The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday barred the Karachi administration from making new constructions at Frere Hall and other heritage sites.
The court was presiding over a civil suit filed by architect and social activist Marvi Mazhar through lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir against new construction at historic heritage sites. The petition said that as per the law, new construction could not be carried out at heritage sites.
The SHC expressed anger at the new erections at Frere Hall and other heritage sites. Issuing a show-cause notice to Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab, the court summoned a report from him on fresh construction activity within the bounds of Frere Hall and barred him from carrying out similar activities at other such locations.
The court also ordered the demolition of a new gate being built at Frere Hall, observing that damaging historic sites and cultural heritage was intolerable.
On Sunday morning, members of civil society along with representatives of the Institute of Architects, Karachi chapter, had held a protest at Frere Hall Gardens over the construction of the gate and fence on the Abdullah Haroon Road side of the famous city landmark.
Chanting slogans against the ‘poor’ decision of building gates, protesters held up banners and placards in red with the words ‘No Fence’ and ‘Say No to Frere Hall Gate’ written in bold black.
All were of the view that the park was a historic landmark of the city and its architectural elements should be conserved.
“Frere Hall is one of the most democratic, interactive and well utilised public spaces for all classes in Karachi. The neoliberal decision of fencing, gate installation, arching is an act of obstruction,” Mazhar had said.
Other protestors were also of the view that the Frere Hall Gardens served as a public space that has been open and welcoming to the citizens of Karachi. The aesthetics of the ongoing structures are not aligned with the architecture of the hall and they requested restoration and preservation of the original features of Frere Hall Gardens.