ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture on Friday expressed dissatisfaction over the deteriorating condition of the boundary wall of the Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum and directed authorities to undertake urgent renovation.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, reviewed progress on recommendations made during the panel’s previous meeting in Karachi. Senators Bushra Anjum Butt and Sarmad Ali attended the meeting online.
Federal secretary for National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gillani informed the committee that issues relating to security, water supply and electricity had been partially resolved. Taking notice of wall chalking and the poor condition of the boundary wall, the convener directed immediate renovation.
The secretary acknowledged that the wall had not received proper maintenance since 2017 and assured prompt action. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt also expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lack of priority given to the national heritage site.
The committee directed that one MNA and one senator from Karachi, along with the president of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, be included as members of the Quaid-i-Azam Mazar Management Board.
It also stressed the installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of adequate police personnel.
The convener directed all departments to take the Resident Engineer on board.
On reopening the mausoleum to the general public, the convener said all operational arrangements, a comprehensive security plan and deployment of a dedicated Special Security Unit must be ensured.
The SSP-East informed the meeting that individuals arrested for drug abuse on the premises usually get bail in 2-3 days and are referred to the Edhi Foundation for rehabilitation.
Senator Mehdi noted that only the Sindh government bears the financial burden of maintaining the mausoleum and recommended that other provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK also make annual contributions.
Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2026
