The Government of Sindh has issued a formal notice to a cafe for allegedly conducting unauthorized commercial activities on the premises of the Sindh Provincial Museum in Hyderabad.
According to the notice issued by the Culture, Tourism, and 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 Iftar parties and dinner events.
The bookings were reportedly being arranged through a manager identified as Hubdar Ali. Screenshots of the footage were attached with the notice.
The department clarified that the space had been allotted strictly to facilitate artists, writers, and literary figures in organizing cultural and literary activities aimed at promoting arts and literature. It stated that the allocation was never intended for commercial exploitation, private bookings, or profit-oriented events.
The notice emphasized that the museum’s front lawn is prime public property owned by the Government of Sindh. It added that if the space were rented at commercial market rates, the rent would amount to a substantial figure.
Despite this, the government is currently covering all utility expenses, including electricity and water charges, as well as maintenance and cleanliness costs.
The department further noted that recent cleaning and restoration of the premises after events were carried out by museum staff at government expense, placing an additional burden on public funds.
Describing the alleged activity 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 result in 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 Iftar or dinner events and private gatherings.
The notice was issued by Zulfiqar Ali Panhwar, Director of the Sindh Provincial Museum, Hyderabad. Copies were forwarded to the Secretary of the Culture, Tourism & Antiquities Department and the Director General of Culture (Sindh) in Karachi.
The department also stated that during the holy month of Ramadan, certain office-bearers of the writers’ cafe had been promoting Iftar parties on social media pages, which prompted the issuance of the notice.
