Jinnah House opens for public after arson

Citizens view burnt walls and debris of the founder of Pakistan’s residence

LAHORE:

Jinnah House, the residence of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has been opened to the public in Lahore's Cantonment area.

The house, which was destroyed during riots, has been a topic of debate among historians and activists. Many visitors expressed grief after watching the burnt walls and piles of debris, which are remnants of the devastating event.

Many citizens, including students from a local university, visited the residence. The dilapidated and burnt walls, broken floors and piles of debris of Jinnah House told the story of destruction and devastation.

A student of the Garrison University, Aqsa Liaquat, said she had come to the Jinnah House for the first time and had felt very sad to see the scenes. "What can be more shameful than that we have burned the souvenirs of our leader," she added. Similar sentiments were shared by Bisma Tariq who said that the way the Quaid-i-Azam's residence had been destroyed was shameful for all Pakistanis.

A young man, Hasaan Tariq, said there should have been a peaceful protest. "It is sad and condemnable to damage one's own property by arson in this way," he added.

The citizens, especially the youth, expressed concerns about the current state of the country. "We are not a nation at this time but have been divided into mobs and groups who are destroying this country for their own interests. All this is done for politicians who do not care about this country. We can only pray to Allah to protect this country and the army," they added. Some female students had tears in their eyes.

A briefing was given to the visitors about how miscreants had entered the premises and how the destruction had taken place.

They were informed that the Quaid-i-Azam had bought the residence from Lala Mohanlal in 1943 but could not settle here due to his busy schedule. Historical references show that the founder of Pakistan stayed here only for a few hours.

The miscreants also burned about 1,500 items attributed to the founder of Pakistan, including rare photographs.

The citizens recorded their impressions in a book. Some artefacts, including half-burnt photos of the leader, were placed on a table.

The visitors placed flowers in front of a picture of the Quaid-i-Azam and prayed for peace and security in the country. A Punjab Forensic Science Agency team and other government officials also inspected the premises.

The government has allowed citizens to visit the house during specific times in the morning and evening.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2023.