A nation rebuilding and freeing itself from draconian extremism due to post 911, the world is changing, we are seeing the change and proud of it. Brave people do not believe in status quo, the growing cancers have been diagnosed now aggressive treatment is required, we as citizens and kakzais are seeing changes as never before....
Musharraf for Pakistan’s softer projection through art, culture
ISLAMABAD : President Pervez Musharraf has underlined the need to project softer image of Pakistan through art and culture.
He was performing ground breaking of the National Monument at Shakarparian in Islamabad on Tuesday.
“It is dedicated to those to sacrifice their today for a better tomorrow”.
The President said the monument will show Pakistan in its true colours - a progressive, tolerant, and an open-minded modern nation.
He said Quaid-e-Azam had a vision to make Pakistan strong enough to protect its citizens against all challenges. General Pervez Musharraf said the Government is committed to transform the mighty vision of the Quaid into reality.
He regretted that there were some perceptions about Pakistan with regard to extremism and Klashnikov culture and there is need to present our soft face to the world through architecture, music and performing arts.
The President expressed the confidence that the unique museum will unfold Pakistan to its citizens and to international visitors. It will tell them who our heroes are and how rich our culture is. It will show the true picture of our nation that speaks for itself against the poisonous propaganda aimed at Pakistan by some elements of the international media.
General Pervez Musharraf said the monument will symbolize the federation by clasping all the federating units of the republic together. It will be a powerful manifestation of unity in diversity.
The President asked the Ministry of Culture and other concerned to make efforts to complete the project ahead of two year time so as to inaugurate it on 14th of August next year.
He said as part of the project, an Ethno-Historical Museum, costing crores of rupees, is also nearing completion and will be inaugurated on 14th of August this year.
The President expressed the confidence that the National Monument, Museum and the recreational train service would add to the beauty of the capital.
He said an academy of performing arts is also being established in Karachi.
Minister of State for Culture Rais Munir Ahmad said the majestic structure of the monument will illustrate simplicity, boldness and strength of our country. He said it is located in an ideal site and will be visible from all directions of the twin cities.
Secretary Culture Jalil Abbas said the design of the monument is that of a flower with four petals each rising 55 feet high representing provinces of Pakistan. These will concave over national symbol of the country - the crescent and the star. Flower petals cast in fiber glass will have veneer morals and art work depicting our cultural diversity. The 26 feet crescent cast in steel will carry inscriptions of vital events and hallmarks in the history of Pakistan. The star will correspondent to the strength of those who resolved in 1940 to carve out Pakistan.
The core area of the monument is seven acres with 40 acres open sapce around for walk-ways, flowers and fountains to provide recreational environment to the visitors. |
