Karachi: The United States’ (US) Ambassador to
Pakistan Paul Jones on Wednesday announced a grant of PKR 155 million that is aimed
at the preservation of the historically significant Nusserwanjee Building — with the structure being a popular pre-partition
landmark in the city, according to news sources.
The building is said to signify the city’s diverse past and was first built in 1890 by the father of Jamshed Nusserwanjee (the first elected mayor of Karachi).
Ambassador Jones made his announcement during a project launch ceremony held at Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture, and stated that this latest grant would be the US’s third such contribution in Sindh and 23rd in Pakistan — made under its Ambassadors Funds for Cultural Preservation program.
The ambassador further revealed
that since 2001, the US had collaborated with the Pakistan government and local
experts to provide grants of over PKR 434 million to preserve the country’s cultural
sites. He stated that these initiatives were aimed to inspire future
generations to preserve the country’s rich and diverse culture.
In this regard, the Sindh Chief
Minister’s Adviser on Law and Environment Murtaza Wahab had earlier announced
on his social media pages that the Sindh government had decided grant a
Protected Heritage status to the city’s old Banyan Trees — found in various
districts of Karachi, particularly in Clifton.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
