The worsening security situation and, in particular, the threat to the lives of prominent politicians sometimes restrain us from questioning the measures taken by the city administration. These measures are often excessive, causing a distance between the public institutions and the public. The bloodshed makes us forget that our rulers have never prioritised the removal of barriers between them and us.

The divide between the public spaces and the institutions is clear from the way our ‘urban environment’ has been designed. For example, in the historical city of Lahore, most institutions on Lower Mall and Upper Mall were built in the British times. It might come as a surprise to many that these institutions were initially jangla (fence)-free. The said divide grew only post-1947 -- and it continues to grow.

Institutions -- educational and political -- have become fortified over the decades. In the past four years that I have been based in Lahore, I have approached the Charing Cross many a time from all possible access points, while making a documentary for my Architecture class project. And, I found that the gardens around the Summit Minar Museum and the British Pavilion, which once displayed the bronze statue of Queen Victoria and now the model of the Holy Quran, were all enclosed by a jangla. The place is already inaccessible, thanks to the gift of the modern age, the fast moving vehicular traffic. Even if someone manages to reach the garden after risking his life, he will not find a bench to sit on as entry to the museum is prohibited. The design and management of the whole square is such that it merely offers a spectacle for passersby.

Literary gatherings at historical places have also been banned in the name of restorating and preserving our heritage. The restoration work itself, at several points, only falsifies our history. What will a sane person interpret from the cement plaster on a Mughal structure of the Shalimar Gardens or from the marble floors of the Ketas Temples?

Such actions have reduced architecture and history to mere spectacle and traditions. These structures and spaces must generate activities relevant to the locals. We cannot maintain the look of our buildings and cities just to lure in tourists at the expense of our people’s freedom of movement.

Looking at a public space independent of its relation with other urban actors, such as the nature of adjoining establishments, their access etc., has led us to our present frustration. Spaces don’t just become ‘public’ by official declarations. A public space should support an activity relevant to its surroundings.

The configuration of our cities has overtime changed in ways where the process of exchange among citizens has been limited. Even markets -- places of exchange existing even in very primitive of cities -- have been hit by terror to drain the remaining life out of our cities.

It is at these public spaces and gatherings that a people learn to behave, claim their rights and respond with their contributions in evolving their environment. Besides imparting a civic sense to children in schools, we need these places to develop a sense of citizenship among our masses.

Nasir Bagh, surrounded by Town Hall, National College of Arts (NCA), Punjab University and Government College on The Mall, is a perfect example of a public space with huge, old trees and lush green grass. Heavily barricaded, the Bagh has only a single entrance on one of its corners. With just a large dry pond and no eatery, this public place has little to offer. As a result, it is occupied by tramps and drug junkies only.