Mohatta Palace
A controversy has erupted over the historic Mohatta Palace in Karachi where Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah resided till her death after independence. A court decision allowing the setting up of a medical and dental college for girls, hospital and hostels in the building has given rise to excitement in public quarters. Some relatives of the Madar-e-Millat had filed a petition in a court for establishing a medical college in the building citing what they called the will of the Mohtarma.
During the previous hearing of the case, both the plaintiffs and defendants had agreed to implement the Mohtarma’s wish. However, the building has historical and emotional value. In 1994, the Sindh government bought the property with the consent of legal heirs of the late Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and converted it into a museum. Now members of civil society are supporting the continuation of the museum in the building.
The museum preserves national and provincial history. There are on display objects from antiquity to modern times in the museum showing the continuity of Sindh’s history and the development of culture through various phases of history. It has emotional value with regard to Pakistan’s recent history since an important participant of the Pakistan Movement lived here for long and launched her campaign for the presidential election in 1965.
The building has acquired an added significance as a public cultural space in Karachi. The site also serves as a venue for conferences and cultural events attended by dignitaries and practitioners of art and culture, thereby preserving and promoting history, art and culture. It is also being claimed by civil society that since the building is a protected heritage site, new constructions cannot be carried out within its premises; it has no capacity to house a college and hostels.
The Sindh government has decided to challenge the court decision. The matter, being sub judice, constrains much comment. Nevertheless, in many countries houses of dignitaries, scientists, writers and poets are preserved in the original shape for the benefit of posterity.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2021.
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