Faizi Rahmeen Art Gallery yet to open doors

Government's lack of interest in polishing the city's cultural identity has delayed the completion of the initiative

KARACHI:

For over 35 years, art enthusiasts in Karachi and around the world have awaited the completion of the Faizi Rahmeen Art Gallery, a once-ambitious cultural project that remains unfinished in the heart of Pakistan's largest city.

According to details, the Faizi Rahmeen Art Gallery, located on M.R. Kiyani Road in Karachi, has remained incomplete since the past three decades. The project was initiated during the tenure of former MQM Mayor Dr Farooq Sattar, and by 1992, construction of a ground-plus-three-storey structure was completed. At the time, the estimated cost stood at Rs80 million.

Work was progressing rapidly until the launch of "Operation Clean-Up" against the MQM, which led to the dissolution of the elected local government system and brought the project to a halt. In the following era of administration-led governance, no further attention was paid to the gallery's completion.

A brief revival occurred in 2007, but work remained limited to the installation of glass panels and floor tiling. Even now, the building's core civil works are only about 70 per cent complete. A stage and a hall with seating for 1,800 people have been constructed but plastering and finishing work remain unfinished. Key elements such as electrical and mechanical systems, a revolving stage, and a professional sound system are still pending.

It is worth noting that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC)'s Culture, Recreation and Sports Department, affiliated with the Karachi Arts Council, office is at the site. This office was formerly the residence of renowned author Atiya Begum and her husband, the celebrated artist Faizi Rahmeen.

This legendary couple, devoted to the promotion of literature, art, and music, migrated to Karachi from India at the request of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at the time of Pakistan's founding. Following his instructions, this plot of land was allotted to them. Atiya's home in India was named Awan-e-Riffat, and the Karachi residence retained the same name, which endures to this day.

Before her death, Atiya Begum donated her home, the adjacent open plot, valuable paintings, garments, rare books, and other artefacts to KMC in trust with the explicit intention that an art gallery be established on the site. KMC subsequently set up its Culture, Sports and Recreation office at Awan-e-Riffat, along with a small library housing Atiya and Faizi Rahmeen's collection of books and a few displayed paintings. The Faizi Rahmeen Art Gallery is meant to be built on the same plot entrusted by Atiya Begum.

A senior officer from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the Faizi Rahmeen Art Gallery remained incomplete due to a lack of political priority given to arts, culture, or recreational activities for citizens.

"Those in power are primarily focused on constructing roads, bridges, and underpasses; projects that are highly visible and offer clear political gains by boosting vote banks. Just as road infrastructure is essential for the economy and transportation, cultural and sporting activities are vital for the intellectual and physical development of individuals. Since the land was donated in trust, only KMC has the mandate to complete this project. It cannot be transferred to any other entity," noted the official.

Meanwhile, Syed Mehdi Maluf Zaidi, Senior Director for Culture, Sports and Recreation at KMC, confirmed that the gallery project had been stalled for over three decades. "We now require an estimated amount of Rs1 billion to complete the project. Our team is preparing to submit the PC-1 proposal to senior authorities for approval. In the interim, we plan to organize an exhibition showcasing the paintings, garments, and rare artefacts of Atiya Begum and Faizi Rahmeen as soon as possible," said Zaidi.