Federal government has set aside Rs 14 million for the repair and rehabilitation of Iqbal Manzil (Sialkot) the birthplace of great philosopher and poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Official sources told Business Recorder on Thursday that under the programme special attention would be accorded on maintaining its originality and protecting it from further damage and rehabilitation work on Iqbal Manzil would be undertaken in near future sources added.
It may be added that cracks have been developed in the western wall of Iqbal Manzil and with every passing day the big cracks are developing rapidly which would ultimately further damage the building. Similarly, cracks have also been enlarging rapidly inside the building but concerned authorities were ignoring and reluctant to undertake its repair work promptly.
If the negligence of Archaeology department and other concerned authorities persists than Iqbal Manzil will collapse anytime which would be ridiculous and stigma on nation. The poor sewerage surrounding Iqbal Manzil Sialkot poses serious and permanent threat while seepage is also threatening the building structure especially the foundation. About 36 years back the house (birthplace of Allama) Sialkot was purchased by the federal government and placed it under the control of Archaeology department for its preservation as a historic place.
At the time of purchase of the house it was in a neglected condition and needed repairs and proper maintenance. Iqbal Manzil was renovated and properly furnished with a view to create an atmosphere of the old days when Allama lived in it. The structural repair was accordingly carried out to intact the shape and design of the building and three rooms at the rear of the present Iqbal Manzil have been furnished and decorated to create original environment, wooden furniture like takhts, beds, almirahs, wood chests and a cradle were also placed.
All these items are old and taken from the collection donated by the previous owners of the house. In order to provide more facilities to visitors to this historic house a library and reading rooms have been set up at Iqbal Manzil. The library consists of more than 5000 books mainly on Iqbal besides the works of the philosopher, poet and humanist besides Quran, Hadis, philosophy, history, literature, jurisprudence translation of Allama Iqbal's work.
The library was catering the needs of researchers, writers and students interested to study Iqbal's philosophy and thought. Immediate attention and timely action of district government and TMA Sialkot is direly needed for removing the encroachments and widening of the road to ensure the visitors especially diplomats and other foreigners to visit Iqbal Manzil without any hassle.