Civil society stages demo against Frere Hall fencing.

KARACHI -- Members of civil society along with representatives of the Institute of Architects, Karachi chapter, arrived at Frere Hall Gardens on Sunday morning to register a strong protest over the construction of a gate and fence on the Abdullah Haroon Road side of the famous city landmark.

Chanting slogans against the 'poor' decision of building gates, protesters held up banners and placards in red with the words 'No Fence' and 'Say No to Frere Hall Gate' written in bold black.

All were of the view that the park is a historic landmark of the city and its architectural elements should be conserved.

Architect and social activist Marvi Mazhar said: 'Frere Hall is one of the most democratic, interactive and well utilised public spaces for all classes in Karachi. The neoliberal decision of fencing, gate installation, arching is an act of obstruction.'

While questioning the relevance of the gate, nature lover Tofiq Pasha Mooraj said: 'Do we really need this gate? Just look what it has done! It has hidden the beautiful Frere Hall...