Citizens stage protest against gates, entry fee at Frere Hall

Despite SHC orders, entrance doors have not been demolished

KARACHI:

 Citizens held a protest against the construction of arches at the entrance and the collection of entrance fee at the British-era heritage site, Frere Hall.

 The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the demolition of the doors at the entrance of the Hall on a petition by architect Marvi Mazhar.

 The court declared the move a violation of rules by the government.

 Despite the court orders, the structure of the gate has not yet been demolished.

 At the protest, the protestors demanded the removal of the structures and the withdrawal of illegal fee collection from visitors imposed by the Sindh government.

 The protestors said that the beauty of the historical building is being ruined by constructing doors.

 A number of women, children, and senior citizens were present at the protest.

 The protestors said that the unrestricted arrival of citizens in the park is a legal right of the citizens and the Sindh government is depriving them of this right.

 The protestor said that even after the court orders, the visiting citizens are forced to pay a fee as parking charges while the parking staff does not have any official identity card.