RAWALPINDI: Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) on Thursday hosted an interactive session with senior journalists from Rawalpindi and Islamabad to share its vision for preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage through the establishment of the Fatima Jinnah Gallery and Heritage Museum and the conservation of the historic Mohan Singh Haveli.
The meeting was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza (Pride of Performance, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), who presented the University’s comprehensive heritage conservation strategy and outlined ongoing efforts to transform the historic haveli into a museum and cultural archive while securing its statutory heritage protection.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza said the preservation of national heritage is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of academic institutions, government bodies, civil society, and the media. She emphasized that the proposed Fatima Jinnah Gallery and Heritage Museum would not only safeguard the University’s rich history but also serve as a center for education, research, and cultural engagement for future generations.
The Vice Chancellor gave a detailed briefing on the historical significance of Mohan Singh Haveli, the University’s conservation plans, and the adaptive reuse strategy designed to protect the architectural integrity of the heritage building while transforming it into a vibrant museum showcasing the legacy of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, the University’s evolution, and the region’s cultural history.
She informed the participants that the University is actively pursuing statutory protection for the historic structure to ensure its long-term preservation in accordance with national heritage conservation principles.
The session featured an extensive and thought-provoking discussion on heritage preservation, the role of universities in protecting historical assets, and the importance of documenting Pakistan’s cultural identity. Journalists exchanged views with the Vice Chancellor on various aspects of museum development, conservation challenges, public awareness, and the role of the media in promoting heritage initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza urged media professionals to highlight the University’s heritage conservation efforts on their respective platforms, describing the establishment of the Fatima Jinnah Gallery and Heritage Museum as a national cause. She said informed and responsible journalism can play a transformative role in creating public awareness and mobilizing support for the protection of Pakistan’s historical landmarks.
Responding to numerous questions from journalists, the Vice Chancellor elaborated on the University’s long-term vision, conservation roadmap, legal framework, and future plans for the museum project. Her detailed responses provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the initiative and its significance for heritage education and cultural preservation.
The participating journalists appreciated the University’s commitment to conserving one of Rawalpindi’s historically significant buildings and welcomed the initiative to establish the Fatima Jinnah Gallery and Heritage Museum. They acknowledged the importance of preserving the country’s cultural heritage and expressed their support for promoting the University’s efforts through responsible media coverage.
The interactive session concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the media and academia in preserving Pakistan’s historical and cultural legacy. Participants agreed that the successful conservation of Mohan Singh Haveli and the establishment of the proposed museum would serve as an important milestone in promoting heritage awareness and safeguarding the nation’s identity for generations to come.