By: Emad Siddiqui
The construction of a gate and a fence has been initiated at the Frere Hall Gardens on Abdullah Haroon Road which is being seen as the disruption of an aesthetic view of the heritage site, an architectural phenomenon, accessible to every citizen for free. Thus, the members of civil society alongside the representatives of the Institute of Architects, Karachi Chapter, arrived at the Frere Hall Gardens on 19 June 2022, in the morning to register a strong protest to voice their concern against the ‘criminal’ step.
Protestors held banners portraying their disapproval through slogans like ‘No Fence’ and ‘Say No to Frere Hall Gate’ written in bold black. There was excessive chanting against the decision throughout their sit-in.
A unanimous consensus was seen amongst the protestors that the park is a historic landmark of the city and its architectural elements should be conserved.
Architect and social activist Marvi Mazhar said: “Frere Hall is one of the most democratic, interactive, and well utilised public spaces for all classes in Karachi. The neoliberal decision of fencing, gate installation, arching is an act of obstruction.”
While questioning the relevance of the gate, nature lover Tofiq Pasha Mooraj raised the question: “Do we really need this gate? Just look what it has done! It has hidden the beautiful Frere Hall building. The entrance to the Frere Hall Gardens was meant to be broad according to the wishes of the designer of Frere Hall.”
Ambreen Kazim Thompson was concerned: “Karachiites are fed up with their public spaces being swallowed up by various mafias. To set up gates and charge tickets from people visiting Frere Gardens is criminal”.
There was also a very relevant view that the Frere Hall Gardens serve as a public space that has been open and welcoming to the citizens of Karachi and the aesthetics of the ongoing structures are not aligned with the architecture of the hall. Protestors demanded the restoration and preservation of the original features of the Frere Hall Gardens. The citizens have begun a petition and plan to file a suit at the high court.
