As the world celebrates centenary of Saadat Hassan Manto (May 11, 1912 - January 18, 1955), undoubtedly one of the best short story tellers of the 20th century, and one of the most controversial as well, his descendents have decided to sell his famous flat of Laxmi Mansion in Lahore.
"We have been forced to sell his flat as the Hall Road's powerful and politically well connected business establishments have devoured the major portion of the Laxmi Mansion and building a new commercial plaza adjacent to the celebrated writer's flat", Nighat Patel, late Manto's eldest daughter told Business Recorder on Tuesday.
"The area has become unlivable after so much environmental pollution created by unchecked multi-storeyed commercial plazas, selling movies, cellular phones, computer workshops and electronic goods creating a myriad of parking problems and other civic issues for the residents of the century old Laxmi Mansion which is more than a national heritage, " she added. "Despite media reports and demands by the academicians and literary circles the Federal and provincial governments are not moved to preserve this place", she lamented.