Your editorial “Lahore's colonial heritage” (June 30) is a timely reminder to the people of Lahore to wakeup and save their heritage from the rapacious and mindless bureaucracy bent on destroying the building of National Management College (NMC) and the national monument, in the name of development and at the same time an apt warning to those whose primary job is to preserve it.

The edifice of NMC, old Pakistan Administrative Staff College (PASC) was the former Punjab Club, built in 1904 — a fine example of Greco-Roman Architecture.

PASC was first established in 1960 during Ayub Khan's era to train officers at the senior management level.

Later on in 2002 during the tenure of the last principal and the present rector, the PASC was changed into the National School of Public Policy (NSPP).

No previous management ever tried to change the old magnificent structure of the main building facing the legendry 'Upper Mall'. Every effort was made to keep the grandeur of edifice intact.

However, by taking over the administration the present rector has started demolishing the old structure mercilessly, replacing with behemoth of concrete of cement.

The metropolis of Lahore, once famous for its gardens and magnificent buildings dating back to medieval times, is fast losing its glory to the avaricious builders' mafia, senseless bureaucracy and apathetic politicians.

The examples of the Lady Aitcheson Hospital, built in 1887, and Faletti's Hotel are sufficient to show how the authorities are desensitised to such an important issue.

The NMC historical building which is our national heritage has to be saved from demolition or defacement and preserved under all circumstances. It is a test case for the authorities concerned.

D. M. Baloch
Canada