The Karachiite in Me

Karachi! My hometown... It's only when I'm away that I realize how much it means to me to be able to enjoy the sunny mornings and the pleasant evenings; something synonymous with the city of lights. For a city that has so much to offer to people from all walks of life, Karachi has not been given its due credit. From food to shopping, it has something to offer everyone. But that's not the real Karachi. The malls and the cinemas only represent a small section of the city. The real city lies within the centre, the heart. The gorgeous architecture, the cultural values, the hawkers selling interesting wares, the local food, the spice bazaar; the list is endless. There is something about the weather of Karachi as well. As much as we like to complain of the humidity and the dust, the pollution and the lack of greenery as compared to some of the other major cities of the country; the fact remains that one gets pleasantly used to the moderate weather of Karachi. If one is truly interested in exploring the city, it is always better to start from the architecturally and historically beautiful areas such as Saddar Quarter and Market Quarter. The Market Quarter comprising of the infamous Jodia Bazaar, Khori Garden and Marriott Road might not be very well maintained at the moment, and might be quite a difficult place to be due to badly managed traffic and congestion; yet once you are there, there is so much to see and enjoy. From interesting bargains to a vast variety of goods; it is an interesting place to shop and haggle if you are upto it. The historical Max Denso Hall also grabs attention once you are there; not to forget the treasure trove in the form of Kitaab Gali. Kitaab Gali is a book lover's dream come true. All it needs is careful rearranging of the shops, taking care not to dislocate the shopkeepers, some of whom have been working there all their lives. Spice Bazaar! The delicious, rich aromas emanating from all directions give u a bit of the local flavour. Then there is Elphinstone Street.. Now called the Zaibunnissa Street; it has clusters of old buildings, all part of our rich heritage. The Nusserwanjee Building, the Mohammad Ali Building, Old Ilaco House, Victoria Furnishing Mart; all have beautiful facades and are quite a treat for the eye. The need to preserve these heritage buildings is even stronger now; with our young generation so oblivious to the simple pleasures in life and old world charm. We must work together to instill a sense of pride and belonging in our children so that our future generations do not completely cut their ties with the past. The Karachiite in me is working towards it..Are you?