Design change: Completion of Greater Iqbal Park project delayed

Deadline extended due to changes in design of history museum

LAHORE: The Greater Iqbal Park Project has been delayed due to changes in the design of the history museum. Originally, the project was to be completed by June 30. The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has now extended the deadline until after around Eidul Fitr.

Talking to The Express Tribune, PHA Director General Shakeel Ahmad said the authority had completed of the most civil works and landscaping.

“We had set a target for completing construction of walkways and horticulture works by June. The design of the history museum is being reviewed so the project will now be completed in August or September,” he said.

Commissioner Abdullah Khan Sumbal said the Greater Iqbal Park was much-awaited project.

“The PHA should complete work on the project so that it can be inaugurated in August,” he said.

Addressing a meeting to review progress the project on Thursday, Sumbal said quality of construction should be ensured. He said an extra construction shift should be started to complete the project as soon as possible.

“Help of Pakistani consulates worldwide should be sought for import of products and equipment needed for the park,” he said.

He said the project was of immense national significance.

“It will have statues of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Fatima Jinnah and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

The project also includes renovation and preservation of Minar-i-Pakistan and expansion of Minto Park by incorporating land from Circular Gardens and the carriageway between the Minar-i-Pakistan and Lahore Fort,” he said.

Thematic food courts depicting the culture and heritage of all four provinces and of Gilgit Baltistan (G-B) are part of the project. The park will also feature elaborate walkways and manicured gardens.

A history museum will also be established to highlight the history of Pakistan Movement. The PHA will install an illumination system and fountains there.

The park will also have a surveillance system.

The design envisages distinct zones that will accommodate various recreational facilities. The design is based on the national symbols of a crescent and a star.

The garden incorporates motifs inspired by Mughal architecture such as fountains, pavements, a baradari and geometric patterns.

Work on the project was originally slated to commence in 2013-14 but was postponed due to paucity of funds.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2016.