National Monument gradually losing public interest

Islamabad

A fascinating place in the federal capital National Monument perched on hill top Shakarparian is gradually losing interest of people and visitors from across the country.

The site is losing its charm apparently due to lack of proper maintenance, less facilities besides broken and missing tiles untrimmed plants and dry fountains. A visitor hailing from Multan, Muhammad Asif Tanveer, said he was going through a mental agony to see pollution at the place such as wrappers, disposable bottles and lot of dust .

He said the National Monument has been a favourite place for him due to its unique flower blooming structure besides beautifully depicting cultural heritage of all provinces. He said that the portraying of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Allama Iqbal’s pictures on the walls of the Monument is a great tribute to national heroes.

He drew the attention to the problem of termite which may destroy the fine art of calligraphy in due course of time. Another Visitor Abeeha Shabbir form Rawalpindi expressed her concern over poor cleanliness arrangements and lack of enforcement that allows visitors to dump used items at the site.

She stressed the need to install more insignias and billboards to educate people and depute a feasible number of the employees for ensuring its proper cleanliness. Muhammad Aqail, an elderly man, was also furious over the lack of facilities and poor arrangements for aged people while sitting on a broken edge of fountain.

He said he often comes here with his family to have a view of the city and enjoy its beautiful scenes but unfortunately this time it was disappointing to stand in long queues on ticket window.

He pointed out that there was no separate window or specific concession for special or elderly persons. He expressed his dismay over the condition of the premises fearing a gradual loss of people’s interest due to current conditions.

A group of university students hailing from Lahore told this agency that there was no concession for students. They called for special concession for students since recreational activities are integral part of their studies.

Paying Rs20 for entry and over Rs50 in the museum for each student is somehow an undue and extra burden, they added. They passionately called for ticket free entry of universities, colleges and schools students, so that maximum number of youth could get benefit.

They also demanded proper daily cleaning of toilets at premises besides a charge free use. It is pertinent to mention that a man sitting besides public washrooms charge Rs10 for each person.

A motorist, Muhammmad Fiaz Nabi said that there was limited parking place and the space available near monument is charged Rs 20 to 30 for each vehicle. He said there should be a ticket free parking or at least Rs10 be charged to facilitate maximum number of visitors. When contacted the official of the authority concerned told this agency on a condition of anonymity that there was lack of funds for its renovation and repair works.