Do you know the history behind Minar-e-Pakistan? On March 23rd, Pakistan Day, we pay tribute to the person whose dream inspires us and whose contribution to Pakistanis was ‘Monumental’ by all accounts! Scroll down to know everything about it plus some fun facts!
23rd March marks the day when the vision of a separate state for Muslims didn’t seem like a distant dream anymore. On this day in 1940, it was finally accepted that Muslims will have a separate nation; Pakistan. The day that we now know as ‘Pakistan Day’ was first called Republic day as the name ‘Pakistan’ wasn’t coined until later. The Lahore Resolution aka the Pakistan Resolution was passed in Minto Park, now known as Iqbal Park.
Why Was Minar-e-Pakistan Built?
To commemorate the passing of the Pakistan resolution, Minar-e-Pakistan was built in Iqbal park in 1968. But do you know the exceptional story behind this precious monument and who was the leading man behind its design & construction? Come with us on a journey as we tell you all that you need to know about Minar-e-Pakistan!
Who Designed Minar-e-Pakistan?
It was built by Architect & Civil Engineer, Nasreddin Murat Khan. Nasreddin was a resident of Russia until he fled to Germany during the communist government persecution. There, he met Hamida Akmut, a lady who hailed from Austria and Turkey but was of Pakistani origin. They both got married and Nasreddin applied for asylum in Pakistan. Hamida’s father, who was a Pakistani, helped sponsor Nasreddin’s citizenship.
He was given the responsibility to plan and design Minar-e-Pakistan. He presented 3 drafts until finally the third one was accepted.
Fun Fact: Nasreddin Murat Khan also designed the renowned Gaddafi Stadium which has till now hosted an array of international and home cricket matches.
Inscriptions On The Monument
You can actually read the Pakistan resolution on the walls of Minar-e-Pakistan. Yes, that’s right! The monument has Pakistan resolution inscribed on its walls. Will you be reading it the next time you visit?
How Long Did The Construction Take?
It took 8 long years to complete Minar-e-Pakistan. The construction began in 1960 and reached its completion in 1968.
How Did The Pakistani Government Raise Funds To Build Minar-e-Pakistan?
Pakistan was a newly found country and naturally, our economy was still in its building stage. Thus, to make Minar-e-Pakistan happen, Pakistan imposed taxes on cinema and racecourse tickets. Interestingly, Nasreddin didn’t charge a single penny for the beloved Monument’s construction. It was a gift from him to Pakistan for giving him a place to live. How heartening!
Did you know these facts about Minar-e-Pakistan? Tell us your favorite!
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Sources used in this article include The Citizens Archive of Pakistan
