Karachi, 2 February 2022 (TDI): The landmark Nusserwanjee Building at the Indus Valley School (IVS) of Art and Architecture has been successfully completed. The historic building has been restored the structure with generous support from the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and US Consulate General, Karachi.
To mark the occasion, U.S. Consul General Mark Stroh joined Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) Executive Director Dr. Faiza Mushtaq, Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS) President Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari, SEAS Secretary-General Dr. Asma Ibrahim, and other guests to celebrate the successful renovation of the historic Nusserwanjee Building.
The piece of architecture is claimed to be the biggest stone-by-stone relocation project (from Kharadar to IVS) of its kind in the subcontinent, named after the renowned philanthropist Jamshed Nusserwanjee.
Speaking on the occasion, US Consul General in Karachi Mark Stroh said he’s frequently visited IVS — one of the reasons is the beautiful landmark building.
This landmark restoration was made possible through a $140,000 U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant to restore the building implemented by SEAS and facilitated by IVS.
The United States has awarded more than $6.4 million dollars (approximately 1.1 billion rupees) for 30 such cultural heritage projects across Pakistan.
Consul General Stroh said that the U.S. Mission supports the preservation of heritage sites like the Nusserwanjee Building because we know these sites mean so much more than bricks and mortar. Consul General Stroh said that he is proud that with together with IVS, SEAS, and the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the U.S. Consulate has played a part in ensuring that this piece of Karachi’s history is now preserved for future generations.
In addition to the Nusserwanjee Building, other U.S. AFCP projects in Sindh include the restoration of the tombs of Sultan Ibrahim and Amir Sultan Muhammad at the Makli Hill necropolis, the conservation of Varun Dev Hindu Temple on Manora Island, and the recently inaugurated project to restore Frere Hall.
Dr. Faiza Mushtaq, Dean and Executive Director of IVS said that IVS is the leading art and design institute in the country for the past three decades. Nussuerwanjee Building forms an integral part of the school. She further said that IVS houses studios of different departments and IVS Gallery. Three years back, there was wear and tear in the structure. Dr. Asma Ibrahim and Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari of SEAS took charge of the conservation project and helped secure the grant for restoration work.
This project reflects the United States’ commitment to stronger and lasting ties with Pakistan through public diplomacy.