KARACHI: Members of civil society along with representatives of the Institute of Architects, Karachi chapter, arrived at Frere Hall Gardens on Sunday morning to register a strong protest over the construction of a 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 is a historic landmark of the city and its architectural elements should be conserved.

Architect and social activist Marvi Mazhar said: “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.”

While questioning the relevance of the gate, nature lover Tofiq Pasha Mooraj said: “Do we really need this gate? Just look what it has done! It has hidden the beautiful Frere Hall building. The entrance to the Frere Hall Gardens was meant to be broad according to the wishes of the designer of Frere Hall.”

Ambreen Kazim Thompson, a concerned citizen, said: “Karachiites are fed up of their public spaces being swallowed up by various mafias. To set up gates and charge tickets from people visiting Frere Gardens is criminal. The citizens have begun a petition and are filing a suit at the high court.”

Other protestors were also of the view that the Frere Hall Gardens serve as a public space that have 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.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2022