Ferozsons is synonymous with book reading culture in Pakistan; It is an icon of intellectual culture. Fire at Ferozsons, appears to be a case of cultural terrorism. It is an attempt to cut down the entire “intellectual forest” planted by Maulvi Ferozuddin, a century ago. Of course, it is a sad and tragic event, but the million dollar question is: why in Pakistan no one pays attention to fire prevention strategies? A few inexpensive fire alarms and fire extinguishers could have prevented this tragedy. All bookshops, libraries and museums housing vast amounts of cultural heritage, from Karachi to Peshawar, lack appropriate fire prevention equipment and are susceptible to such potential tragedies. It is incumbent on the owners and the caretakers of these entities to invest in fire prevention strategies. The provincial and the federal governments should help Ferozsons restore their bookshop at the Mall, Lahore.
DR. A. KHAN,
USA, June 17.