Bab-e-Pakistan Foundation, established through the Bab-e-Pakistan Foundation Act 2014, is an autonomous body under the Information & Culture Department, Government of Punjab. Its mission is to construct a memorial at Walton Road, Lahore, along with a museum, auditorium, art gallery, and library.
This initiative commemorates the sacrifices of those who migrated to Pakistan in 1947, and aims to promote arts, crafts, culture, language, and literary activities. Graana delves into the rich history, functions, and future plans of the foundation below.
The seeds of Bab-e-Pakistan were sown in 1985 when President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq conceptualised the idea during a meeting with Lt. Gen. Ghulam Jillani, the Governor of Punjab. With a firm belief in preserving the historical significance of the mass migration, General Zia-ul-Haq urged the governor to initiate the project.
In 1991, the Bab-e-Pakistan Trust was established and registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The trust aimed to create a fitting complex that would provide a place to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives during the arduous journey to freedom. The chosen site, encompassing approximately 117 acres on Walton Road, Lahore, was handed over to the trust in 2005.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, the project’s completion faced delays. Consequently, the National Supreme Council of the Trust dissolved, leading to the creation of a foundation in 2014 through the Bab-e-Pakistan Foundation Act.
This transition aimed to ensure the project’s completion and fill the administrative void caused by the council members’ passing.
The following are functions of the foundation:
One of its primary functions is the construction and maintenance of national memorials that honour the sacrifices made for the creation of Pakistan. The foundation undertakes meticulous planning and execution to ensure that these memorials are built with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Skilled architects, designers, and craftsmen work together to create structures that embody the spirit and significance of the historical events they represent. The construction process involves sourcing high-quality materials that are durable and resistant to the elements, ensuring that the memorials stand the test of time.
Every aspect of the design is carefully considered, from the architectural style to the intricate details, to capture the essence of the sacrifices and struggles endured during the freedom movement.
Once the memorials are completed, the foundation takes on the responsibility of their maintenance and preservation. Regular inspections, repairs, and conservation efforts are carried out to ensure that the memorials remain in pristine condition. This includes cleaning, restoring damaged elements, and implementing preventive measures to safeguard against natural deterioration.
Bab-e-Pakistan Foundation is actively involved in the promotion of Pakistan’s ideology, aiming to foster a deep sense of patriotism and national unity among the people. The foundation recognises the importance of upholding and celebrating the core values and principles upon which Pakistan was founded.
To achieve this goal, it organises and participates in a wide range of activities and events that showcase the ideals and aspirations of the nation. One such initiative is the celebration of national days, where the foundation collaborates with various organisations, educational institutions, and community groups to organise vibrant and engaging ceremonies.
These feature flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches that highlight the historical significance of these occasions.
The foundation is committed to preserving and promoting Pakistan’s rich arts, crafts of Pakistan, and culture. It organises regional, national, and international fairs, festivals, and cultural exhibitions, providing a platform for artists and artisans to showcase their talents and heritage.
It also conducts research, and organises seminars and workshops on social and historical matters relevant to Pakistan. It collaborates with professionals, public and private sector organisations to foster a deeper understanding of the nation’s history.
To provide recreational opportunities, the foundation plans to construct theme parks and related facilities. These spaces aim to entertain visitors and offer an enjoyable experience for families.
As per the allocated budget for the year 2014-2015, Bab-e-Pakistan Foundation received Rs. 9,560,420. Further information regarding the annual expenditure is not available. To effectively carry out its ambitious plans and initiatives, it allocates a budget for its operations and development.
The allocated budget is utilised for various purposes such as construction, maintenance, research, cultural events, and other necessary expenses. Financial sustainability is a key consideration for the foundation, and it aims to explore avenues for generating revenue to support its ongoing projects and operations.
Through collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with local, national, and international institutions, it aims to ensure the long-term viability and success of its endeavours.
The foundation has exciting future plans that will further enrich the visitor experience and contribute to the cultural landscape of Pakistan. Some of the upcoming projects include:
It plans to construct a state-of-the-art conference centre within the complex. This facility will serve as a hub for academic and intellectual gatherings, hosting conferences, seminars, and symposiums on various subjects of national and international importance.
An amusement park will be developed to provide entertainment, and will feature a variety of rides and attractions.
The foundation also intends to open franchises of renowned food chains within its premises.
It plans to arrange mesmerising sound and light shows in the future. These shows will dramatise the mass migration that took place during the creation of Pakistan.
This facility will provide modern sports facilities, encouraging the development of athletic skills.
A cinema will also be built within the complex.
This will consist of a digital library, equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide easy access to a vast collection of online resources. Additionally, a reference book library will be established, housing a wide range of books and publications related to Pakistan’s history, culture, and literature. This initiative aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and the community at large.
Bab-e-Pakistan stands as a tribute to those who sacrificed their present for the future of Pakistan. It is located on Walton Road, Lahore, which housed the first and largest refugee camp in 1947. The foundation’s commitment to preserving history, promoting culture, and honouring the sacrifices of the past is commendable.
By promoting arts, crafts, and culture, the foundation ensures that the diverse heritage of Pakistan continues to flourish. It serves as a symbol of national unity, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our ancestors to secure our freedom. It is a testament to the resilience, courage, and determination of the people who fought for the establishment of Pakistan.
For more information, visit Graana.com.
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