Islamabad, May 18, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Division on Monday discussed legislative and administrative matters related to the division and the Quaid-i-Azam Mazar Management Board during a meeting chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan.
The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, Sarmad Ali and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.
During the session, the committee deliberated on proposed amendments aimed at streamlining administrative affairs within the division following the judgment in the Mustafa Impex Case.
Officials informed the committee that the extensive use of the term “Government” in administrative matters, including appointments and amendments to service conditions, had resulted in unnecessary referrals to the federal cabinet, causing delays in routine decisions.
The proposed bill seeks to replace the term “Government” with “concerned Division” or “Minister,” where appropriate, to delegate powers to relevant authorities and improve administrative efficiency. The committee unanimously approved the bill.
The committee was also invited to visit the Sir Syed Memorial Museum, where members were informed about the preservation of rare and vintage artifacts collected from around the world. Senator Hidayatullah Khan appreciated the efforts of the National Heritage and Culture Division in safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage.
Secretary of the division briefed the committee on matters related to the Mazar-e-Quaid and informed members that the QMMB was responsible for the maintenance and management of Awan-e-Nawadarat and surrounding gardens.
The committee was informed that the division remained in close coordination with the Government of Sindh regarding affairs related to the mausoleum.
During the briefing, Aleem Sheikh informed members that the current QMMB was constituted in 2023 and had held five meetings since its establishment.
Senator Waqar Mehdi sought the minutes of all meetings along with implementation reports of decisions taken by the board. Officials informed the committee that four of the five meetings had been held during the last ten months.
The committee was also briefed on security and management challenges at the mausoleum, including incidents involving drug peddlers, theft of fencing, and illegal encroachments. Senator Waqar Mehdi recommended involving the Inspector General of Police to strengthen law and order arrangements at the site.
Members further recommended inclusion of representatives from Karachi in the board, with officials indicating that a new board was likely to be constituted in August 2026.
The committee was informed that the QMMB currently has five officers in BS-17 and above, while 107 employees serve in BS-01 to BS-16 positions. The estimated budget for the board for the fiscal year 2025-26 stands at Rs353.921 million.
Expressing concern over cleanliness issues at the mausoleum premises, Senator Waqar Mehdi offered to coordinate with Karachi Waste Management authorities to improve sanitation arrangements.
Officials further informed the committee that the total area of Mazar-e-Quaid spans 13.718 acres, while the adjoining South Peripheral Area covers 35.277 acres where Pakistan Park is proposed to be established.
The committee recommended that all four provinces contribute Rs50 million each for maintenance and public facilitation at the mausoleum, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan should also contribute according to their capacity.
The committee also decided to form a sub-committee to oversee ongoing affairs and development work related to the Quaid-i-Azam Mazar. Officials informed members that renovation and revamping work at Awan-e-Nawadarat was currently underway and that additional PSDP funding would be sought for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
