THE Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project in Karachi has caused much misery to people and serious damage to infrastructure across the University Road. Even the ‘globe’ monument is no exception. Constructed in 1964 on what today is called the New M.A. Jinnah Road, the structure has an iconic status in the city, but the city planners seem to be completely oblivious to any such status.

Despite repeated assurances and media attention regarding its preservation, no effective measures have so far been taken to protect the monument. The city mayor recently announced that the heavy concrete structure would be shifted by BRT project handlers to Hassan Square.

Previously, it was to be relocated to somewhere close to the National Stadium, with assurances that any damage would be repaired. The tragedy is that the structure has already suffered considerable damage at its original site. Its colour has faded, and the names of various countries inscribed on its surface have either disappeared already, or are disappearing fast. In recent weeks, the globe has been fenced off, and construction work has begun in the vicinity, raising concern that the structure may sustain further damage.

The government should take care of the monument before it gets damaged beyond repair, and Karachi loses one of its most iconic landmarks. People from all walks of life, especially educationists and architects, should step forward and collectively urge the provincial government in Sindh to preserve the structure.

Muhammad Hassan Abbasi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2026