KHAIRPUR, April 20 At last, the authorities have awakened to repair/re-construct the Sachal Academy's auditorium which was used for cultural and literary activities before being damaged in Dec 2007 riots.

After the assassination of PPP leader Ms Benazir Bhutto on Dec 27, 2007, enraged people set ablaze the interior part of the auditorium as a result seats and stage were reduced to ashes.

The centrally air-conditioned auditorium had a capacity of 350 seats in a double storey hall, one for men and the other for women. The beautiful auditorium had been the only such place in Khairpur and was used for different programmes — including stage dramas, literary conferences and concerts — particularly on occasion of the Urs celebrations of Sufi saint Sachal Sarmast.

The Sachal Sarmast Literary Conference used to be held at the auditorium every year.

However, after the Dec 2007 damage, literary and social welfare organisations and people of Khairpur and adjoining areas were deprived of the facility.

When contacted, Deputy Director, Sachal Academy, Khaliq Noonari, said that a tender regarding renovation of the academy's building had been approved two weeks ago, which also envisaged 20 air-conditioners for the building.