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    Frere Hall, a Hundred and Fifty Years Later

    Architecture of Frere Hall Karachi

    Written by: Sadeem Shaikh
    Posted on: October 29, 2015 |

    Architecture of Frere Hall, Karachi

    Karachi is host to an array of architectural monuments and historical landmarks. When driving down Fatima Jinnah Road in the Cantt. metropolis of the city, one finds a vast stretch of multi-colored gardens adjacent to the Marriott Hotel, atop which the exquisite structure of the Frere Hall stands proud, overlooking the distant horizon. This 150-year-old construction serves a deeper historical purpose, one that has travelled with people, their culture and their practices through the decades. On a casual weekend night, one can find a multitude of smiling Karachiites relaxing with their families at the Hall’s lush green gardens. In recent years, the Hall has also occasionally hosted book fairs, aimed at promoting readership among younger generations.

    A brief introduction to the building and Bartle Frere

    A brief introduction to the building and Bartle Frere

    While the Frere Hall has been shut down multiple times between 2003 and 2011 due to terrorist attacks on the US Consulate nearby, it opened permanently to the public in 2012. Since then, it has continued to attract frequent visitors eager to learn about its rich history. This national landmark was constructed around 1865 under the supervision of the second Chief Commissioner of Sindh, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere. Previously used as a library for British Indian soldiers, the premises were eventually transformed into a monumental tribute to the Commissioner by the people of Sindh. Known for his tremendous hard work and honesty, Frere was revered as an icon by the locals.

    The Liaquat National Library houses almost 70,000 books

    The Liaquat National Library houses almost 70,000 books

    Out of the 13 different options considered for the project, Lieutenant Colonel Clair Wilson’s architectural design clearly stood out, giving the Hall its characteristic Venetian-Gothic outlook. The original layout of the structure also housed the National Museum of Pakistan until the early 1970s, when the government decided to shift the Museum to a nearby location on Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road. The two gardens of the original building, then known as the King’s and Queen’s Lawns, also featured statues of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, which were later removed. The lawns were subsequently renamed Bagh-e-Jinnah

    The layout of the Frere Hall is the perfect blend of British and local constructional tastes, incorporating features such as multiple pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses. The intricate wall carvings and beautifully articulated mosaic designs are visible on numerous brackets and pillars that support the building. Boasting an immaculate mix of sandstone, white, grey, red and peach colors, the Frere Hall is extremely hard to miss for passersby. The voussoirs on the ground and first floors consist of dark grey and red sandstone respectively, whereas the columns in the upper verandah are made of white limestone with its traditional oolite appearance. These materials were brought in from nearby towns and districts such as Bholari and Jungshahi, the latter being famous for its sandstone and limestone variety. The most notable sub-constructions of the Frere Hall are the Muntz metal-coated spirelet and octagonal tower, giving the building its traditional Venetian appearance.

    Wooden railings featuring delicate floral patterns

    Wooden railings featuring delicate floral patterns

    The Frere Hall is also remembered for the Liaquat National Library, housing close to 70,000 books in the ground floor of the building. These books comprise a variety of subjects, ranging from geography, science and history to religion, social science, arts and literature. The collection also includes rare manuscripts, technical reports, journals, and a remarkable collection of atlases.

    Perhaps the most impressive collection is that of old Dawn and Jang newspapers, which, according to Library Manager Mohammad Ali, date back to 1952. The Library itself is also almost just as old, he exclaims proudly. While the condition of the Library has deteriorated over time, especially since the reopening of the Frere Hall, some work has been started by concerned authorities to restore it to its original condition. While the Liaquat National Library attracts a fair share of visitors, the Sadequain Art Gallery on the first floor gets the most visits. Named after prolific Pakistani artist Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi, the gallery hosts a sizeable collection of some of his best works. Many of the paintings and calligraphy displayed at the gallery involve an eclectic mix of Western and local artistic appreciations – one of the reasons why Sadequain’s work is so highly regarded. Gallery Manager Mansoor Ahmed sums up the Gothic element in this building as one supporting “a well-ventilated design with no artificial lighting”. The ceiling of the Gallery Hall showcases the last piece created by Sadequain, and is the only “artificial” element featured in a building that has otherwise been preserved in its original state for the last 150 years.     

    Genuine ironclad railings on the Sadequain Gallery balcony

    Genuine ironclad railings on the Sadequain Gallery balcony

    The Frere Hall speaks volumes about an entirely different time, place, culture and society. One cannot help but be overwhelmed by the realization that the stone-carved walls, complex mosaic designs, railings and brackets of this glorious structure were in existence almost two centuries ago, transmitting ancient societal norms, values and traditions through space and time. In this mind-bending context, one identifies this monument as a distinct crossroads between the past and present of Karachi.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021