appreciated the efforts put in by all departments concerned for the construction of the monument.

They stressed that the monument should be truly reflective of nation’s cultural heritage and have permanence as a national cultural symbol for all generations to come. The briefing was also attended by Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Brig Mansoor Hamid (retired), and Minister for Culture and Sports Rais Muneer Ahmed.

The briefing was given by Arif Masood, the architect of the national monument, and Ismail Hassan Niazi, acting secretary culture and sports.

The architect highlighted the layout, design and concept of the monument, saying it would reflect the national culture in a befitting manner.

The CDA chairman, Chaudhry Abdul Rauf, and Lok Virsa director Uxi Mufti were also present during the briefing.

The monument of the unknown soldier at Shakarparian is being constructed by the CDA in collaboration with the sports and culture with an estimated cost of Rs120 million. The government has allocated Rs60 million for the project in the fiscal year 2003-2004. A sum of Rs10 million has already been spent on the project, and Rs50 million will be spent in the next fiscal year.