By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP) and Aga Khan University (AKU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the upgradation of the National Museum of Pakistan, one of the country’s principal institutions dedicated to preserving cultural, historical, and artistic heritage.
The MoU signing ceremony, held on 16 February 2026 in Karachi, formalised a collaborative framework between the two institutions aimed at strengthening the museum’s infrastructure, exhibition design, visitor engagement, and educational outreach.
Representing CAP at the ceremony were Patron-in-Chief Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, President Ahsan Najmi, Vice President Jahanzeb Awan, Board Member Reema Gani, Former President and Co-founder of CAP, Amean Jan, Heritage Architect and Researcher Marvi Mazhar, and artist and curator Sophia Balagamwala. AKU was represented by senior leadership and faculty members, including Vice Provost Anjum Halai.
Established in 1950 and located in Karachi, the National Museum of Pakistan serves as a key repository of the nation’s shared history. As museum practices evolve globally, the collaboration seeks to explore opportunities to enhance the museum’s physical spaces, curatorial approaches, and public programming in line with contemporary standards.
Under the terms of the MoU, AKU will provide technical guidance and institutional coordination for the upgradation process, drawing on its academic and research expertise. CAP will contribute its experience in exhibition development, oral history documentation, archival research, and community engagement initiatives. The collaboration is being undertaken alongside support from the Federal Government’s National Heritage and Culture Division and aims to strengthen the museum’s role as a dynamic cultural and educational space.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Patron-in-Chief, The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, said, “The National Museum of Pakistan has the potential to be far more than a repository of artifacts – it can be a living, breathing space that actively engages citizens, especially young people, in understanding their shared past. Museums should invite students in, spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and create opportunities for dialogue. This collaboration is about transforming the museum into a dynamic environment where people don’t just observe history, but connect with it, a place where they come to learn about their past and feel inspired to imagine and shape their future.”
Ahsan Najmi, President, The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, added, “The Citizens Archive of Pakistan has long been committed to documenting and amplifying the lived experiences that shape our national story. Through this collaboration, CAP will bring its expertise in oral history, participatory storytelling, and community engagement to support the upgradation of the National Museum of Pakistan. We look forward to working closely with our partners to help create a museum experience that is accessible, engaging, and reflective of the diverse voices that define Pakistan.”
Anjum Halai, Vice Provost, Aga Khan University, commented, “Museums play an important role in education in society through promoting an understanding of one’s culture and heritage. AKU is keen to harness this significant role of museums in the educational journey of its students. Faculty and students of the newly launched Faculty of Arts and Sciences will play a pivotal role in this project.”
The MoU reflects a shared commitment by CAP and AKU to reimagine the National Museum of Pakistan as an inclusive, research-driven, and audience-centered institution – one that preserves the past while engaging new generations in meaningful dialogue about Pakistan’s cultural identity.
