A few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit London City Hall, which is the seat of London Assembly. The Mayor of Londons office is in the same building. The visit was an eye-opener. What I saw can be described as 'an astounding architectural slogan for democracy in action. Compared with similar buildings in Pakistan, this building has no 'corridors of power, nor any secure bunkers. Transparency is the watchword provided by the architect. Let me explain it for your readers: The City Hall is a nine-story building with glass walls everywhere. The wide spiral stair hall is the focal point of the whole building. The whole building is visible and accessible from the central staircase. The assembly hall is on the ground floor and is fully visible to anyone using the stairs. Most of the offices have transparent glass walls and are visible from the stairs. Common political terminology e.g. 'behind closed doors or 'corridors of power are not relevant here. I wish we Pakistanis could follow such examples. KHALID A, London, September 28.