The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture has expressed serious concern over security, cleanliness, and maintenance conditions of Quaid-e-Azam mausoleum in Karachi.
During a meeting held at Parliament House, lawmakers discussed multiple issues affecting the historic site, including reports of drug sellers entering the premises, theft of boundary fencing, garbage accumulation, and illegal encroachments around the mausoleum area.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
The committee directed relevant authorities to involve the inspector general of police to strengthen security and maintain law and order at the mausoleum. Members stressed that the final resting place of Pakistan’s founder must be properly protected and maintained.
Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi raised concerns about poor sanitation arrangements and the presence of garbage inside the premises. The committee instructed officials to coordinate with Karachi’s waste management authorities to improve cleanliness and visitor facilities.
Officials informed the committee that illegal shops established near the mausoleum had recently been removed as part of an anti-encroachment operation. However, lawmakers emphasized that long-term monitoring was necessary to prevent similar activities from returning.
Also Read:
Rs43 mln wasted? Matric Board reportedly
drops E-Marking system
The committee also recommended including representatives from Karachi in the board responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Quaid-i-Azam Mausoleum Management Board (QMMB).
A separate sub-committee was additionally formed to supervise ongoing projects and operational matters related to the national monument.
According to officials, the QMMB currently has five officers in BS-17 and above, while 107 employees serve in grades BS-01 to BS-16. The total proposed budget for the mausoleum management board for the fiscal year 2025-26 stands at approximately Rs353.9 million.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
Lawmakers further proposed that all four provinces contribute Rs50 million each toward the maintenance and public facilitation of the mausoleum. They also suggested that Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan provide financial support according to their available resources.
Officials also briefed the committee about the ongoing renovation and revamping work at Awan-i-Nawadarat, the museum located within the mausoleum complex. Additional funding for the project is expected to be requested under the Public Sector Development Programme for 2026-27.
