Khaliq Deena Hall renovation in limbo

KARACHI - The construction and renovation work at Khaliq Deena Hall could not be restarted despite engineers of Works and Services Department of CDGK had visited the said place around one month ago to review the project. The construction work was stopped half and one year ago due to various reasons, causing further damage to the said building, The Nation has learnt on Saturday. It may be noted that Termite and climatically changes have severely affected on the construction and wooden work at Khaliq Deena Hall. The building of Khaliq Deena Hall, administratively, comes under the administration of Community Development Department (CDD) of CDGK; former City nazim Mustafa Kamal had directed Works and Services department to maintain and renovate the building but it could not be completed in his tenure. Sources in the City government said that only 10 percent renovation work was conducted in the building at that time and since that it was stopped due to financial constraints. Sources also explained that the matter was also taken into the notice of provincial assembly but in vain. Khaliq Deena Hall has historical importance during the struggle of independence against the British Raj. British Govt established a court here to run the case against the heroes of independence movement, the two brothers of Khilafat movement Mulana Shukat Ali and Mulana Muhammad Ali Johar. The building was declared heritage due to its monumental structure and defunct KMC and later City District Government Karachi (CDGK) are caring the Khaliq Deena Hall. Its roof was collapsed in 1994 due to rainwater penetration. Later, intermittent rains affected its construction while Termite exploited the wooden work, the sources told. The condition of the building demanded urgent revival of construction and renovation work to save this prestigious heritage, sources said.