National Monument, Islamabad
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| National Monument | |
| Image:National Monument Islamabad.jpg National Monument, Islamabad in May 2007 | |
| Building | |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Location | Image:Flag of Pakistan.svg Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Coordinates | |
| Construction | |
| Started | May 25, 2004 |
| Completed | March 23, 2007 |
| Design Team | |
| Architect | Arif Masoud |
The National Monument in Islamabad, Pakistan is a national monument representing the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan. After a competition among many renowned architects, Arif Masood’s plan was selected for the final design. The blooming flower shape of the monument represents Pakistan's progress as a rapidly developing country. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces (Balochistan, North West Frontier Province, Punjab, and Sindh), while the three smaller petals represent the Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
The Monument has been designed to reflect the culture and civilization of the country and also depicts the story of the Pakistan Movement, dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves for future generations. The reddish granite marble used in the construction is an expensive but strong stone. There are several patches of lush green grass around the National Monument.
The reliefs on the inner sides of the petals give an overview of the history of Pakistan from the oldest civilizations of the Indus valley.
From air the monument looks like a star (center) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals), these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan's flag.
The monument is still in construction and presently became a favorite commune place for citizens of Islamabad.
