THIS refers to Frere Hall, its historic park and the buildings that house a library and an art gallery. The park has been allowed to rot, thanks to negligence and apathy of the staff.
They do nothing to restrain the motorcyclists and players from the surrounding katchi abadis who descend on the park everyday and play havoc with its lawns and atmosphere.
The designated parking areas are occupied by cricket players and part of the lawns by football players.
The result is the spoilage of the lawns and hazards for the vehicles parked in the parking areas.
Women, children, old people and other visitors who come to walk and enjoy fresh air face risks to their life and limb by motorcyclists who drive freely in the park even on the pathways meant for walk and jog.
The motorcyclists pollute the atmosphere with their poisonous exhaust. Even one-wheeling is sometimes witnessed.
The historic Frere Hall building and the library present a pathetic picture because of lack of maintenance. One finds books, many of which rare and invaluable for researchers, gathering dust. Readers seem to have stopped frequenting this once popular library because of the appalling conditions.
The authorities concerned should look into the affairs of the park and stop the misuse of the park as a playground and race venue for motorcyclists.
Likewise, the lawns and the library should be restored to their former glory.
S.H. Zaidi
Karachi
Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2018
