PHOTO: EXPRESS
People who have been dreaming about making their corporate and wedding functions memorable by hosting them at the historic places now have an opportunity to materialise their dreams.
Addressing a news conference at the Governor’s House on Wednesday, Sarwar announced the lawn of the building was available for corporate events at Rs1 million per function while any kind of function can be hosted for Rs500,000 in Darbar Hall. Wedding shoots can be arranged for Rs50,000 and commercial photo shoots against Rs1 million, while guided tours of the Governor’s House will be organised for groups of 10 persons on Saturdays and Sundays.
“We believe the business plan will help the Governor’s House to reduce its burden on the public kitty. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has made this business plan as its promise and all earnings of these functions will be directly deposited in the government of Pakistan’s account,” Sarwar said.
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“The estate will be rented out for commercial events only and no political party will be allowed to host its function at the Governor’s House.”
He indicated that all events would be booked on the official website of the Governor’s House.
“When someone will send his request to book an event at the website, the Governor’s House staff will contact the person to finalise arrangements. All the payments will be made through bank account and no Governor’s House employee will be authorised to receive payments in cash from the person or company holding the event,” he elaborated while highlighting the procedure for booking.
Responding to a question, Sarwar said two hours will be given for wedding photo shoot and its charges will be Rs50,000, while Rs5 million will be charged on commercial video shooting in the pavilion of Governor’s House. On Saturdays and Sundays, groups of 10 persons can avail one-hour guided tour facility on payment of Rs2,000 per head, while the charges will be Rs6,000 per person for foreigners and they will also be served tea and coffee. Charity or welfare organisations will be given 50% discount on booking of their events.
The governor highlighted that events such as scholars conferences can be allowed under the business plan, but the political parties would not be allowed to organise party conventions, public meetings or any other activity in any part or portion of the Governor’s House, including its lawn.
There are too many rumours about Governor’s House expenditures, he pointed out, adding, “let me tell you that the monthly expense of the Governor’s House other than staff salaries is Rs1 million and we are gradually bringing down this amount.
He also highlighted that a canteen is being constructed where eatables will be available for general visitors to Governor’s House on Saturdays and Sundays.
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“We will try to ensure the provision of all facilities, including security to the people visiting the Governor’s House. Since the PTI government took over, 400,000 persons have visited Governor House, while a number of people coming for Iftar parties during Ramazan is more than 200,000,” he indicated.
The Governor’s House website shows that name, CNIC, passport number, nationality, mobile phone number and address is required for booking of events. Events can be booked for two slots from 10am to 2pm and 2pm to 6pm for seven days a week. Event booking will be granted subject to approval. Prior approval is required for payment and confirmation will be made accordingly while two functions can be booked for the same date and time.
As per booking terms mentioned on the website, the applicant has to provide complete lists of participants, staff and workers. Administration of Governor’s House will not be responsible for arrangements or installation of any temporary facility. Applicants may arrange the same (if required).
Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2020.
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