KARACHI, Sep 07 (APP):Families residing in localities close to Sindh Governor House were astonished to find Governor Imran Ismail welcoming them at the gate number four of his official residence Friday morning.
Making most of the announcement made by the spokesman of the provincial governor house, in compliance to the directives of the Sindh Governor himself, the citizens neatly attired and carrying their
National Identity Cards, were little bothered about the clearance process they had to go through for entering into the much guarded lodge.
“This is for the first time that I as an ordinary citizen am having a sense of ownership for this extremely prestigious building that is but a public property,” said Mohammad Mohsin Ahsan accompanied
by his wife and daughters.
Presence of the Governor and his wife amidst them was perhaps a
pleasant surprise in itself for the people, intelligent enough to
realize that timings announced for their visit, from 6 am to 10 am was
an opportunity to have their morning walk in a serene and green
surrounding.
“I personally appreciate the timings but many from far off areas
of the metropolis may not be able to avail the opportunity,” said Dr.
Khadija Sultan.
The senior medical professional acknowledged that the decision
may not only inculcate sense of healthy life style but also engender a
sense of ownership among masses about state property.
Haris Aleem, an architect by profession supported the decision
that only families will be allowed to enter into the Governor House
premises.
“This building and the premises are dedicated heritage site and
other wise too we as citizens need to adopt a responsible attitude
towards public property,” he said with the hope that people would
appreciate the gesture shown by the current Governor and would
themselves avert any possible abuse of the same.
Being the first day of the Governor House premises being open for
public in general, most of the visitors were those who were invited
after essential scrutiny – fortunately many of them with average
backgrounds were cultured and educated enough to realize relevance of
the announcement.
Governor Imran Ismail who got mingled with the visitors said the
decision to open the doors of the lodge was in accordance to party
policy of Pakistan Tehrik e Insaaf that huge mansions used as
residence of authorities and officials would be better utilized in
public benefit.
He said all needed measures have been taken and would be further
streamlined to ensure that heritage status of the governor house may
not be compromised in any manner.
With a view to facilitate the families residing in areas not very
close to the governor house the doors of this colonial era building
would remain open from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday.
As per announcement citizens with their families will be allowed
to visit only specific portions of the colonial era building, after
procuring prior permission from the authorities.
Close circuit cameras have be installed around the permissible
limits of the premises and anyone found causing any harm or damage to
the site are liable to legal action.
Details and identity of those entering the premises can be
sought at any given time while the premises could also be vacated any
time under emergency situation.
