CM Murad, Fed Minister Khichi discuss QMMB, National Library issues

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jul, 2026) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Monday held a detailed meeting to review matters relating to the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management board (QMMB) and the National Library of Pakistan’s Regional Office in Karachi, with both sides agreeing to strengthen coordination for the preservation of national heritage institutions and the resolution of longstanding administrative issues.

The meeting examined issues concerning the management, maintenance and security of Mazar-e-Quaid and its peripheral areas, including encroachments, illegal dumping of garbage and construction debris, security concerns arising from the presence of drug addicts and miscreants, and proposals aimed at improving public access to the national monument. The participants also discussed disputes involving the National Library of Pakistan’s Regional Office housed within the Liaquat Memorial Library complex, including water supply, use of premises and future expansion plans.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Secretary to Chief Minister Asif Jameel, Secretary Culture Khair Muhammad Kalwar and other provincial officials. The federal minister was accompanied by Director General National Library of Pakistan, Resident Engineer and Secretary Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board Aleem Khan and senior officers of the National Heritage and Culture Division.

During the meeting, officials briefed the chief minister on the constitutional status and responsibilities of the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board, which oversees the protection, preservation, maintenance and development of the mausoleum and its surrounding 131.718-acre precincts.

The chief minister directed Commissioner Hassan Naqvi to remove encroachments from the Mazar’s peripheral areas adjoining Lines Area and Khudadad Colony, take measures to stop illegal dumping of waste on the roads surrounding the monument, enhance security arrangements, and provide financial support for the upkeep and maintenance of the mausoleum.

The meeting was also informed about administrative and operational issues concerning the National Library of Pakistan’s Karachi Regional Office located within the Liaquat Memorial Library complex.

Officials briefed the meeting that the National Library had complained about the disconnection of water supply to its regional office. The CM directed Commissioner karachi to resolve the water supply issue of the library.

The participants were informed that historical records indicate that Liaquat Memorial Library was transferred to the Government of Sindh in 1986 and declared the provincial library of Sindh, while the basement portion housing the National Library’s Regional Office remained under the administrative control of the Federal Government.

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The meeting also reviewed concerns raised by the National Library regarding the vacation of certain premises for the establishment of a Regional Copyright Depository and the expansion of its Karachi office. Federal authorities maintained that additional space was required to strengthen library services and develop a modern regional knowledge hub, while provincial officials highlighted the growing demand for reading facilities at Liaquat Memorial Library, which receives thousands of visitors, students and researchers daily. The CM directed the Secretary Culture to settle and report to him.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that Mazar-e-Quaid and the country’s public libraries were national assets that must be protected and developed through cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.

“The Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum is a symbol of our national identity and heritage. The Government of Sindh will continue to extend full support for its protection, maintenance, beautification and security,” the chief minister said.

Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the National Heritage and Culture Division was committed to preserving Pakistan’s cultural institutions and improving access to knowledge resources. “The National Library of Pakistan is undertaking important reforms to expand its services. We seek the cooperation of the Sindh government so that these initiatives can benefit scholars, researchers and the people of Sindh,” he said.

The federal minister emphasised that Mazar-e-Quaid remained one of Pakistan’s most important national monuments and required coordinated efforts to address encroachments, environmental concerns and security challenges around its precincts.

“Our shared responsibility is to preserve the sanctity, dignity and historic significance of Mazar-e-Quaid while ensuring that our national cultural institutions continue to grow and serve future generations,” Khichi said.

The meeting concluded with an understanding that the provincial and federal authorities would maintain close coordination to address the issues concerning the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board and the National Library of Pakistan, and develop mutually agreed solutions in accordance with legal and administrative requirements.