On the 19th and 20th of September 2024, Mr. Roshan Ali Kanasro, the Resident Director of the Planning, Development, Monitoring & Implementation (PDM&I) Cell of the Culture Department, embarked on an regular field visit to oversee and evaluate various ongoing and completed projects under the department’s purview. Accompanying him were key officials, including Mr. Akhtiyar Ali Mangi, Executive Engineer, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Mangi, Assistant Engineer, Mr. Muhammad Tanweer, Consultant, Mr. Amar Fayaz Buriro, Director Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering and Mr. Zain Dahraj, Architect. The two-day visit was focused on ensuring that all projects were progressing according to plan and maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Day 1: 19th September 2024 

The visit began with an inspection of the renovation work at the Art Gallery in Sindh Museum and the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium. RD was pleased to note that the ongoing work appeared to be on track. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of the work and directed the team to complete the project within the stipulated time.

Next on the itinerary was the Extension of the Shams Ul Ulama Daudpota Library, where the block construction had already been completed. The engineers briefed RD on the next phase of the scheme, which was set to begin shortly. He underscored the importance of timely completion and urged the engineers to expedite the process so that the library could soon begin enrolling students.

A highlight of the day’s visit was the Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering. The renovation work at the institute had been completed, and it now stood at par with international standards. Mr. Roshan Ali Kanasro was particularly impressed by the cleanliness and organization of the institute, commending both the administration and the team responsible for the upgrade.

The team then visited the Cultural Complex in Tando Allahyar, where the construction was progressing well. The installation of glazed tiles on the floors stood out, with the RD noting the fine quality of work being done.

At the Umerkot Fort, various sites had been renovated, including the Rest House, Jail Building, Collector’s Office, Tapedar Hall, and the Masjid. RD observed that these historic sites held significant tourist potential and expressed his satisfaction with the progress. He assured the team that these renovated structures would soon be handed over to the Directorate of Antiquities for further decision-making.

The newly initiated Tourist Resort in Umerkot was also inspected, where construction was ongoing. Mr. Kanasro issued clear instructions to ensure that the highest quality standards were maintained throughout the process.

During a visit to the Curator Quarter at Naukot Fort, it was observed that the construction within the fort’s premises did not adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or the Antiquities protocols. After discussions, it was unanimously agreed that the Curator’s Quarter would be relocated outside the fort, respecting the historical significance of the site.

Day 2: 20th September 2024 

The second day began with an inspection of the Rooplo Kolhi Motel in Nagarparkar, where an extension was underway. The work appeared satisfactory, and after a request from the motel’s manager, it was decided to revise the project to include the construction of a restaurant with a capacity of 100 tourists. Considering the increasing number of visitors to Nagarparkar, the RD stressed the importance of providing enhanced tourist facilities.

The next stop was the Rest House at Bhodisar, Nagarparkar, which had been completed and was ready for handover. Nestled at the edge of the breathtaking Karoonjhar Mountains and the ancient Jain temples, the rest house offers a stunning landscape. Mr. Kanasro proposed that it be utilized as a tourist facilitation center, given its prime location.

At the Gori Mandir, the slow pace of construction on the “Musafirkhana” was a point of concern. Mr. Kanasro expressed his displeasure with the lack of progress and issued strict instructions to expedite the work.

The Cultural Center at Islamkot, Nagarparkar was still in its primary stages of construction. RD urged the team to put in extra effort to ensure the timely completion of the center, which holds significant cultural importance.

In Mithi, the Sub-office of the PDM&I Cell was found to be fully furnished and ready for operation. The RD instructed the local staff to occupy the office immediately and make it functional without delay.

The team then visited the Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (PITHM) in Mithi, where the foundational beams and columns were being constructed. While the work was progressing as per the plan, RD emphasized the need for symmetry in the structure and suggested a thorough review of the plans by engineers and architects to ensure the best possible outcome.

The final stop of the visit was the Marvi Rest House in Mithi, where the foundation DPC had been completed. Mr. Roshan Ali Kanasro directed the team to accelerate the work and ensure that the resort would be developed into a top-class tourist destination in the shortest time possible.

The two-day field visit was highly productive, with Mr. Roshan Ali Kanasro’s hands-on supervision motivating the field staff to carry out their tasks with increased efficiency. His detailed feedback and clear directives ensured that the projects were on the right track toward completion. The visit reinforced the department’s commitment to cultural preservation and tourism development, setting a standard for future progress. Following the successful completion of the visit, RD and the accompanying officials returned to the head office in Karachi.