Fate of Aiwan-e-Quaid still to be decided

The research complex was one of the enterprises ordered to shutdown by the SC.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Culture has submitted another application to the Cabinet Division, requesting a quick decision about the status of the Aiwan-e-Quaid complex in F-9 Park.

The Aiwan-e-Quaid complex was amongst those enterprises that were to be shut down when the Supreme Court declared all commercial setups in the park illegal.

Aiwan-e-Quaid is a research organisation, which was intended to be a platform to disseminate and propagate Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s message.

The Cabinet Division, in the past, had written to the prime minister suggesting him to hand the organisation over to the Ministry of Education, but it was not.

Now, the ministry of culture is eager for a decision about the complex, as expensive equipment, as well as maintenance of the building, has been neglected because of the delay.

Moinul Islam Bukhari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, during a recent visit, spotted flaws such as water leakages in the roof. He directed the project director and consultant to repair the damages as soon as possible.

This was the first time the building was exposed to such heavy rainfall, which resulted in leakages.

Bukhari was very concerned about problems such as collection of water in the basement, which had, in turn, clogged
the pipelines, with the water needing to be immediately pumped out.

Although there was no damage to the equipment and paintings, Bukhari was worried about the negative effects that dampness and further rainfall could have on the building.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2010.