In this session, the historical position of Mohatta Palace was brought under light at length regarding its construction, and historic importance in Sindh, for, the building had been the residence of Ms. Fatima Jinnah, Moreover, Sindh High Court’s decision converting the building in a college was discussed as well, and various other aspects of prestigious building were discussed in the session.
Abdul Hamid Akhund, the Director of Mohatta Palace, told the session about how Sindh Government bought the historical palace and how much money was spent on buying the Palace. He further said that due to differences between the trustees of Ms. Fatima Jinnah and Ms. Shireen Jinnah, this palace had remained closed for a long period. Due to that reason, the Palace couldn’t remain in good shape. After which there was a demand from the known parties that the Palace must be restored.
The Government of Sindh in its request to the High Court expressed its interest in buying the palace. Accepting the request, the High Court determined the price of the building which was around 80 million rupees. Due to lack of money, the Sindh Government could not buy it. When Mahmood Haroon became the Governor of Sindh and the then Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto visited the Governor’s House. She was briefed about Mohatta Palace and then expressed her interest that Sindh Government ought to buy it. Benazir Bhutto asked about money required for purchasing. She was told about the amount set.
She said that the governor had money in the “save referral fund”. Following that the Sindh Government was given amount fixed, which was deposited in the Sindh High Court. He further said that the heritage building was purchased on the order of the honorable SHC in 1995 with the consent of all the parties and the entire amount was deposited in Sindh High Court, Karachi. He was of the view that there was a malicious class that was making conspiracies to create controversy against the Mohatta Palace.
Renowned Architect Arif Hasan said, Mohatta Palace was a declared national heritage, no change could be be made to it under the law, and any college or educational institution built there would be illegal. Curator Director of Mohatta Palace, Nasreen Askari said, Mohatta Palace Museum was established in 1998. Since then, 28 International level exhibitions have been held till the date. She added, many people from the country and abroad were visiting the Palace. Shahab Usto, a lawyer in the Mohatta Palace case, said that under the Court Order, the Sindh Government had bought the Mohatta Palace in 1995 as per the record, there was no doubt about it.
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19 сен 2024
