Pakistan Museum of Natural History — Attraction in Zone III

Established in 1976,is a public natural history museum situated in Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan.

It has exhibits and galleries which display and provide information about the ecology, geology, and paleontology of the country. Currently, the museum houses a collection of over 600,000 objects.The museum also acts as a research center and works closely with the Lok Virsa Museum. The museum is open to public everyday, except for Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm.The museum is managed by the Pakistan Science Foundation, under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Biological gallery - displays and discusses wild flora and fauna, portrayed in their respective habitats. Ecological gallery - an educational section where ecological cycles, habitats and environmental problems are discussed through visuals and audios. Gemstones gallery - shows a variety of gems in-the-raw as well as cut and polished forms. Palaeontology gallery - displays fossils along with their studies. Anthropology is also discussed through paintings and writings, including a skull of Australopithecus. Wall paintings depict the pre-historic era. Tethys gallery - provides information about oceanology, petrology, pedology and mineralogy of Pakistan. It displays a three-dimensional diorama of seascapes as well as a skeleton of a whale. Different aspects of the Salt Range are also studied in detail. Virtual Orientation Gallery - it allows visitors to take virtual tours of all the above galleries without actually walking around the entire museum. This new gallery was introduced in 2016.

PMNH acquired a large whale shark which landed at Karachi Fish Harbour in 2012, according to PMNH. This whale shark had a length of about 40 feet (12 m) and weighed 16 tonnes. Its liver weighed about 800 kg (1,800 lb), the stomach was about 600 kg (1,300 lb), and the ovary had a weight of 120 kg (260 lb) and had about 1500 eggs. The shark was seen on February 6, 2012, in the Gora Bari area, in the Pakistani territory of the Arabian Sea, by local fishermen.According to them, it was alive at that time but died before they started hauling it towards the sea shore. The fish was brought to Karachi Fish Harbour on February 7, 2012, and auctioned for Rs. 200,000. The Museum bought this shark and mounted it as a dried specimen. However, due to the lack of professional taxidermy skills and poor maintenance, the specimen is perishing quickly, despite being repainted and repaired...

Disappointing Experience at the Pakistan Museum of Natural History

I recently visited the Pakistan Museum of Natural History with great anticipation, hoping to immerse myself in a world of fascinating exhibits and gain valuable insights into the natural history of the region. However, my experience left much to be desired due to poor management and several shortcomings within the museum.

First and foremost, the museum's management was lacking. The organization and flow of the exhibits were poorly planned, resulting in a chaotic and overwhelming atmosphere. The lack of clear directions and signage made it difficult to navigate through the museum, and the staff was missing for assistance.

One of the major issues I encountered was the overwhelming crowds. The museum was packed with visitors, making it challenging to fully appreciate the exhibits or read the information panels. The noise level was too high, and the constant jostling and pushing diminished the overall experience. A well-managed museum should implement crowd control measures to ensure that visitors can enjoy the exhibits without feeling overwhelmed.

Moreover, the building itself was poorly designed, lacking proper ventilation and air circulation. The lack of fresh air made the museum feel stuffy and uncomfortable, especially given the large number of visitors. It was difficult to spend a significant amount of time in the exhibits due to the inadequate airflow and lack of a comfortable environment.

Another significant drawback was the insufficient amount of information provided. The exhibits lacked detailed descriptions and context, leaving visitors to rely on their own knowledge or interpretation. Clearer signage and informative labels would greatly enhance the educational value of the museum, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the natural history topics presented.

Overall, my visit to the Pakistan Museum of Natural History was a disappointing experience. The museum's poor management, overcrowding, uncomfortable environment, lack of proper ventilation, and insufficient information significantly detracted from what could have been a captivating and educational visit. It is my hope that the museum's management takes these criticisms constructively and works towards improving the overall visitor experience for the sake of promoting knowledge and appreciation of Pakistan's...

The Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) is a national museum located in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. It was established in 1976 with the aim of promoting the study and understanding of natural history, including the country's flora, fauna, and geology.

The PMNH is housed in a modern building that was designed by Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada and completed in 1979. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits and displays that are designed to educate and engage visitors of all ages.

The museum's collection includes specimens of plants, animals, and minerals from around Pakistan, as well as a range of cultural and historical artifacts. Some of the highlights of the collection include fossils of dinosaurs and other ancient animals, as well as minerals and rocks from around the country.

One of the main attractions of the PMNH is the Hall of Evolution, which traces the evolution of life on Earth from the earliest single-celled organisms to modern humans. The hall features a range of interactive exhibits and displays, including a life-size model of a T-Rex dinosaur and a replica of a human skeleton.

In addition to its exhibits on natural history, the PMNH also has a number of displays that focus on cultural and historical topics. The museum's cultural exhibits showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of Pakistan, including traditional dress, jewelry, and handicrafts. The museum's historical exhibits focus on the history of the country, including its ancient civilizations and its role in modern international politics.

In addition to its exhibits, the PMNH also has a number of educational programs and resources available to visitors. The museum offers guided tours, workshops, and lectures on a variety of topics related to natural history and the environment. The PMNH also has a library and research center that is open to the public, as well as a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and educational materials.

Overall, the Pakistan Museum of Natural History is a fascinating and educational destination for people of all ages. Its wide range of exhibits and resources make it a great place to learn about the natural world and the rich cultural and historical...