HYDERABAD: The Government of Sindh has issued a formal notice to a cafe for allegedly conducting unauthorised commercial activities on the premises of the Sindh Provincial Museum, Hyderabad.
According to the notice issued by the Culture, Tourism, Antiquities Department, a video circulating on social media from the cafe’s profile showed the museum’s front lawn being offered for commercial bookings, including Iftaar parties and dinner events, through a manager identified as Hubdar Ali. Screenshots of the footage were attached with the notice.
The department clarified that the space was allotted strictly for facilitating artists, writers, and literary figures to organize cultural and literary activities aimed at promoting arts and literature. The allocation was never intended for commercial exploitation, private bookings, or profit-oriented events, the notice stated.
It further emphasized that the front lawn of the museum is prime public property of the Government of Sindh. The notice added that if rented at commercial market rates, the rent would amount to a substantial figure.
Despite this, the government is currently bearing all utility expenses, including electricity and water charges, as well as maintenance and cleanliness costs.
The department noted that recent cleaning and restoration of the premises after events were also carried out by museum staff at government expense, placing an additional burden on the public exchequer.
Terming the alleged act as misuse of government property and a violation of the understanding under which the space was provided, the department warned that continuation of such activities could lead to appropriate action, including recovery proceedings, under applicable rules and regulations.
The cafe has been directed to immediately cease and desist from advertising, booking, or using the museum premises for any commercial purposes, including Iftaar or dinner events and private gatherings.
The notice was issued by Zulfiqar Ali Panhwar, director, Sindh Provincial Museum, Hyderabad, with copies forwarded to the Secretary, Culture, Tourism & Antiquities Department, and the Director General, Culture (Sindh), Karachi.
The department also noted that during the holy month of Ramazan, certain office-bearers of the writers’ cafe had been promoting Iftaar parties on social media pages, prompting the issuance of the notice.
