HMC seeks to preserve 160-year-old records

The Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) has acknowledged the precarious state of the 160-year record of births and deaths of individuals born or died in Hyderabad during a period from 1841 to 2001.

Consequently, the HMC has sought assistance from the Sindh Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, and Archives Department for the preservation of these historical records.

Upon the directive of Mayor Kashif Shoro, Municipal Commissioner, Anees Ahmed Dasti, has sent a letter to the relevant provincial secretary requesting preservation efforts.

The letter states, "The municipal corporation used to maintain the record of deaths and births from the year 1841 to 2001 within the municipal limits of the corporation." It further emphasises the historical significance of these records and the need for their preservation.

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Hyderabad, the second-largest city in Sindh in terms of population, holds substantial cultural, historical, and geographical importance.

It serves as a centre for health, education, and trade. The jurisdiction of the HMC is deeply intertwined with the historical, cultural, and geographic heritage of the region.

In the past, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, and Tando Muhammad Khan, districts were also part of Hyderabad.

Since 2001, NADRA has been responsible for maintaining these records. Nevertheless, the HMC has continued to provide support and assistance to NADRA for this purpose.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2023.