Ghanta Ghar - the clock tower is one of the most important landmarks in the city. Located in the center of the city, it is surrounded by Victoria Market, Mehran Markaz, hotels, and shopping malls. A Hindu businessman, Seth Wadho Mal Nebhau Mal Manjhari, constructed the tower to mark the silver jubilee of King George V. It was inaugurated by the then Collector of Sukkur, UM Mirchandani, in 1937.
It is 90 feet high with four clocks that marked the passage of time on four sides. Once upon a time, the sounds of the tower’s bells resounded throughout the city especially at night, when life slowed down and the buzz of daily life muted.
In 1937, it stood tall and alone with nothing but Victoria Market for the company but as time wore on, more and more buildings cropped up. Victoria Market, though, continues to stand in solidarity with the tower, still supplying poultry, vegetables, and fruits to people in Sukkur and adjoining areas.
In the early 1950s, around eight shops were constructed right around Ghanta Ghar, an affront to its colonial majesty. With more business and less attention to repair, the clock continued to be worn down. Finally, around 15 years ago the then municipal corporation of Sukkur decided to take charge. They demolished these shops and carried out the necessary repairs and renovation. An iron fence was put up around the tower to discourage encroachments. However, all four clocks of the tower have been stolen, leaving it vacant and silent.
Ghanta Ghar has always been at the center of things. Protests are staged outside it and religious parties host their events there as well.
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