MULTAN: Multan Museum would be fully operational and open for the masses to have a peep into the way of life and history of their forefathers and the overall region, on or before June 2024.
Incharge Archaeology Department Bahawalpur, Muhammad Sajjad, who holds additional charge of Multan archaeology, said on Thursday that civil work is completed by over 90% and Buildings Department Multan is likely to hand over the building to the archaeology department in January 2024.
He, however, informed that completion of the project would largely depend on the release of funds amid financial constraints being faced by the country.
He said that once the museum is handed over to the archaeology department, a consultant would design the interior to decide placement of artifacts on pedestals or inside showcases to enable people to have a peep into the untold stories from ancient times. The three-dimensional display of history would reveal the saga of ages for the visitors, students or any other tourist.
Museum project’s cost
The project cost was earlier estimated at 80 million rupees, however, later, the price surge and dollar parity increased the cost. The project is now elikely to be completed at a cost of around 85 million rupees subject to the availability of funds, the official said adding that fund utilization stood at around 84%.
The rest of the amount would be utilized to complete the remaining civil work, installation of the security system and air conditioning system.
The museum is spread over 6 kanal areas at the foot of Qasim Fort mound along the waterworks road in the heart of the city. The building depicts traditional architecture with a main dome at the center and the facade is decorated with red brick and traditional tile panels in Kashikari with designs in blue to enhance its beauty.
