The realisation of dreams of development based on sensitive social and cultural fundamentals keeps nations and civilizations connected to their past and history, giving rise to beautiful future possibilities and intellectual and material progress. Insistence on old traditions and fear of new principles indeed pose deep challenges for the present leadership, but enlightened and insightful leaders break through frozen thoughts and ways of life, fortifying a promising future with their unwavering determination. Visionary leadership continually rebuilds the future in line with contemporary needs, making sincere efforts to propagate wisdom and clarify dual perspectives in many minds.
The Punjab government’s love for horticulture and floriculture is well-known. In Lahore, this keen interest is manifest in the form of unparalleled green open spaces and splendid and lush parks, which the Punjab government tirelessly nurtures day and night.
The city of Lahore, a guardian of historical and cultural treasures, is on a fast track to development. With innovations in transportation and the most advanced active Safe City Project in the world for the safety and security of its citizens, Lahore has transcended the mere concept of a city. Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is determined to make Lahore a truly world-class city, where a beautiful blend of innovation and tradition will soon be apparent to every supporter and critic alike. The expression of art in public places, the Bird House Square, attractive passenger waiting areas, the charm emanating from the fusion of lights and artistic creations at interchanges and underpasses is just the prelude.
One of the pivotal pillars of the Punjab government’s labour and meticulous effort in the journey of beautification is the completion of the “Greater Iqbal Park” in its verdant form. Nestled under the shadows of the majestic Minar-e-Pakistan and the towering minarets of the grand Badshahi Mosque, in the presence of Hazoori Bagh, and alongside the solid and awake historical walls of the royal Shahi Qila, the Greater Iqbal Park (Azim Tar Iqbal Park) encompasses history, culture, recreation, art, the unity of Pakistan, and parallel development, making it the largest certificate of progress in Lahore. The unbridled urbanisation had left Lahore’s historical sites in a state of disrepair. Enlightened political leadership believes in urbanisation based on human and cultural foundations. The Greater Iqbal Park has not only brightened the face of these historical sites but also opened a golden door to harmonise and enrich them with tradition and aesthetics.
With utmost integrity, the practical testimony of a new sparkle and genuine rejuvenation in cultural and historical style, “Greater Iqbal Park” will shine like a diamond in Lahore’s crown. This park stands as concrete evidence of the Punjab government’s unequivocal respect for Lahore’s history and cultural heritage. Spanning 124 acres, the park is viewed as a proud achievement for not only Lahore but all of Pakistan, promoting a healthy environment alongside state-of-the-art recreational exhibits. In the park’s very centre, visitors will marvel at the mesmerising Dancing Fountains comprising 160 fountains with the latest technology installed by Chinese engineers in a semi-circular artificial lake of four and a half acres bearing the green crescent flag. Life-sized monuments of Pakistan Movement leaders, cultural food courts reflecting Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, a soft wheel train, buggy tracks, a separate park for special children of international standards, Heroes Gallery and historical museum, masterpieces of vertical horticulture, lush green lawns amidst countless colourful flowers will captivate every appreciative eye.
Greater Iqbal Park holds a unique significance in Pakistan. To achieve the harmony of nature, the PHA has meticulously worked to adorn the park with various types of trees and dozens of coloured flowers. NESPAK designed various paths, constructions, and art. It is the only park in Pakistan conceived around the freedom movement and national history. Traditional Mughal architectural imprints adorn various parts of the park. For the security of Greater Iqbal Park, an agreement has been made with a well-trained private company. A police post has been established, and security arrangements have been organised with CCTV camera monitoring and linkage to the Safe City Project. Ample parking is provided on three sides of the park.
Rome was not built in a day. The vision, planning, resource allocation, and completion of Greater Iqbal Park were certainly not easy, but on the strength of Chief Minister Punjab’s insight and determination, Commissioner Lahore Division Abdullah Khan Sumbal and the PHA team nurtured this theme park with tireless dedication day and night. Built with a budget of one billion rupees, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, along with Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, will inaugurate Greater Iqbal Park today. According to statistics, the number of visitors to Greater Iqbal Park will significantly increase after the inauguration, promoting tourism in Lahore along with healthy environmental impacts. Every moment spent in the polluted and ill-intentioned northern Lahore on the city’s map was a death knell for historical heritage, and an unhealthy environment hindered the promotion of tourism. The construction of Greater Iqbal Park heralds the reduction of fragmentation and damage to historical sites and also brings a message of the arrival of a large number of international tourists.
The heights of Lahore, the custodian of the history and culture of the subcontinent, have yet to be fully revealed, but beautiful beginnings have been established on solid foundations. The unique verdant aspect of Greater Iqbal Park is that it not only embraces history and culture in the best way but will also achieve historical status itself and become a symbol of unity for all cultural units of Pakistan.
Various activities and events for the public, including musical shows, cultural fairs, and different sports competitions, are also organised in Greater Iqbal Park. These events not only attract locals but also tourists from all over the world. The park is an excellent place for young people to enhance their skills and spend time in a healthy environment.
This park is not only a recreational spot but also a significant means of preserving the history and culture of Lahore. Visitors not only enjoy the natural scenery but also get acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage. The construction of Greater Iqbal Park has given a beautiful facelift to Lahore.
