Minar e Pakistan is a high tower built in Lahore. Pakistan to commemorate the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan during the partition. It was built as a tribute to all those brave men and women. Who gave their lives so that Pakistan could be formed. Minar e Pakistan is located on the site where the final meetings of the Advisory Council on NWFP took place in July 1946. Later that year, minare Pakistan became home to the first legislative assembly of Pakistan. Until its permanent residence was completed in 1958 in an adjacent building known as Government College.
Today, both buildings are commonly referred to as “The Towers” by locals. Located on a 42×42 metre plot that also has an artificial pond. Minar e Pakistan is considered one of Lahore’s most prominent landmarks and has been attracting visitors from around the globe since its construction. The minar itself stands at a height of 180 feet with nine bands representing each major province of Pakistan at its base making it visible from almost every corner of Lahore. Minare Pakistan is one of the beautiful places to visit in Lahore.
What is Minar e Pakistan?
Minar e Pakistan, or the “Tower of Pakistan”, is a high tower built in Lahore, Pakistan, to commemorate the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan during the partition. It was built as a tribute to all those brave men and women who gave their lives so that Pakistan could be formed. The monument also stands as a symbol for brotherhood, peace, and unity for all.
The Minar e Pakistan monument stands on the site where the final Advisory Council on NWFP meetings took place in 1946. That year, it became the home of Pakistan’s first legislative assembly until its permanent residence was erected in 1958 in an adjacent structure known as Government College. Today, both structures are known as “the towers” by locals.
History of Minar e Pakistan
The idea behind a monument commemorating Pakistan’s creation arose in 1947 when the idea for Pakistan was still new. At that time, the issue was not if Pakistan would be born, but where. Lahore was seen as a strong contender, as it was the capital of Punjab – the dominant province in terms of population and economic power. When Pakistan did come into being in August 1947, Lahore became its first capital. The monument also stands as a symbol for brotherhood, peace, and unity for all
In July 1946, when the decision was made to create Pakistan, it was also decided that the final meetings of the Advisory Council on the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) would take place in Lahore. The site was chosen to be the Shalimar Gardens, but the idea of a monument was also discussed. Famous poet, philosopher and scholar Allama Muhammad Iqbal suggested that construction of a tower be considered as a fitting tribute to the birth of Pakistan. That was some brief history of Minare Pakistan.
The Struggle for Pakistan
The first band at the base of the tower depicts the pre-independence struggle against the British. The second band shows the session of the Muslim League at which the Lahore Resolution was passed on 23 March 1940, demanding the creation of Pakistan. The third band depicts scenes from the Indian National Congress, the Hindu Mahasabha and the “Quit India” movement against the British.
Armed revolutionaries of the Central and Southeast Asian regions (including the Punjab) are also shown. The fourth band shows the various stages of the Pakistan movement, from the Lahore Resolution to the “Direct Action” call given by the Muslim League in 1946. This band also depicts the various All-India Muslim organizations that supported the Pakistan demand. Minare Pakistan has deep struggle history before the build.
Design and Artwork of Minar e Pakistan
The tower is made of red sandstone and white marble. It has nine bands representing each major province of Pakistan at its base making. It visible from almost every corner of Lahore. The central spiral staircase leading to the top of the tower is made of iron. There are two side staircases made of marble. To the east of the tower is a small artificial lake.
On the Shalimar Gardens side, the ground floor of the base has a small prayer room, a small library and a souvenir shop. The upper floor of the base has a visitors’ lounge and a gallery. On the side opposite Shalimar Gardens, there is an exhibition room for the display of photographs, maps, etc., about the birth of Pakistan.
The tower is decorated with carvings depicting the struggle for freedom. The birth of Pakistan, the valiant acts during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, and the two wings of Pakistan coming together as one. The dreams and aspirations of the people of Pakistan. That was the design and artwork of Minare Pakistan.
Cultural Events at Minar e Pakistan
Minar e Pakistan is a popular venue for hosting literary and cultural events. The “Poetry on the Border” Festival is an annual celebration. For poetry and peace featuring poets from all over the world. The festival takes place in March every year. The “All-Parties Nationalist Conference” is held every year during the first week of August. When political and social activists from around the country gather at the monument to discuss issues of national importance.
The “Annual National Heritage Festival” is held every year in October, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. The “National Book Fair” is held every year in November. When publishers from all over Pakistan come together in Lahore to showcase their latest publications.
Tours to Minar e Pakistan
Minar e Pakistan is a must-see for anyone visiting Lahore. But it can be tricky to find, as the building is located in a large park that is not easily visible from the street. To get there, visitors can take a rickshaw or cab. The best way to explore the monument is to begin with a visit to the exhibition room on the Shalimar Gardens side.
Here, visitors can see photographs, maps and other visuals that depict the history of Lahore. The birth of Pakistan and the Lahore Resolution. Next, visitors can go to the exhibition room on the side opposite Shalimar Gardens. Here at minare Pakistan, they can see a timeline of major events. By the Indo-Pak War of 1947 until the present.
Conclusion
Minar e Pakistan is a must-see for anyone visiting Lahore. But it can be tricky to find. So make sure you have a rickshaw or cab driver who knows the way. The best way to explore the monument is, to begin with, a visit to the exhibition room on the Shalimar Gardens side. This exhibition gives a great overview of the history of Lahore, the birth of Pakistan and the Lahore Resolution.
Finally, climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower to see the view of Lahore from above. Now has come the time to remind the readers of the very reason behind the celebration. The sacrifices of our ancestors and their perseverance deserve recognition. We can do that by celebrating their birthdays and the anniversaries of the important events in their lives. Minare Pakistan is a Lovely place to take a day tour.
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