SHOULD a heritage building be transformed into a medical and dental college for women in memory of a strong advocate for girls’ education? Ms Fatima Jinnah had herself studied dentistry at a time when schooling eluded most of her gender in the subcontinent. In that context, and under the present circumstances where a large number of women still cannot access education, many would give preference to a place of learning. But an equally important question would be: when a landmark building such as Karachi’s Mohatta Palace has been painstakingly restored to house works of art and great beauty that reflect the country’s history and heritage, is it fair to alter its status? Especially when there is space enough in the city to establish more educational institutes and when cultural spots are far and few between? The palace was built by a Hindu merchant in the 1920s. After independence it housed the foreign affairs ministry and then became Ms Jinnah’s residence before passing on to her sister Shirin Bai who occupied it until her death in 1980. For years, it lay in a dilapidated state before finally being acquired by the Sindh government in the 1990s and converted into a museum.

However, a dispute between the two sisters’ relatives and trustees over the property had been pending since 1971. Last month, the Sindh High Court ordered the conversion of the premises into a dental college for women, in accordance with an agreement reached between the disputants. Waking up half a century later to the potential consequences of litigation, of which it must have been aware, the Sindh government is expected to challenge the order. Many legalities need to be sorted out and many questions require clear answers regarding the provincial government’s acquisition of a property in dispute in the first place. Meanwhile, as Mohatta awaits its fate, it is useful to recall that showcasing heritage helps build a sense of collective ownership. A women’s medical and dental college must be established but not inside the gates of Mohatta.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2021