Authorities have decided on Friday to reopen Mazar-e-Quaid to the public after it remained closed for three years due to security concerns.
The decision was announced during a meeting of the Senate Subcommittee on National Heritage and Culture, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi.
The committee reviewed administrative, security, development, cleanliness and financial matters related to Mazar-e-Quaid and its surrounding areas.
Senator Waqar Mehdi said that the mausoleum was closed to the public for three years because of security reasons.
He said that the decision to reopen it was made after consultations with the Karachi commissioner and other officials. Adding that it will reopen under security protocols.
Mazar-e-Quaid security
He also said the area around Mazar-e-Quaid and its security fence is in poor condition.
Further, he noted that the nearby ground is used for political gatherings and suggested that its rental fee should be kept reasonable. He also recommended installing security cameras to help prevent theft in the area.
The committee chairman said the Rs20 million provided by the Sindh government is not enough to meet the needs of Mazar-e-Quaid.
He said it is a national heritage site and all provinces should contribute to its maintenance.
He added that the committee will recommend a special grant for Mazar-e-Quaid and send its recommendations to all provincial chief ministers.
Smart traffic lights, rickshaw meter system introduced
Karachi has recently approved a plan to modernise Karachi’s traffic system by introducing computerised traffic signals and digital meters in rickshaws.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Board. It was chaired by Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi.
Officials said work to upgrade traffic signals has already started to help reduce traffic congestion.
In the first phase, computerised traffic signals will be installed at five major intersections, including PIDC, Sindh Club and Avari Towers.
The commissioner also said that 12 out of 16 traffic signals that were previously not working have now been restored.