AS reported by Dawn (Dec 31,2008), Multan Commisioner Syed Mohammad Ali Gardezi's statement that the historical Town Hall building will be handed over to the archaeology department reminds us of the days when bureaucrats were known for their penchant for art, literature, culture, archaeology and were keen to protect and promote culture and cultural heritage of a people and a region.

Mr Gardezi's resolve to establish a museum in the majestic historical building will certainly be welcome by the people of Multan who are still grieving over the demolition of the Commissioner House, known as the residence of the last ruler of Multan, Nawab Muzaffar Khan, and in its place construction of a commercial plaza-like building for Chaudhry Parvez Elahi Hospital of Cardiology, almost in one of the busiest areas of the city.

The Town Hall, also known as Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), was built in 1884 during the British Raj for municipal offices which are still working there. Ironically, in 1984, when its 100th anniversary should have been celebrated, the city fathers (mostly from business class) decided to demolish the building and construct a commercial market at its place. However, after a hue and cry by citizens of Multan, the corporation authorities refrained from implementing their decision. The Town Hall served as a centre for literary and cultural activities for decades and the first Seraiki mushaira in Multan was also held in this building in the early 1970s.

The people of Multan have been demanding a museum for preservation and promotion of their history and culture for a long time.

Late Makhdoom Sajjad Hussain Qureshi, during his governorship of the province, initiated a move to establish a museum and a number of sites, including Qila Kuhna (old fort), were visited by archaeology department officials but the move could not materialise.

Now, when the museum is going to be established, the important task for its curator and, of course, for the Commissioner Multan, will be to bring back historical and cultural treasures of Multan (including large paintings depicting Multanis' resistance against British forces in the streets of the city and now lying in the Lahore Museum) taken to Lahore during Sikh and British occupation when Multan was annexed to the Punjab province.

MAZHAR ARIF

Islamabad