Harvard Club of Pakistan celebrates new book on Murree

The Harvard Club of Pakistan celebrated a new book on Murree, Once upon a time in Murree, by one of its alumnus Dr Omar Mukhtar Khan last Saturday.

The recently published book comprehensively maps the heritage of Murree using some easy to understand handmade maps. The book focuses on stories of colonial Murree including colonial schools, churches, villas and hotels, and attempts to make the reader relive Murree of yesteryear.

Saadia Qayyum, president of the Harvard Club of Pakistan, inaugurated the event and congratulated Dr Omar for authoring the book. She shared her experience of reading the book as rediscovering Murree she had never known.

She was of the view that the book shall revive the interest of many like her in the colonial hill town. Akbar Nasir Khan later moderated a panel discussion with heritage and tourism experts which went well beyond the allotted time due to tremendous interest from the audience.

Harvard Club of Pakistan celebrates new book on Murree

Speaking on the occasion, Aftab Rana, MD Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation narrated his long association with Murree and how he used to walk from Pindi point to Kashmir point with his father and the high point would be the traditional tea at Lintott’s with triple-tier pastry platters. He stressed on conservation of Murree heritage through the enactment of comprehensive heritage legislation.

Saba Khan narrated her family’s journey trying to conserve Murree’s heritage through advocacy and social work in Murree including the establishment of Murree Art Residency to revive art and culture in the hill town.

She congratulated the author to be able to put stories of Murree together in a way that it feels like someone is walking along with the author through Murree.

Rector Forman Christian University and former US ambassador Jonathan Addleton talked about the many sub-cultures in Murree and the transition of Murree from the colonial to the post-colonial era. He reminiscence about his days at Murree Christian School and Sandes Home near Jhika Gali.

Victoria Collis, an international development expert with extensive experience in Pakistan delved on the connection of people from Italy where she lives to Pakistan and how sharing experiences can lead to better ideas on the preservation of the dying heritage of Murree.

She also shared her experiences and connections while reading the chapters on Cecil Hotel and Convent of Jesus and Mary and humorously told the audience that chewing gums was a big no for the ladies even in her school in England in the times gone by.

The author, Dr Omar, in his brief presentation, showed the participants some of the beautiful heritage of Murree including Fir Hill cottage, Holy Trinity Church, Convent of Jesus of Mary, St. Denys, Nutwood House, Cecil and Brightlands Hotel and last but not the least the ruins of Murree Brewery.

"While a lot of people think otherwise, Murree has a lot to offer in terms of both heritage and environment," he added.

He stressed the need to preserve Murree's heritage from further decline and supported the MD PTDC's suggestion to transform Murree into a heritage town with detailed heritage legislation and enforcement.

Amad Malik, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in his concluding remarks stressed the government to focus on Murree’s heritage and environment before it is too late.

Lastly, he commended Dr. Omar on documenting Murree’s heritage in great detail and suggested he document other hill stations and places like Nathiagali and Hunza as well in his future ventures.