INTRODUCTION:
This is a site dedicated to the story of Karachi City as is existed before the year 2000; We plan to place write-up and photos of the history of the Karachi from its beginnings as a fishing village of Mai Kolachi to its rise as a sea port town leading to it’s elevation as a capital of the new nation of Pakistan in 1947. From then on it has witnessed phenomenal growth to it present status as one of the largest metropolitan city of Asia.
The writers who will be contributing have expressed an interest in preserving accounts of the enormous contributions made by the Sindhi and Baluchi original rulers of this town, the British invaders and most importantly by minorities that lived here (Hindus, Christians, Parsis, Jews and other religions as well as indigenous Sindhis. ). Each of these groups will be given a separate category and their achievements and contributions highlighted. This is being done by the present generations who have lived and witnessed the era from 1940’s to 2000 and want these milestones to be recorded for posterity.
Most importantly, this site will focus on historical aspects and stay clear of any political, ethnic or religious discussions. (other than mentioning the work of different ethnic groups)
GUIDE FOR CONTRIBUTORS:
- All articles must be original and not cut and paste from published material.
- If a statement from another author is copied it must be in parenthesis and the source mentioned.
- Photos preferably must be original and belong to the author and in no way proprietary photos belong to news agencies. Generic old photos which have been on the internet for a long time may be used with mention of their source when available.
- All articles will be subject to review by our Editorial Board and may be rejected if it violates above policy or for no reason if the contents or photos are not appropriate. This is particularly if they defame any individual or company or ethnic group.
EDITORIAL BOARD;
Amin H. Karim MD FACC
Founder and Editor-In-Chief.
Menin Rodrigues
Co-Founder and Contributing Editor
Zulqarnain Jamil Aali (Raju Jamil)
Dr. Sohail Ansari M.B., B. S.
Good Old Karachi 
Can someone please trace the limits of the old city and it’s fort, bounded by Kharadar and Mithadar, at the time of surrendering to the British? can we also know if any kind of buildings from that time exist at all? Even more importantly, can we have the names of the commanders and rulers of the city at that time? Including their ultimate disposition and that of their descendants? Somehow none of the history departments at any of the many universities in Karachi have come up with anything significant.
Dr.Naeem Khairi, the Dawoodi Bohra community too needs to be mentioned, my forefathers Lookmangee, of Moosagee Lookmangee cloth merchants came toKarachi during the early 1800’s.
Hat I’m Khairi my father played a pivotol role for gents suiting from UK, the businesses still are in full bloom with many outlets all over Karachi.
Bohree Bazzar a famous landmark, came into existence with the influx of our community from India, mainly Mandvi, Burhanpur, Bombay etc.
A full chapter would be added when asked for, Thanks
.
Dr. Khairi please go ahead and do a complete write up. We will be glad to publish it. Please send photos with it if you have some. Also send your own passport size photo for the article. The website is meant to highlight all communities and your community is part and parcel of Karachi. Thanks
That’s precisely the object of this website. Hopefully someone will take on this task. Thanks for your input.
Amin H. Karim congratulations on conceptualising and developing a website with the rich historical facts of Karachi.
Humbly I suggest that keeping with complete neutrality of purpose , the text in your introduction may Read “ The british rulers and also by the Hindu, Parsi, Christian, Sikh, & other Karachite Sindhis.”
I , too, will contribute re Sindh Madressah tul Islam Board (1885) it’s schools , Colleges & affiliated institutions , The Jubilee Block at Civil Hospital & my Ancestral home of early 30s, one of the last houses on the farthest boundary of then Karachi.
Wishing you the very Best . Shaista Hassanally Effendi
Thanks for your input Shaista. We have made the amendment and would love to have you write on the history of Sindh Madressah and Jubilee Block.
Amin H. Karim congratulations on conceptualising and developing a website with the rich historical facts of Karachi.
Humbly I suggest that keeping with complete neutrality of purpose , the text in your introduction may Read “ The british rulers and also by the Hindu, Parsi, Christian, Sikh, & other Karachite Sindhis.”
I , too, will contribute re Sindh Madressah tul Islam Board (1885) it’s schools , Colleges & affiliated institutions , The Jubilee Block at Civil Hospital & my Ancestral home of early 30s, one of the last houses on the farthest boundary of then Karachi.
Wishing you the very Best . Shaista Hassanally Effendi
Thank you Shaista. please do write on the subjects which are close to the hearts of Karachiites. Our glorious past.
I meant on those subjects you mentioned.
I moved to Karachi in 1950 and studied at Sind Madressa tul Islam,and have vivid memories of those days.
Karachi, wasn’t even a few hours drive from my beloved Hyderabad, still seemed a far away place, in my adolescent days.
We were lucky to have parents who believed in regular periodic vacations as a family, to sort of rejuvenate, and with eleven siblings, appreciated the break.
We packed into our Opel Rekord in the winter of 1961, I was 9, and set off for Karachi for one of these vacations, which was programmed to double as a “viewing “ of our Royal Ruler( Pakistan was in the Commonwealth then), and as my Mom loved Elizabeth II, and we did; see her regally pass through the quiet city streets, on way to the Presidential Palace (today’s Governor House).
As I grew up, the awe of the big city, did distance itself from my memory, but was replaced by a more intense desire, to work/live in Karachi, built by the Sindhis of all religions and crests, social strata, and culture and ethnicities, nations and nationalities!
Opportunity did arise, unplanned though, when the ML regime post-ZAB overthrow and later assassination, decided to subtly “purge” the Jamshoro Institutions of liberals; and I was deemed as one by the “moles”at LMC Jamshoro, and was transferred and posted to DMC Karachi in February 1979,
I loved the ethos, replete with nostalgia, of this website, and uninvited, but hopefully graciously accepted, plan to pen my observations in the few years I spent in Karachi, lovingly at Dow, if permitted, from 1979 to 1982, when I departed for my adopted home here in these United States of America.
I was born in Kharadar, Karachi. Went to Aga Khan School, Kharadar. Anyone else from the same School, please send a note. Miss my old friends.
Please information chye hurryup ..3hatti per Jo cinema that 1970me filmistan usk Jo owner the kiya name that unka koi information
Good article on Kala Chapra with historical photograph by Dr.Suhail & Dr.Amin. I will compile all to show my Aviation students. Rare material normally not known to many in the Aviation Field.
Stumbled onto this poignant yet fascinating website. I was born and bred in Karachi, the famous PECHS where we lived, had to move to the capital after losing our beloved mother. I live and work overseas and would love to pen down a love letter to Karachi of my beautiful childhood memories. Piyaray Karachi to Salam.