KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that the renovation of Khaliq Dina Hall is a continuation of efforts to restore historical buildings to their original condition.

Karachi has a glorious past, which must be introduced to the younger generation. In the past, projects were also initiated under public-private partnerships, and the construction of this hall was funded by a Karachi citizen, Seth Khaliq Dina.

The renovation of this hall has been funded by the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund. Khaliq Dina Hall also played a central role in the Pakistan Movement and the formation of Pakistan.  Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab expressed these views while inaugurating the renovated historic Khaliq Dina Hall located on M.A. Jinnah Road.

Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jumman Durwan, Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, Durrya Qazi, Saima Zaidi, and other relevant officials were also present on this occasion. 

The mayor said that after 118 years, the same spirit of construction has been revived, and some other citizens of Karachi want to contribute similarly.

We aim to preserve this historical heritage to inform future generations about how their forefathers envisioned this city. That's why structures like Frere Hall (built in 1865), the Karachi Metropolitan Building (constructed in 1932), and the Eduljee Dinshaw Dispensary (established in 1882) exist in Karachi.

When teaching students about the Khilafat Movement, they should visit this hall and learn how the British held court here to conduct sedition trials against Khilafat Movement leaders Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Shaukat Ali, and their associates, who were subsequently imprisoned for over two years.

Mayor Karachi announced that within the next two months, the renovation of another historic building, Denso Hall, will also be completed and opened to the public. He noted that these historical buildings were previously limited to the elite but are now being made accessible to the public. The library at Frere Hall has been reactivated, CSS students are being taught there, and book launches are being organized. 

Mayor highlighted that without commercial activities, such spaces cannot be preserved. Worldwide, such historical sites host commercial activities to generate funds for their maintenance and preservation. He urged the younger generation to take pride in their city's historical heritage and protect it. 

He further shared that in the first week of January, Karachi Medal awards will be presented in this historic hall to individuals who have served the city, as a gesture to recognize their contributions.

He emphasized the efforts to improve Karachi's image, stating that the continuous hosting of conferences, seminars, and festivals is evidence that the city is now peaceful and its vibrancy is being restored.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 16 2024

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