KARACHI: Unknown thieves stole several antique items related to World War II from a Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) office inside Frere Hall during the Muharram holidays, it emerged on Saturday.

Five World War II memorial shields, a DVD player and a speaker were stolen from the office of the director general of the KMC’s parks department, according to an FIR lodged by a KMC official at the Artillery Maidan police station under Section 380 (Theft in dwelling house, etc) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The complainant, a deputy director of the KMC parks department, told the police that the DG office is situated inside Frere Hall on Fatima Jinnah Road. When it was reopened on July 7, staff found a broken window at the back of the office and upon inspection, the theft was discovered.

South DIG Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that an investigation had been launched. “Efforts are underway to arrest the suspects and recover the antiques,” he said, adding that CCTV footage was being reviewed to help identify the culprits.

He said the contractor under whose supervision the stolen items were kept in the room, has also been called for investigation. Further information is to be obtained from the director of DG Park, who has yet to appear, as well as from the complainant, who said he would visit on Monday.

In addition, local scrap markets within the Frere police remit have been checked and informants have been tasked accordingly. The DIG said a “breakthrough” was expected soon.

The DIG added that police had recently written a letter to KMC authorities regarding rising security concerns, including illegal vendors and frequent motorcycle thefts in and around Frere Hall.

“The park once meant for peaceful recreation, has now unfortunately become a hub of unlawful activities. Local residents and visitors are deeply concerned about a host of issues there,” the letter stated, adding: “There is no designated parking space, encouraging haphazard parking and facilitating theft.”

The police recommended the KMC to install CCTV cameras at strategic locations in and around the park to take action against any suspicious activity.

The KMC was also asked to ensure coordination with the local police station for regular patrolling in the area in order to curb crime and ensure public safety.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2025