Chaudhry Rehmat Ali: Premier wants action on a request seeking land for mausoleum

Pakistan National Movement had written letter to the PM few months back

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has desired necessary action on a request seeking provision of land in Shakarparian area for the construction of mausoleum of Chaudhry Rehmat Ali. This is the first step towards renewed efforts aimed at bringing back the mortal remains of the leader from Cambridge for its final burial in Islamabad.

Considered as one of the earliest advocates of creation of a separate state for Muslims, Ali is credited for creating the name ‘Pakistan’ for that proposed state.



Died in 1951, the leader was buried in Cambridge City Cemetery, England.

The Pakistan National Movement (PNM), founded by Ali in 1933 in England, had written a letter to the prime minister over the issue a few months ago.

A request was made, through the letter, for provision of land for his mausoleum at Pakistan National Monument in Shakarparian area.

“It has been desired that the matter be looked into for appropriate action as per rules/policy,” the chairman of the capital’s civic agency has been asked by PM’s Public Affairs and Grievances Wing.

It is not the first time that such request has been made.

Since 1970, several individuals filed separate applications with the UK authorities requesting permission to shift the coffin. However, UK always denied saying that applicants are required to be a close relative of the deceased, besides a no objection from Ezzat Hindia, an Egyptian student who administered burial and legally owns the grave of Ali.

PNM office bearers have filed a fresh application. “We request you [Prime Minister] to order the CDA to allocate land between Shakarparian and Pak-China Friendship Centre for the mausoleum,” reads the letter.



A question related to the issue was asked by MNA Naeema Kishwar Khan in National Assembly on Wednesday. She asked if any advancement had been made over the issue.

In a written reply, the Ministry of Capital Administration and Development Division informed the House that at said location (mentioned in the request letter) there already exists Pakistan National Monument, which belongs to Ministry of Minorities, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs. “Since the applicant has named Pakistan National Monument therefore PM’s Public Affairs wing is requested to ask the applicant to approach the ministry concerned,” the ministry informed.

Alternatively, the ministry said, a site could be allocated in Sector H-11 graveyard for dignitaries and national heroes, if so desired.

The ministry concluded that it was awaiting response of the PM’s Public Affairs wing over options it suggested.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2016.