Quaid's mausoleum gets Independence Day shine

As Pakistan prepares to celebrate Independence Day, the iconic white marble structure of Mazar-i-Quaid received a special annual makeover, with its towering dome washed and its historic chandelier polished as part of extensive maintenance and beautification work.

The 101-foot-high and 72-foot-wide dome of the mausoleum was cleaned as part of a week-long maintenance programme launched ahead of August 14 celebrations. The work also included the cleaning and polishing of the 80-foot-long chandelier, a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship, installed above the grave of the founder of Pakistan.

Spread over nearly 63 acres, Mazar-i-Quaid requires year-round maintenance and preservation efforts. However, special arrangements are made on occasions such as Independence Day to ensure that the national monument is presented in its best condition for visitors and official ceremonies.

During the dome-cleaning operation, heavy-duty boosters were used to pump water from tanks within the mausoleum premises to the required height. Workers washed the dome and surrounding walls, restoring their appearance ahead of the national celebrations.

Before the washing process, polishing of the dome and repair work on marble joints damaged due to prolonged exposure to sunlight had already been completed.

Mazar-i-Quaid Resident Engineer Abdul Aleem Sheikh told Express Tribune that special measures are taken to protect the white marble of the mausoleum, including the dome, stairs, fountains and corridors, from weather-related damage and environmental effects.

He said the greenery surrounding the mausoleum plays an important role in protecting the structure from the impact of Karachi's environment. Since the monument is surrounded by busy roads on all sides, vehicle emissions and carbon dioxide can affect the shine of the white Makrana marble, causing dust and pollution particles to accumulate on its surface.

According to Sheikh, the extensive plantation around the mausoleum serves two purposes: reducing the impact of air pollution and helping control heat levels around the marble structure. He said the presence of a large number of trees has helped maintain a relatively moderate environment within the premises.

Special attention was also given to the cleaning and polishing of the 80-foot-long chandelier installed directly above Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's grave. The chandelier, coated with several kilograms of gold plating, is regarded as a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship. Every year on Independence Day, a change of guards ceremony and flag-hoisting ceremony are held at Mazar-i-Quaid, attended by senior government officials, including the Sindh chief minister and governor, along with other dignitaries.