The Sindh Cultural Heritage Act 1994 awarded the status of protected heritage to hundreds of buildings in Karachi, banning any construction, demolition, renovation of these sites by their respective owners.
In their assessment of these buildings, the advisory committee not only failed to properly show the historical or political significance of most of these sites but also did not use proper judgement in assessing their condition.
Most of the protected sites are in the busy business and market areas of Karachi.
Their condition, over the years, has deteriorated and most are dilapidated and require demolition. The aftermath of the earthquake hit Northern areas though devastating has taught us a valuable lesson, that human life is above and beyond cultural heritage.
In the light of the recent occurrences of the earthquake, I believe that these protected heritage sites are like ticking time bombs posing a great threat to the occupants as well as neighbours.
I appeal to the government, that the Sindh Cultural Heritage Act be suspended and all buildings classified as protected heritage may be evaluated in terms of wear and tear and their present condition, and all those that are even in a slightly poor condition ordered to be demolished or renovated with the consent of their owners and occupants.