Pakistan Monument, Islamabad, Pakistan

PROJECT: Pakistan Monument

LOCATION: Shakarparian Hills, Islamabad, Pakistan

AREA: 28,000 m²

STARTED: 25^th May 2004

COMPLETED: 23^rd March 2007

ARCHITECT: Arif Masoud

ENGINEER: Syed Mahmud Khalid

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Mushtaq & Bilal

INTRODUCTION:

Located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad- Pakistan Monument is a national monument and a heritage museum that symbolizes the unity of the Pakistani people. The monument dedicates itself to the people of Pakistan who sacrificed their “today” for a better “tomorrow”. Moreover, the structure is visible from across the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area and is a popular tourist destination.

DESIGN CONCEPT:

“We should learn from history but not remain in it.”

-Arif Masoud (Architect)

The concept of the monument derives from the Mughal architecture. Its four petal-shaped structures derived from the traditional muqarnas of Mughal architecture emphasizes the importance of unity and togetherness of the people of Pakistan. Consequently, these large structures represent the four different cultures of Pakistan namely–Punjabi, the Balochi, the Sindhi, and the Pakhtun. Whereas, the three smaller petals represent-the Minorities, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan.

DESIGNING AND PLANNING:

The complex features the monument, a museum, and a Freedom Plaza. Monument and the museum within the complex are connected by a large piazza known as the Freedom Plaza. The four structures of the monument stand together to protect the star and crescent of the flag of Pakistan. Other than the Peoples Monument, the museum plays a crucial role in narrating the history of the creation of Pakistan. Also, at the farthest end is a viewing platform that gives a bird’s eye view of Islamabad city.

The wax museum adjoining the monument depicts all the important events leading to the Pakistani Movement. Furthermore, it includes facilities such as a reference library, audio-visual archive, conference hall along with a 62-seat capacity auditorium known as Panorama Hall. Seen from above, the monument seems like a star (center) and crescent on Pakistan’s flag.

MATERIAL AND FEATURES:

The petals of the structure are built of granite and its inner walls covered with the artwork which depicts the various landmarks of Pakistan, such as Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Khyber Pass, and Minar-e-Pakistan. Where shiny black granite has been used to design the star of the flag in the monument, the crescent moon achieved by the use of stainless steel with inspirational writings of Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and Allama Iqbal.

Also, at the beginning of the main plaza, on the main Dedication Plaque mentions the name of the architect Arif Masoud. Moreover, it honors all the construction workers by placing the hand impressions all along the long walls of the Freedom Plaza.