Chawkandi graveyard preservation: SHC questions utilisation of UNESCO, government funds for heritage site

Chief secretary, culture secretary have failed to file report since December, 2015

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed on Friday the secretary of the culture and heritage department to submit complete details of the funds provided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and the provincial government for the maintenance of the historic Chawkandi graveyard.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, sought such details by November 15.

This direction came after the hearing of a petition filed by Agha Syed Attallah Shah, who alleged that precious stones and carvings on the graves were being removed and unauthorised constructions were taking place.



The Chawkandi graveyard, located on the National Highway over nearly 57 acres of land, is one of the country's most significant national heritage sites.

According to Shah, some influential men were stealing the carved precious stones from the graveyard for their personal use. The last resting place of famous tribal personalities was being illegally occupied by influential people who want to construct hotels, houses and offices of truck stands, he added.

The petitioner complained that the provincial chief secretary and culture secretary, who are legally bound under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994 and the National Fund for Cultural Heritage Ordinance to preserve national heritage sites, have failed to act against those responsible for losses to the heritage site.



"The graveyard is in a dilapidated condition," said Shah, pleading the court to direct the authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the graveyard.

In December, 2015, judges had called for reports from the chief secretary and the culture secretary on efforts being made for the preservation of the site. They were also asked to file a plan showing the area of the site and explain whether any part of the land is being encroached upon.

Taking up the matter on Friday, the judges came down hard on the secretaries for not filing their reports despite the lapse of two years.



The bench directed them to file the reports, mentioning the total amount of funds received from Unesco and the provincial government for the purpose of maintenance and preservation of the graveyard.

The hearing was adjourned till November 15.