Construction work buries Sindh Assembly’s historic foundation stone

KARACHI: Construction work at the Sindh Assembly building has obscured the original foundation stone of the 86-year-old structure, raising concerns over alterations to a protected heritage site.

The two-storey assembly building dates back to the British colonial period. Its foundation stone was laid on March 11, 1940, by Sir Lancelot Graham, who was then the governor of Sindh under British rule, and the building was formally inaugurated in March 1943. The assembly also holds an important place in the country’s political history as the first legislature to adopt a resolution supporting the creation of Pakistan.

Protected heritage status

According to Abdul Fattah Shaikh, director general of archaeology and antiquities at the Sindh Culture Department, the Sindh Assembly building has been listed as protected cultural heritage since 2017. The building is among the structures declared protected cultural heritage by the provincial government.

Under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994, buildings of historical importance across the province were declared protected heritage sites. The law bars changes to the interior or exterior of such protected buildings. It also requires prior approval from a technical committee formed by the Culture Department if any construction work or modifications are considered unavoidable.

The Sindh Assembly administration did not obtain permission from the Culture Department’s technical committee before carrying out construction work inside and outside the building. The foundation stone was concealed after a brick-paved surface was built in front of the assembly building.

Concerns over preservation

The original inscription on the stone has become difficult to view or read after the recent work. The issue has prompted concern because the foundation stone is regarded as part of the building’s historical identity and significance.

It contacted Sindh Assembly Secretary G.M. Umar Farooq to ask why the required approval had not been obtained before the work was undertaken, but no response was received.

Renowned architect and Heritage Foundation of Pakistan head Yasmeen Lari said each part of a historic structure, especially one protected under heritage laws, must be preserved. She said the foundation stone is as important as the building itself because it records the structure’s age and the people associated with its construction.

"Even an ordinary stone from a historic building can hold immense significance, offering valuable insights into the period in which it was built. Civilised nations protect every aspect of their cultural and historical heritage with great care and commitment. Unfortunately, such heritage is often not given the importance it deserves in our country," Lari said.

The irony of the situation is that the law protecting such heritage sites was itself passed by the Sindh Assembly.