Aga Khan University and federal government join hands to modernize National Museum of Pakistan
KARACHI: In a major step toward preserving and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage, the Aga Khan University (AKU) has partnered with the Federal Ministry of National Heritage and Culture to upgrade the National Museum of Pakistan. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony held at the AKU campus in Karachi.
The event was attended by Mr Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Honourable Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, along with senior leadership from AKU, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Aurangzeb Khan Khichi emphasized the national importance of the initiative. He said Pakistan’s cultural heritage is the foundation of its national identity and a source of pride for its people. He noted that the collaboration with the Aga Khan University represents a transformative step in safeguarding this legacy, adding that revitalizing the National Museum of Pakistan would help create a world-class center of learning and inspiration for future generations.
The project aims to strengthen the museum through a comprehensive programme of institutional development, focusing on curatorial enhancement, improved stewardship of collections, and greater public engagement. Through this collaboration, the partners seek to expand the museum’s role in preserving, presenting, and sharing Pakistan’s history with wider and more diverse audiences.
To guide the initiative, an Advisory Committee has been established, co-chaired by Professor Anjum Halai, Vice Provost at AKU Pakistan, and Mr Aman Ullah, Director General of Archaeology and Museums. Professor Anjum Halai highlighted that museums play a critical educational role in society by promoting understanding of culture and heritage. She said students and faculty from AKU’s newly launched Faculty of Arts and Sciences would play a pivotal role in advancing the project.
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Under the partnership, AKU and other agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network will provide strategic, technical, and advisory support for the museum’s upgradation. The project will bring together historians from AKU’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, scholars from AKU’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations in London, and experts from AKU’s Department of Archives in a focused academic collaboration.
Dr Sulaiman Shabuddin, President of the Aga Khan University, reflected on the vision of His Late Highness the Aga Khan regarding culture and heritage. He noted that culture is a powerful source of pride that can inspire and unify a nation and present its best face to the world.
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Before the signing ceremony, leadership from AKU and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture visited the National Museum of Pakistan to review its libraries, storage facilities, cataloguing systems, and curatorial practices. The initiative is rooted in the belief that culture and the arts are essential for social cohesion, education, and improving quality of life for people in both urban and rural communities.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its cultural institutions and ensure that its rich historical legacy is preserved and shared for generations to come.
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