HYDERABAD, Aug 22: The Balmaki Hindus of Hyderabad have expressed concern over the theft of an historic photograph of their late leader Chandar Balmaki from the Frere Hall, Karachi, and urged the authorities to ensure that photograph is recovered.

Speaking at a news conference at the press club here on Wednesday, Ashok Balmaki, grand son of Chandar Balmaki, councillor Chundi Lal Balmaki and others said that the photograph showed Chandra Balmaki hoisting Pakistani flag on the historic building of Nawal Rai Market on Aug 14, 1947. They said that Chandar Balmaki also raised Pakistani flag on the gate of Pakka Qila where he had led a procession to celebrate the creation of Pakistan.

They said that the photograph was displayed at a museum in the Frere Hall to highlight contribution of Balmaki Hindus in the struggle for Pakistan. They said that the photograph was stolen when the articles kept at the museum were being transferred to National Museum.

They said that the photograph was of historical value for the Balmaki Hindus of Pakistan.

They said that the then Sindh chief minister Mohammad Ayoub Khuhro had awarded a commendatory certificate and cash prize to Chandar Balmaki for his love of Pakistan. They demanded recovery of the stolen photograph and renewal of official recognition of the services rendered by Chandar Balmaki for Pakistan.