Minar-e-Pakistan is Pakistan’s national monument, a slender white tower rising about 70 m above Greater Iqbal Park in Lahore. It marks the spot where the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940, the first formal call for a separate homeland that led to Pakistan.
This guide focuses on the tower itself, its symbolism and its inscriptions. For the gardens, lake and family attractions around it, see our guide to Greater Iqbal Park.
Plan your visit to Minar-e-Pakistan
- Entry: small park entry fee
- Park open morning to late evening
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes
History of Minar-e-Pakistan
The Lahore Resolution, moved by A. K. Fazlul Huq, was adopted during the Muslim League session held in what was then Minto Park, later renamed Iqbal Park. Twenty years later, on 23 March 1960, the foundation stone of the monument was laid, and the tower was completed on 22 March 1968.
It was designed by the Russian-born Pakistani architect Nasreddin Murat-Khan and funded largely through an extra tax on cinema and horse-racing tickets. Today it is the backdrop to Pakistan Day celebrations every 23 March and to many large public gatherings.
Attractions at Minar-e-Pakistan
- The tower: a 62 m shaft on an 8 m base, opening out at the bottom like a flower.
- Four platforms: built in rough Taxila stone, hammer-dressed stone, chiselled stone and finally polished white marble, symbolising the struggle for independence from humble beginnings to success.
- Marble inscriptions: plaques carry the Lahore Resolution in Urdu, Bengali and English, the 1946 Delhi Resolution, the national anthem, Quranic verses, the 99 names of Allah, and words by Jinnah and Iqbal.
- Setting: the monument stands just north of the Lahore Fort, with the Badshahi Mosque in view.
Things to Do at Minar-e-Pakistan
- Read the inscriptions: walk around the base to see the texts of the resolutions and the national anthem.
- Photograph the tower: it is especially striking when lit up at night.
- Visit on Pakistan Day: 23 March brings flags, ceremonies and crowds (expect security checks and closures).
- Explore the park: stroll the lawns and paths of Greater Iqbal Park around the monument.
Note that the stairs and lift to the top of the tower have been closed to the public for many years.
Minar-e-Pakistan – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Entry: access is through Greater Iqbal Park, which charges a small entry fee.
- Hours: the park is generally open from morning until late evening; check locally, as it can close for events, rallies and security reasons.
How Long to Spend at Minar-e-Pakistan
Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the monument itself, or 1 to 2 hours if you also walk around the park.
How to Get There
- By air: Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) is roughly 15 to 20 km away; a taxi or ride-hailing car takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
- By Metro Bus: the Lahore Metrobus stops at Azadi Chowk, right beside Greater Iqbal Park.
- By train: Lahore Junction railway station is about 3 km away, a short rickshaw or ride-hailing trip.
- On foot: from the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque it is a short walk north-west.
Eateries Nearby Minar-e-Pakistan
- Fort Road Food Street: rooftop restaurants with views of the Badshahi Mosque, a short ride or walk away.
- Walled City food: traditional Lahori dishes such as nihari, paye and kebabs in the old bazaars nearby.
Other Attractions Nearby Minar-e-Pakistan
- Greater Iqbal Park: the large public park that surrounds the monument.
- Badshahi Mosque: Aurangzeb’s great Mughal mosque.
- Lahore Fort: the UNESCO-listed Mughal citadel just south of the park.
- Walled City of Lahore: historic gates, bazaars and havelis.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Lahore: staying near the Walled City or Gulberg keeps the old town within an easy ride.
- Get a Pakistan eSIM before you land (foreign phones may need PTA registration for long stays).
Minar-e-Pakistan marks the place where the Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940 and is one of the country’s most important national symbols. Completed in 1968, its stepped platforms and marble inscriptions tell the story of the independence movement.
Combine a visit with a walk through Greater Iqbal Park and the nearby Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort.
