Mitha Ram Hostel, also spelled as Mitharam Hostel, is a historical building and former hostel in Karachi. It now serves as a sub-jail under the administration of Sindh Rangers since April 2015.[1][2]

History

Mitha Ram Hostel shares a historical connection with D. J. Sindh Government Science College, which was established through the efforts of Indian lawyer, Dayaram Gidumal, in the late 1880s.[3] Gidumal campaigned for the college's construction, as many Karachi students could not afford to travel to Bombay for education.[3] Funded by both the Bombay and Karachi governments and private contributions, the college was completed in 1887 and named after Diaram Jethmal, whose family made a significant donation.[3]

The subsequent influx of students to Karachi necessitated the construction of a hostel.[3] Gidumal's brother, Mitha Ram, contributed financially to the project, leading to the hostel's completion in 1901.[3][1] Notably, the Mitha Ram Hostel played a role in the 1940s independence movement, hosting meetings for activists such as Sobho Gianchandani and Hashu Kevalramani.[3]

In the 1990s, Syed Abdullah Shah, a former chief minister, intended to transform the building into a museum, but this plan never materialized.[3]

In 1992, the hostel was occupied by the Pakistan Rangers and later received the approval by the Chief Minister of Sindh, legitimizing a practice that had occurred without formal agreement for decades.[3] Initially, the Rangers were stationed at the hostel to maintain order and address escalating incidents of targeted killings and kidnappings in Karachi.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "They came, they saw, they never left: Mitha Ram's gift to students will now house the country's worst". The Express Tribune. April 17, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Mitha Ram Hostel declared a sub-jail". The News International.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Baloch, Saher (July 9, 2016). "Laying waste to a heritage site — Mitha Ram Hostel". DAWN.COM.

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