November 20, 2014 – For the third time in the past six years, Shikarpur was featured on the World Monuments Fund’s Watch List 2014, which required it to spread awareness about its importance in the local community by celebrating a ‘Watch Day 2014’ on 20th November 2014. The event was organised by EFT in conjunction with the Department of Architecture and Planning – NED University of Engineering and Technology (DAP-NED) in the form of a technical seminar at the Government High School No. 2, Shikarpur, followed by a planned walk through the town with local students and residents. Some of the key participants, including the Keynote Speaker Kamil Khan Mumtaz, were taken to specific sites around the city centre to observe more closely the elements of Shikarpur’s architectural heritage.
The primary aim of the event was to raise awareness amongst the local community about the heritage value of their historic commercial centre, and to garner their active support for any future conservation plans to be carried out in the city.
In September 2014, DAP-NED approached EFT to request for financial assistance in organising the events of the Watch Day 2014. EFT then took full responsibility of inviting the chief guest and speakers, and facilitating the travel, lodging and board of over 60 students, volunteers and faculty members in the historic city for two days, in preparation for the seminar.
EFT also facilitated the printing of invitations, information material, stationery and other paraphernalia, and arranged for media and adequate security to be present at the venue on the day. It also provided for the audio-visual recording of the entire programme.