KARACHI: On March 18, those who are interested in Karachi’s post-partition growth woke up to the news that the Sindh Rangers had vacated the Radio Pakistan premises. It generated a discussion as to what can be done about the building now. The reason for it is that apart from being an architecturally attractive structure, Radio Pakistan on M.A. Jinnah Road (formerly Bunder Road) played a pivotal role in creating the cultural landscape of Karachi after Pakistan gained independence.

Literary stalwarts and intellectual such as Z A Bukhari, S M Saleem and later artists such as Talat Husain and Zeenat Yasmeen were associated with it for long periods of time. In fact, before the advent of television, it was the radio service that catered to the infotainment needs of Karachiites.

Although even now work on the Radio Pakistan magazine Aahang is being carried out and some other projects have been undertaken — as told to this scribe by a man on Saturday who was speaking through a window since the gate to the building was closed because it was a public holiday — opinions have been expressed on how effectively this historic piece of construction can be utilised.

Talking to Dawn, architect Yasmeen Lari said, “I think it should be made into a building for women, for example, a training centre where they could learn different skills. A good number of people reside in the area. Trees could be planted and a place for people to sit.”

Sindh Rangers vacated the historical site on M.A. Jinnah Road after around eight years

Academic and researcher Dr Noman Ahmed touched on the cultural aspect of the historic structure. “It can be transformed into a place for Radio Pakistan archives. Both Radio Pakistan and private collectors have a wealth of archival material. But first an architectural assessment of the building should be made and then a proposal. The ministry for information can play a role in it.”

Journalist Zulfiqar Rajpar had a similar point of view, saying that the place should be turned into an archival museum. He was also in favour of giving it the shape of a library.

Ms Lari had a slightly different standpoint. “I know about its cultural importance but how will it be run? Who will do it? The cultural community in the city is not organised. Besides, ours is the most anti-women city in the world. Therefore, I think something in that direction should be done.”

Dr Ahmed argued, “[After turning it into an archival space] a lot of events can be arranged celebrating our landmarks through visual arts. This will enable the coming generations of the significance of this space.”

Journalist and scholar Ghazi Salahuddin said, “The first thing is that the building should be renovated, and this should be undertaken by the artistic and literary communities of the city. While setting up a library is a good option, we have to take into account that the neighbourhood is no more the cultural hub. In the past, it was the cultural hub because opposite it was Theosophical Hall which was the Arts Council of the 1960s. I have seen many plays there. I remember that the area used to be the heart of Karachi and was the gathering spot for the city literati.

“As to what can be done with it, well, since it used to be Radio Pakistan it should have something to do with Radio Pakistan. By that I mean there should be something on the premises related to electronic media. I’m referring to some kind of training centre or institute where professionalism in electronic media, which it lacks, can be taught,” he added.

It may be noted that the Anti-Terrorist Wing of Sindh Rangers had recently left Radio Pakistan premises after around eight years. The Rangers troops were deployed there in 2015 as part of Muharram security.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2024