ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution expressed strong disapproval over the absence of the Secretary, Establishment Division and observed that bureaucratic attitudes marked by ego and non-cooperation hinder institutional performance and must be addressed systematically.
Chairperson Senate Functional Committee on Devolution Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardhy Taimur directed that the Secretary-Establishment Division to ensure attendance in the next meeting to assist in resolving the Committee’s pending agenda item, while directing that the requisite information on IPP agreements be provided to the Committee at the earliest.
The meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution was presided by Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardhy Taimur to review the performance and ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division. The meeting was attended by Senators Fawazia Arshad and Poonjo Bheel. The Committee expressed strong disapproval over the absence of the Secretary, Establishment Division and members of the Committee emphasized the importance of accountability among government departments, noting that all public servants are paid through taxpayers’ money and must fulfill their responsibilities with integrity and commitment. It was further observed that bureaucratic attitudes marked by ego and non-cooperation hinder institutional performance and must be addressed systematically.
During the session, the Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division delivered a detailed briefing on the Ministry’s structure, functions, and ongoing efforts for the preservation of Pakistan’s cultural sites. He highlighted the issue of inadequate funding, noting that while the Ministry had requested Rs 20 billion from the Planning Commission, only Rs2 billion were allocated. “This amount was insufficient to sustain both the Ministry’s administrative operations and its developmental projects,” the secretary told the committee. He further informed the Committee that the Ministry had successfully issued a yearly events calendar and had maintained weekly cultural activities without interruption.
Senator Dr. Zarqaa raised the issue of antiquities theft and their illegal transfer abroad. In response, the secretary stated that the Ministry was actively working in coordination with law enforcement agencies to prevent such practices, while return of artifacts is also continuously happening. He added that the Government of Pakistan had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several countries to facilitate the repatriation of illegally transferred antiquities.
Senator Fawzia Arshad recommended greater promotion of cultural projects and heritage sites, suggesting that the Ministry establish collaborations with schools, colleges, and universities to raise awareness about ancient civilizations. She urged the Ministry to enhance outreach through proper event publicity and to revise its strategies to make heritage sites more attractive and accessible to the public. She further proposed that information about cultural heritage of the nation be included in educational curricula.
In response to a query raised by the Chairperson regarding the preservation of Rawat Fort, the Committee was informed that renovation work had commenced in 2017. To date, only 40pc of the work has been completed due to financial constraints, with the remaining 60pc pending. It was also explained that entrance tickets cannot be issued for Rawat Fort due to the presence of a mosque within the site, which is frequently visited by the people for offering prayers.
The Ministry also briefed the Committee on two recent archaeological findings: the Mai Qamro Mosque and the Muqarab Khan Tomb, located near Gulberg Housing Society and restoration work is currently in progress at both sites. The Mai Qamro Mosque, believed to have been constructed during the 15th century by the Ghakhar rulers, is regarded as one of the oldest mosques in the capital. In a presentation highlighting recent achievements, the Ministry showcased images of the conservation work at the Ban Faqiran Stupa, located in the Margalla Hills.
However, the Chairperson expressed dissatisfaction over the restoration quality, noting that the materials used were not consistent with the original structure and that the project had been poorly executed. She directed the Ministry to restore the site using historically accurate materials and to submit a report listing the officials involved in the substandard execution of the project.
The committee also strongly recommended documentation of the available information and institutional memory of its senior and close to retirement officers. The Committee concluded with directives for improved coordination, transparent project execution, and increased public engagement in cultural heritage initiatives.