C M Y K
ARCHI TIMES DECEMBER 2008
Mausoleum of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
at Garhi Khuda Bukhsh Bhutto
Former Prime Ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto
Waqar Akber Rizvi
Architect of the Mausoleum
By Ar. Syed Raza Abbas
OVER VIEW:
History dates back to 1979
when the great national leader
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was
laid to rest in Garhi Khuda
Bukhsh at Larkana, Sindh. This
place being little known at that
time is the ancestral graveyard of
"Bhutto Family".
As time passed, his daughter
Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir
Bhutto became prime minister of
Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
She had great affection and
respect for her father, who was
the leader of a progressive and
dynamic Pakistan. He was the
Architect of broken Pakistan, the
builder of a broken nation and
healer of broken hearts.
People in large number used
6 ARCHI TIMES DECEMBER 2008 7
ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE
THEME:
Site visits were carried out and the existing structure of
Ground level was carefully integrated in the design. It was decid-
ed to reinforce the existing structure and light weight structure to
be designed for main mausoleum so as not to load the existing
structure.
The main theme was derived from square and circle. Kaaba
is based on a perfect square whereas dome is an important fea-
to visit grave of Shaheed Zulfikar ture of Islamic Architecture. Raised on a square plan, having a
Ali Bhutto twice a year to pay main central dome and four smaller domes, the form was con-
their homage to the great leader. ceived having local touch and being true representation of
Realizing the legacy of Shaheed Islamic architecture master piece. Character of domes is based
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto being a very on a figure of 5 which represent 5 fundamentals and is a holy fig-
famous public figure, Shaheed ure in Islamic world. Modern onion dome was transformed, hav-
Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto con- ing a huge pedestal for Calas over the top of the dome, where as
ceived the idea of turning her the domes are resting on circular base itself. Domes structures
ancestral graveyard to a beautiful were made up of steel structure covered by light weight ferro
Mausoleum. Shaheed Muhtarma cement concrete.
Benazir Bhutto had the same THE MAUSOLEUM (MAIN BUIDLING)
great vision which was inherited If one looks at the building from a distance will have a feel that
to her by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali the building is shadowing not only neighborhood but the whole
Bhutto. There was an existing country. Its grandeur yet simplicity glorifies the place as flower in
building housing the graves of a field or pearls in the desert. Dating back to Islamic History and
Bhutto Family elders. monumental tombs, this monument could rightly be said "Taj of
The idea of making a Garhi Khuda Bukhsh" as it is said so by many.
Mausoleum was floated and com- Main access is from West to East Staircase. Front side has two
petition was held. A presentation more staircases whereas two staircases are provided from inside.
committee was formed headed by Yat-al-Kursi work front elivation with back ground Replica placement is in central sunken area under main dome and
Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir all around raised floors having hanging balconies & verandas at
Bhutto and competition was held all four corners for the visitors. The flooring is in super white
to select the best design in which marble, and 4'-6" marble dado and floral border all around.
National and International partic- External surface of the building is finished in super white
marble with a combination of golden marble. The architect got
ipants took part.
A total of 11 proposals were put the opportunity to give another presentation to Shaheed
Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto for the interior and artwork. Glazed
forwarded for review and approval.
Finally the proposal made by Arch. tiles based on Sindhi Hala type pattern were achieved and applied
in and outside of Mazar. Calligraphy and fresco work is also done
Waqar Akbar Rizvi was unani-
mously selected and approved by nicely on the basis of design format done by architect himself.
During her last visit to the Mausoleum, Shaheed Muhtarma
Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir
Benazir Bhutto sat down besides the grave of her father and did
Bhutto and presentation committee. Quran Khuwani. She appreciated the Architect and his team for
the wonderful design and wished that she should also be buried
there. Her wish came true soon and she, being the iconic symbol
of Bhutto family's pride and legacy has given a new height to the
Mausoleum of Bhuttos where now with her two brothers, four
Shaheeds are buried.
2ND PHASE (EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT)
58 acres of land were allocated around the Mausoleum. Upon
the directives of Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto, a main
entrance was developed in compound wall with two entrances
each on right and left side, again having a total of 5 entrances.
Each entrance is covered with a beautifully designed burj.
The compound is large enough to house huge gatherings on
anniversaries of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed
Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto. As you enter the compound from the
main entrance the central aisle leads to the main stage made for
public address on such occasions. This aisle is beautified with
fountains and eye catching colored pavements. The courtyards are
provided with pole lights and flower beds. The main mausoleum
building is highlighted by the use of flood lights mounted on high
rise towers to create a scenic view at night. The domes when
lighted create a dramatic effect.
Public toilets and allied facilities in ample numbers are pro-
vided for the visitors to cater for large gatherings. These toilets
are directly connected with the disposal system.
A helipad is provided in the near vicinity. Huge car parking spaces
are provided on right and left sides of the compound for visitors.
In and around compound, a large number of trees, grass,
flower beds and plants have been provided to make the space
more comfortable for the visitors.
The Complex which used to have large number of visitors on
the anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is expected to
receive mammoth crowd on the anniversary of Shaheed
Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto and keeping in view to facilitate such
large gatherings, shopping mall, guest house and hotel have been
provided which are under construction.
Impact due to this development is that it will upgrade the
neighborhood, ultimately the village Garhi Khuda Bukhsh will
turn into a sizeable city. So keeping in view the future needs, infra-
structure and road network have been developed accordingly.
Master Plan Site discussions between architect and mausoleum committee