Images

Pakistani Twitter is outraged over obstructions being constructed at Karachi's Frere Hall

Pakistani Twitter is outraged over obstructions being constructed at Karachi's Frere Hall

Netizens call out the "privatisation" of the public space that widens "class disparity" and is destroying Frere Hall's beauty.
20 Jun, 2022

Frere Hall, known for being an unbarred space that welcomes all, is undergoing construction that will allegedly fence the public gardens and netizens are not happy about this development.

A Sunday escape, a book lover's haven, a family's go-to picnic spot — Frere Hall is a space that may not change in form but it means many different things to different people. Recently, construction began on the Abdullah Haroon Road side of the famous city landmark. People believe a gate is being constructed and staged a protest on Sunday.

Chanting slogans against the "poor" decision of building gates, protesters held up banners and placards in red with the words "No Fence" and "Say No to Frere Hall Gate" written in bold black.

The reaction is not limited to the in-person protest — Pakistani Twitter is full of backlash by netizens enraged by the decision. They are calling out the clear "privatisation" of the public space that not only widens "class disparity" but is also a "visual obstruction" in Frere Hall's beauty.

Architect and Pakistan Chowk Community Centre Director Marvi Mazhar addressed the issue and stressed on the importance of the citizens' involvement in public design the way mega cities do. "Government officials must focus on infrastructural issues and not on beautification of the city from their lens," she said.

Karachi's Administrator Murtaza Wahab denied that gates were being placed.

However, the argument that it isn't a gate but some other sort of construction was already addressed by Mazhar, who said no matter what the obstruction is, the input of the public is required before undertaking any project.

Many Twitter users, including lawyer Jibran Nasir, tagged Wahab and pointed out how public spaces seem to move towards "limited right of access for ordinary citizens and a sense of exclusivity for the elite".

Academic Nida Kirmani asked Wahab to "listen to citizens’ voices" instead of "the interests of private capital".

Designer Maheen Khan remarked how there are graver issues that need attention such as the "GARBAGE SYSTEM, the open storm water drains and the choked sewerage".

Former OUP Pakistan managing director Ameena Saiyid asked the Sindh government to put a stop to this.

Netizens talked about the citizens' right to have "unobstructed entry to public parks".

Some pointed out how crucial "inclusive and green open spaces" are to people's well-being.

An 80-year-old user recalled his childhood memories associated with Frere Hall, saying "this monstrosity must be stopped".

Not only are netizens angry about the resultant class disparity, but also how "ugly" the obstruction looks, tainting the historic building's beauty.

What's your take on the construction?

Comments

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jun 20, 2022 02:31pm
What a grim, grisly, gruesome, grave and great tragedy?
Recommend (0)
M. Saeed Jun 20, 2022 02:34pm
Who is the person so cruel,who ordered eroding the most prominent insignia of Karachi from view?
Recommend (0)
Tom Jun 20, 2022 02:55pm
Yeah but that does not mean that rif Raf come and create new sense and disturb families home less people shitting all around the garden and also scooters parked in the garden because they don't want to pay parking fees and enter from sides
Recommend (0)
Taimurkhalidmalik Jun 20, 2022 03:07pm
I'm not a resident of Karachi but visited frere hall months ago. While reading this article I feel aching in my stomach. Frere hall is literally a very good looking place open and accessible from all sides.
Recommend (0)
Fareed Jun 20, 2022 03:27pm
It looks so ugly and hideous from every angle and aspect.
Recommend (0)
Fast comment Jun 20, 2022 03:32pm
There’s something fishy. Adjacent to Frere Hall is Sind Club, And it’s a prime location. Behind the curtain maybe some notorious property tycoon again in bargaining stage with feudal Sindh rulers for a big deal. In a very perpetual meditated plan things are moving fast in Sindh. Karachi has different culture and mode, quite different from rural dwellers, the mega city needs strong genuine local government to manage Karachi.
Recommend (0)
Hassan Jun 20, 2022 03:44pm
Dear Supreme court, please wake up now or it will be too late like Nasla towers!
Recommend (0)
jimmy Jun 20, 2022 08:07pm
I don’t live in Karachi anymore.. but visited KHI last year after a long time and noticed that frere hall park was still an open place.. it instantly brought back all my childhood memories from the early 80’s when my dad used to take us there.. Oh Well this is Karachi and her corrupt administration. Everything should be locked down and everyone should be locked up. Sad to see KHI being systematically crushed.
Recommend (0)
abby Jun 21, 2022 01:28am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Do you have nothing better to do than write the same comment on every article on multiple websites?
Recommend (0)