Mazar-e-Quaid's marble dome gets new shine

Grinding and polishing work to restore the white brilliance ahead of Dec 25 birthday celebrations

KARACHI:

After nearly a decade, restoration work on the 72-foot-wide marble dome of Mazar-e-Quaid has begun to restore its signature white brilliance. The process, which includes complete grinding, polishing, and filling of cracks in the Malagori marble, started this week and will continue for 15 days as part of preparations for Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's birthday celebrations on December 25.

In recent years, the dome was cleaned only on national occasions, but after months of monsoon rains and years of accumulated dust and pollution, the marble had lost much of its original sheen. Officials said this year's effort goes beyond routine washing, involving deep restoration to bring back the marble's natural color and shine.

According to Mazar-e-Quaid's Resident Engineer Abdul Aleem Shaikh, the marble used in the construction of the mausoleum is a rare and precious stone, not easily available in Pakistan today. "Ordinary washing removes surface dust temporarily, but the marble soon becomes dull again. This time, we are carrying out full-scale grinding and buffing. Once completed, the dome will regain its pristine white appearance," he said.

Shaikh explained that workers are also filling tiny cracks and gaps that have appeared between the marble tiles over the years, using a special chemical designed to preserve the structure for up to 18 months. The restoration is being done with utmost care, avoiding heavy machinery that could damage the marble's original texture and composition. "We want to maintain the historical and aesthetic authenticity of the monument," he emphasized.

The Express Tribune team visiting the site observed skilled craftsmen at work atop the structure, using electric grinders and fine tools to smooth the marble surfaces and polish the decorative latticework beneath the dome. Every step of the climb from the ground to the dome, through marble staircases and protective walkways, reflected the foresight of architect Yahya Merchant, who had designed the mausoleum with long-term maintenance and safety in mind.

Built over 63 acres, the mausoleum is one of Pakistan's most visited national monuments. Routine upkeep and horticultural maintenance continue throughout the year, but special efforts are made before December 25 — the birthday of the nation's founder. Along with marble restoration, the grounds are being landscaped, plants trimmed, and lighting fixtures cleaned in preparation for the traditional changing of the guard ceremony on the day.

In response to rising temperatures and urban pollution, the Mazar management has also expanded the green cover around the site. "In 2010, there were around 4,500 trees on the premises. Now, that number has been increased to over 8,000," Shaikh said. "The trees serve a dual purpose — enhancing the monument's beauty and shielding the marble from the heat and carbon dioxide emitted by vehicles on the busy surrounding roads."

Officials say the results have been encouraging, with the large number of trees helping maintain a moderate microclimate within the mausoleum complex.

The management added that the ongoing restoration and cleaning are essential to preserve the historical and architectural value of the monument. "The goal is to ensure that visitors, on the Quaid's birthday and beyond, can once again witness the mausoleum in its full splendor — glowing in the same brilliant white that has symbolized national pride for generations."