Curated walk-through of the National History Museum by CAP

The Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Pakistan’s history and culture, hosted a curated walk-through of the brand new National History Museum, a project of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore, Government of Punjab, on 12th May 2018.

Indeed, Chief Minister Punjab inaugurated the museum in April, 2018, following which the museum has been hosting regular public school tours in collaboration with the Punjab School Education Department. The museum is set to open its doors to the rest of the public on the 1st of July, 2018.

Two-time Academy Award winning film-maker and patron-in-chief for The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has said:

The story of Pakistan is the story of her people and their struggls and for the first time a museum has been established to pay homage to the first generation of this nation. The oral histories, photographs, videos and interactive museum exhibits have all been culled from The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, and we cannot wait to share them with young and old alike!

The National History Museum is a place of introspection to understand who we are as a nation and where we come from.

Ace photographer, director and president of The Citizens Archive of Pakistan Amean J. has said:

The National History Museum in Lahore will remind us of the determination our forefathers had for independence; elderly will be reminded of the sacrifices they made during partition, youth will be inspired by the struggles and success to lead us forward and lastly, children will be motivated to envision a thriving future for Pakistan.

A state of the art museum and the first of its kind in the country will instigate pride in all generations and peoples of all walks of life.

Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Director General Mian Shakeel Ahmad said:

A landmark project of PHA, the National History Museum provides a unique opportunity to the public, especially the youth, to experience the creation of Pakistan, actively relate to historic national events, and celebrate the heroes and heroines who played a pivotal role in making the idea of Pakistan a reality.

Digital in nature, the museum is the first of its kind in the country. State-of-the-art technology has been used to ensure an interactive and immersive experience for visitors. Virtual reality, cinema, hologram, and an amphitheater are just some to remember of the exciting features of this museum that ensure a holistic experience for visitors.

The National History Museum takes you on a journey through the history of Pakistan. It commemorates major events leading up to the 1947 partition, including the Lahore Resolution and Gandhi-Jinnah talks, followed by the journey to Pakistan, which marks the largest migration ever witnessed. This side of the newly formed border of the sub-continent is brought to life; the switch from refugee to citizen, formation of the first Government of Pakistan, and emergence of Pakistan’s own unique identity via its popular culture and sports are all featured in the museum. The heroes and extraordinary women of this country are also celebrated in exhibits dedicated to them.

Set in the locales of the glorious Greater Iqbal Park, the museum is a unique and pioneering initiative which encourages visitors to actively engage with Pakistan’s diverse history and culture. Together, PHA and CAP aim to make the National History Museum a space of exploration, education and enjoyment, as a testament to our shared commitment to advancements in education, preservation of heritage and promotion of culture.