Minar e Pakistan Lahore: A tale of Muslim’s struggle

A 62-meters tall tower tells the stories of the valuable freedom. It also serves as a famous tourist and political venue for the nation.

LAHORE, PAKISTAN – If you visit Lahore, You can witness a white marble building. Seems like a beautiful flower blooming in full glory. A beautiful lean tower known as Minar e Pakistan. It raised in Great Iqbal Park former called as Manto Park.

This beautiful building is the symbol of freedom fighting. It erected on the remembrance of Muslim’s great victory against opression. The resolution of Pakistan passed on 23rd March, 1940. This park witnessed the historical event. Minar e Pakistan is the symbol of struggle and hope for future. The perfect place to give tribute to all sacrifices Muslims made.

Minar e Pakistan sketch
Minar e Pakistan sketch

Minar e Paksitan was designed by Nasireddin Murat Khan, a Russian-Pakistani architect and civil engineer assisted by  Engineer, Abdur Rehman Khan Niazi who was the structural designer. It is a blend of Mughal, Islamic and modern architecture. Initially the dome was not in the design but committee suggested that without dome it will not give Islamic vibes. It has a unique structure depicting history and future side by side.

Final stages of Minar in 1968
Final stages of Minar in 1968

Construction Details of Minar e Pakistan

Foundation of Minar took place in 23rd March 1960. It took a hefty 8 years to complete the tower. It has a base and tower. Base is around 8 meters high. Stairs of each level shows stories of struggle as well as efforts towards freedom. First level has stones from Taxila, shows the difficulties faced by Muslims.

Stones are placed uneven as well. Second level has Hand hammered stones that tells stories of beginning of success. Third level has Chiseled Stones, an achievement of a country or goal. Fourth and final level has Polished Marble stones, smooth as well as successful aim of said achievement.

Also See: Ghaznavi Missile: Revalidating strategic parameters for region

Tower is around 62 meters high from the base. There are beautiful inscriptions at the bottom of tower. It included the speech of Quaid in Urdu, English And Bangla. Other than that speech of Allama Iqbal, National Anthem, 99 Names of Allah and few Quranic verses also written on walls. A short memoir of Resolution is also mentioned.

Calligraphy on walls
Calligraphy on walls

Inside the tower it takes you around 162 stairs to reach at the top. An elevator is also present here for facility. From the top you can have a beautiful view of city and nearby buildings. You will amazed to know that Minaret of Badshahi mosque are 54 meters, much lower than Minar e Pakistan. Whole building was completed in 21st October 1968. It is also accompanied by lake and beautiful garden.

Political Importance of Minar e Pakistan

This building has a lot of political attention as well. General Ayub Khan asked architect to build this building in a unique way. He placed a pencil straight and said, ” I want a monument like this”.

Also See: Facts Pakistanis should know about Independence Day

It gives the ideology of such tower to builder. The Governer of Pakistan (West) Akhtar Hussain requested general public to raise funds for this. The tower built using Rs 7,060,000 which were recollected by imposing tax over Cinema and Race Tracks.

In recent times many Political parties conduct political gatherings here. Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf is prominent to mention. Moreover Minar participates in all of national celebrations and events. You can enjoy the visit of Badshahi Mosque, Royal Fort, Sikh Gurdwara and few other historical monuments here. The writer of Pakistani National Anthem, Hafeez Jalandhari is also buried here. His tomb is right behind Minar e Pakistan.

Tomb of Hafeez Jalandhari
Tomb of Hafeez Jalandhari

5 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *