The CDA has allotted 8.33 acres at Shakarparian for the Islamabad Museum, as a National Assembly panel urges funding in the 2026–27 budget to build a landmark national museum in the capital.
Islamabad Museum Land Allotted at Shakarparian
Islamabad has taken a concrete step towards establishing its own dedicated museum, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) allotting 8.33 acres of land at Shakarparian to the Department of Archaeology and Museums. According to officials, the site will be used for the construction of the Islamabad Museum, a long-awaited project aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s history, heritage and archaeological treasures in the federal capital.
The process of taking formal possession of the land from CDA is currently underway. Once completed, the site handover will allow the Department of Archaeology and Museums to move ahead with planning, design and phased development of the new facility. Shakarparian, already home to several cultural and national landmarks, is seen as a strategic location that can attract both local visitors and tourists.
NA Committee Backs Funding for National Museum Project
The update on land allotment was shared with the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture during its meeting held in the Constitution Room of the National Assembly Secretariat. The session was chaired by MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar and attended by members of the committee along with senior officials from the National Heritage and Culture Division.
After being briefed on the status of the Islamabad Museum project, the committee formally recommended that the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives allocate and release funds to the National Heritage and Culture Division for the construction of the National Museum of Pakistan in the Federal Budget for 2026–27. Members emphasised that without timely financial support, the project could face delays despite the land already being earmarked at a prime location in the capital.
The committee stressed the importance of securing a multi-year funding plan so that work on design, construction and exhibition planning can proceed smoothly. It also highlighted that a national-level museum in Islamabad would complement existing institutions in other cities and provide a central platform for preserving and presenting the country’s diverse cultural and historical assets.
Why Islamabad Needs a Dedicated National Museum
At present, many of Pakistan’s most important artefacts and collections are housed in museums located in Karachi, Lahore, Taxila and other historic centres. Lawmakers and heritage experts have long argued that the federal capital also requires a state-of-the-art museum that can host permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational programmes and international cultural collaborations.
A purpose-built Islamabad Museum would give schools, universities, researchers and tourists easier access to original objects, curated displays and interactive learning spaces. It is also expected to strengthen cultural tourism by offering visitors a single venue where they can explore Pakistan’s archaeological sites, freedom struggle, artistic traditions and regional identities under one roof. In addition, a modern museum complex at Shakarparian could serve as a hub for conferences, cultural festivals and heritage-related initiatives.
Committee members noted that investing in heritage infrastructure is not only about preserving the past but also about building a more informed and cohesive society. A well-designed museum can help younger generations connect with their roots, counter misinformation and present a positive image of Pakistan to the world.
Lok Virsa Amendment Bill Also Clears Key Hurdle
Alongside the Islamabad Museum update, the Standing Committee also took up legislative business related to the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, commonly known as Lok Virsa. The committee considered the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to update and strengthen the legal framework governing the institution.
After discussion, the panel unanimously approved all proposed amendments and recommended that the bill, as introduced, be passed by the National Assembly. Lawmakers said the changes are intended to enable Lok Virsa to work more effectively for the preservation, documentation and promotion of Pakistan’s folk traditions, crafts and intangible cultural heritage.
Taken together, the progress on the Islamabad Museum project and the Lok Virsa amendment bill signals a renewed focus on heritage and culture at the federal level. If funding is secured and timelines are met, Islamabad could soon see a major new museum rise at Shakarparian, while Lok Virsa operates under a modernised legal framework that better reflects its national role.
