People throng 'open to all' Aiwan-e-Sadr on New Year

A large number of people belonging to different walks of life on Saturday visited Aiwan-e-Sadr after it was opened for the general public for a day.

Families, students, children, ordinary people and others visited different sections of the President's House and evinced keen interest in the historical photographs and other items at display there, according to a statement issued here.

People wearing masks and observing safe distancing roamed freely and enjoyed the cool and cloudy day by sauntering around the green lawns of the grandiose building.

The visitors, on the occasion, appreciated the government for the opening of state-owned buildings and offices for all citizens.

The opening of the doors of the Presidency from 1pm to 4pm coincided with the arrival of the New Year.

Also read: Aiwan-e-Sadr to open its doors to general public on Saturday

The building was also opened to the public a few times in the past, in pursuance of the government’s commitment to open all state buildings to commoners. The presidency gates were also open for public in December 2018.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier vowed in his public addresses to open all state buildings so that people can see the lifestyle of their leaders. The people can visit the grand halls, where the oath-taking ceremonies of several heads of governments and states, ministers have taken place.

The President's House, nestled at the foothills of Margalla hills, presents an exquisite spectacle to the beholders and held an important place in the history of the nation.

The home to all-powerful presidents including Ghulam Ishaq Khan, General Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari, the building has seen history being made. The white squarish building represents a modern step pyramid architectural style and is flanked by the Prime Minister House on one side and the Parliament building on the other.