Lahore: The milestone of Pakistan Movement, Minar-e-Pakistan is still waiting for its inauguration even after 45 years. Forty five years has been passed but the inauguration ceremony of Minar-e-Pakistan did not take place till this date. On 23rd march 1969 Minar-e-Pakistan was sanctioned by Lahore municipal administrator, Malik Mohammad Abdul Latif Khan, and it took place at the same site where Pakistan resolution was passed on 23rd March 1940 and where Quaid e Azam demanded for a separate homeland for the first time.
In 19 March 1960 the memorial foundation stone was laid by Governor of West Pakistan Akhter Hussain and its construction cost was estimated to 60 million rupees. Due to the unavailability and lack of funds the construction of the monument was kept on delaying. An additional tax was also imposed on cinema tickets and horse racing in order to collect the money. Later on its construction was halted from 1962-1964.
After duration of 9 years the construction of Minar-e-Pakistan was completed. On 31st October 1968 Minar-e-Pakistan was constructed at an estimated cost of 75 million rupees. However without its inauguration it was opened for the citizens on 23rd march 1969.