THE story of Sindh’s past is not confined to books; it lives in the buildings that stand as witnesses to earlier administrative and social orders. One such structure is the historic Mukhtiarkar Office in Naushahro Feroze constructed in 1893 during the British era. It once represented an organised revenue system and a true one-window administrative model, housing not only the revenue office, but also a sub-jail, treasury, record rooms and residential quarters.

The structure was set ablaze during the violent riots in the wake of the assassi-nation of Benazir Bhutto in 2007. No meaningful restoration has taken place in all these years.

Globally, nations invest in preserving their heritage. Centuries-old administrative buildings and even former prisons are restored and repurposed into museums and cultural centres. Such efforts not only safeguard history, but also strengthen collective identity. Unfortunately, the approach here appears to be the opposite.

This is not merely about one building; it is about our attitude towards history, identity and responsibility. The govern-ment must act without further delay. The historic structure should immediately be declared a protected heritage site, and a dedicated renovation and conservation budget must be released for its restoration.

Dr Abdul Qadeer Memon
Naushahro Feroze

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026