The federal government has established a formal partnership with Aga Khan University (AKU) for the comprehensive upgradation of the National Museum of Pakistan, a move described by officials as a “revolutionary step” for the preservation of the country’s cultural identity. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at a ceremony held at Aga Khan University, formalizing the collaboration aimed at transforming the museum into a world-class educational and cultural institution.
During the ceremony held on Monday, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, emphasized the importance of the project. “Our cultural heritage is the foundation of our national identity and a source of pride for all Pakistanis,” he said, adding that this mission aims to protect this heritage. He described the partnership as crucial for establishing a scholarly center that will present Pakistan’s history globally and promote national unity.
Mr. Khichi explained that through this initiative, the museum’s historical assets will be modernized to meet contemporary standards. The upgraded facility is envisioned as a premier educational institution for history students and the general public from across Pakistan, serving as a definitive source of authentic historical and cultural information.
The minister revealed that preliminary work on the project had begun two to three months before the formal agreement. A detailed estimate of the project’s total cost and completion period is expected by February 15. A major ceremony is planned to formally inaugurate the work on the museum premises after Eid al-Fitr.
An advisory committee has been established to oversee this extensive renovation project. The committee will be co-chaired by the Director General of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Amanullah, and the Vice Provost of Aga Khan University Pakistan, Professor Anjum Halai.
Under the terms of the MoU, AKU and other institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) will provide strategic, technical, and advisory support. The collaboration will also leverage the academic expertise of historians from the university’s Department of History and Archives, as well as the London-based Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations.
Prior to the signing of the agreement, a delegation from AKU and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) conducted a detailed assessment of the National Museum. The visit included a review of the institution’s libraries, cataloging procedures, current management of artifacts, and narrative presentation style.