The Sindh government has announced that entry to all provincial museums and heritage sites will be free for the public from August 1 to 14, as part of this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
The initiative, revealed by the Sindh Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives Department, aims to encourage citizens to explore the region’s rich history and culture.
This year’s festivities will be held under the theme “Marka-e-Haq,” commemorating Pakistan’s military response during Operation Banyanum Marsoos, following recent tensions with India. The theme reflects the nation’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The free entry offer covers a wide range of government-run museums, including the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum, Mohenjo Daro, Sindh Provincial Museum in Hyderabad, Folk and Craft Museum in Sehwan Sharif, Banbhore Museum near Thatta, Kot Diji Museum in Khairpur, and the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Museum in Larkana.
Additional sites such as Mukhi House, Umarkot Fort Museum, Naukot Fort Museum, Laar Museum Badin, Marvi Cultural Centre Bhalwa, Miskeen Jahan Khan Khoso, and Bhit Shah Cultural Centre are also included.
Visitors will also enjoy free access to archaeological and heritage landmarks like Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, Mohenjo-Daro, Bhanbhore, Kot Diji, Satiyyan Jo Astaan, Umarkot Fort, and Naukot Fort. The department has also announced a 50% discount on all official publications and books available at government bookstores, as well as complimentary entry to all tourist sites under its management.
The Archives Gallery in Karachi, which houses rare documents, manuscripts, and photographs, will be open to the public at no cost. Art lovers can also visit galleries such as Sambara Art Gallery in Karachi, Zafar Kazmi Art Gallery in Hyderabad, and Mehran Arts Council Gallery in Hyderabad for free during this period.
To add to the festive spirit, grand musical events featuring renowned Pakistani singers will be organized in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Karachi’s National Stadium. Tourist, cultural, and historical sites will be decorated with national flags and lights to mark the occasion.
The decision was made during a meeting led by Provincial Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, following directives from the Chief Minister of Sindh. Senior officials, including the Acting Secretary, Director General of Archaeology and Antiquities Abdul Fateh Sheikh, and Managing Director of Tourism Fayyaz Shah, were present.
Earlier this year, Sindh’s Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah emphasized the importance of promoting the province’s tourism potential, urging collaborative efforts for projects at Keenjher Lake, Haleji Lake, and Gorakh Hill Resort.