Colonial Heritage and Activism
Board Approval: 6 Dec. 2013 \ Rs. 22.5 million
The Karachi Press Club, located at 267 Sarwar Shaheed Road, Karachi, is among the finest latenineteenth-century stone buildings of the city. Established and maintained as an institution promoting freedom of speech, the building is a nexus for activism in Karachi, and is visited by hundreds on a daily basis
Heavy traffic, combined with the elemental hazards of rising damp, polluted air and termites, have resulted in the deterioration of the building. While the eroding sandstone threatens the stability of the structure, poor conservation and repair work has suffocated the porous stone, leading to the growth of algae and microorganisms. The rotten frames of the teakwood doors, windows and screens have weakened the woodwork of the building
Since 2015, all weathered stones were replaced on the exterior of the building. The interior was replastered with breathable lime plaster, and cracks were stitched for structural stabilisation. All wooden doors, fanlights and windows were restored, and furniture polished. The valuable old paintings in the KPC were cleaned and restored, tile work on the floors was also restored where necessary, and the electrification system of the entire building was redone. A total of Rs. 22.5 million was spent on the project over a period of four years.
KPC was handed over to its custodians in a ceremony held on 24 December 2018.
