I finally make it ‘back home’ this winter after a much-delayed hiatus. I hadn’t been able to travel for almost six years now. So getting back to Karachi was particulalry pleasant and memorable.
One thing that I found particularly helpful was this set of 10 Tips for Visiting Karachi preared by The News. It is good advice that many of us sometimes forget:
1. Things have changed: Do not expect Karachi to be the same as when you left it two years ago, ten years ago or possibly in some cases several decades ago. This is a booming town. Traffic has multiplied. New roads, more buildings, underpasses and overhead bridges have been constructed. Distances have increased. There has been a media explosion. Attitudes are changing so are the fashions and the prices of goods. The work culture has also changed along with some of the values you may be expecting to return to.
2. Some things have not changed: The city administration still grapples with an ever-exploding population. There is pollution, chaos and dirt. Gutters still overflow. There are still beggars on the streets. Buses still don’t stop at their designated points. The rickshaws still do not have proper meters. But remember, most of you come from here, and chose to leave. Don’t complain.
3. The city has a life: Don’t think that just because Karachi does not have a number of bars or nightclubs, there is no nightlife. The city may have its share of problems, but its residents can and do enjoy their lives here. There is a lot to do, a number of places to visit and a variety of restaurants to eat at. One can stroll along Sea View, or even take a nighttime boat ride on which you will be served magnificent seafood. Take a ride in a Victoria (taanga) in Clifton. Or better still, have a palmist tell you your future next to Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s Mazaar. There is fun to be had here, provided you are looking for it in the right places.
4. Have some thought for your hosts: Spare them the agony of having to drive you all over town. Hire a radio cab. It costs under Rs2,000 ($35) per day and you don’t have to worry about driving or parking, and you can enjoy the city in air-conditioned comfort and safety. Similarly, if you are staying with relatives or friends, try and make your stay as stress-free and accommodating as possible. Tip the servants generously. If you are staying with parents, see what chores they have pending; if things need mending or fixing around the house help out and get them done.
5. Check out the old and the new: The city boasts some very good museums like Mohatta Palace and the Air Force Museum. The city has several excellent parks like Beach Park, Zamzama Park and now Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim. Check out the shopping malls. Also savour some of the older places like Empress Market (now much cleaner) and Bohri Bazaar. Eat at the more well-known places like BBQ Tonite and Student Biryani. Visit the new cinemas (Cineplex) and the bowling alleys.
6. Take sensible precautions: Don’t overstretch yourself. Take it easy. Also, listen to your hosts. Don’t eat off the Thellas. Only drink bottled water from a reputable company. Don’t walk in dark alleys or roads at night. Protect your belongings in public places. Avoid dodgy food items.
7. Look at the opportunities: If you have time, check out real estate prices and what is on offer. Talk to realtors, and other professionals like the conveyancing solicitors in London, and also look for investment opportunities. It’s always a good idea to buy property here. This is a good time. The city is witnessing an economic boom.
If you can buy something, then purchase and put it on rent. You can even look at buying an office space if your budget is limited or you could think about booking an apartment. If you’re thinking about relocating or moving, think about enlisting the services of professional moving companies with trucks to ensure a seamless transition.
Moreover, homes in fort worth are a great investment option as the demand for residential properties has been steadily increasing. With the growing population and job opportunities, more people are looking to settle in the city, which has led to a surge in the demand for homes. Therefore, buying a property in Fort Worth not only offers a good return on investment but also gives you the potential for long-term growth. You can also consider hiring a property management company to handle your rental property if you don’t have the time or expertise to manage it yourself. With the right investment strategy, buying a property in Fort Worth can be a lucrative investment opportunity.
While the city’s growing population and job market present promising prospects for property investors, navigating the complexities of the market can be daunting. This is where the expertise of a seasoned real estate professional like Kurt Uhlir comes into play. With a deep understanding of the local market trends and investment strategies, Uhlir can offer invaluable guidance to help you make informed decisions and maximize your returns. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the real estate game, having Uhlir by your side can significantly enhance your chances of success. So, if you’re ready to explore the offer in the real estate market, check out Kurt Uhlir here! and take the first step towards achieving your investment goals.
8. Buy sensibly and have realistic expectations: Just because Zainab Market is cheap it does not mean one should overload themselves with imitation designer wear. Also, think about what you need to buy. Keep your expectations realistic. If you buy from Zainab Market, the quality will be dodgy. Look at some of the more expensive items at quality shops like Labels and Khaadi. Spoil yourself and buy some high quality things particularly leather items like bags from Jafferjees or English Boot House (EBH).
9. Check out the local NGOs: See the wonderful work being done by organisations like the Citizens Foundation, Edhi Trust, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) and Layton Rehmatoola Benevolent Trust (LRBT) to name a few. Go and visit the Darul Sukoon or the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) to see how much work is being done by devoted professionals to help the poor and disabled people. Make a commitment here.
10. Finally, enjoy and don’t compare: Since Pakistan is a third world country, don’t compare Karachi to Dubai or the US. This is your country. Only here could you get away after fighting with the local traffic policemen. The city obviously has its share of problems. But here you are neither a suspicious Muslim nor a second-class citizen. Family values here are as strong as ever. And despite the fact that many people will bug you about their prospects abroad, just remember it is all being done with good intentions. People will make time for you. Though marriage ceremonies start at late hours, people make time to attend them. Forget your country of residence for a while and enjoy Karachi for as long as you are here!
The only thing missing is a direct caution – though #6 seems to cover it somewhat – that cellphone-snatching is a very present and common danger.
There are now two types of people in Karachi: those who carry cool cellphones; and those who have been mugged. Oh, and yes, especially in English-speaking circles, the word “mugged” is now not something you hear about happening in far-away New York City. There is, sadly, very regular occasion to use the word.
(Editor’s Note: This post was first published on January 12, 2007 but much of it remains very relevant today. We hope readers will update these tips and maybe add new ones.)
I agree with Eidee Man.
Iff you dont want to come back you will find a 100 exccuses not to. When you do want o come back you will find a 1000 ways in which it can happen. I returned from UK after studies and thought it woudl be ddifficult. It was but it was not impossible. Now I have my own business (export) and doing better than I could ever have done in UK. Does not mean that those who did not come back made a mistake. That is their choice. Just means that if you DO want to really come back, then come back and things will work out if you work hard. Just like anywhere.
Jamshed, you’re quite right about your last comment. However, these changes have to be brought about by private citizens; I personally think that if it were harder for Pakistani professionals to leave, Pakistan would be much better in terms economy, etc. Think about, even the ex-pats on this blog, say if they were to move to Pakistan…wouldn’t that have a noticeable effect?
As for your Israeli friends…well, we haven’t quite found a group of people we can force into apartheid….just a joke folks :).
Hello there!
nice write up. triggered a bit of nostalgia for me 2.
Pakistan is part of us and our “belonging to the land” cannot be forgotten or replaced with new passports etc. everytime i go back, there is always a feeling of arriving at home.
i do feel rather upset that although we have natural resources, a huge population, a buetiful country and a rich history of thousands of years, our present state of affiars is quite poor. Talk about the sixth (or is it seventh) most populous nation, and we can hardly provide drinking water, basic education or any form of half decent quality of life to our people. Look at the social institutions and political instituitions and the story is quite clear. we as well as our forefathers have failed at the fine task of nation building.
anyway, the positve side of the story is that the new generation is refreshingly positive and is breaking away from the past. Musharraf, for all his faults, is doing a good job. If the country does nt breakup in the next couple of decades, it will surely develop into a stable society! i am optimistic!
however, one thing i notice every time i visit – which is couple times every year for the last decade, is that i am more or less frozen in a time capsule about pakistani society and my orientation in it, whereas, the society itself has moved on every time. there is a period of rediscovery and readjustment everytime!
Although my chinease, indian or israeli freinds easily relocate back to their home countries, for me it is much more difficult due to lack of suitable work. I think this is also the case for many of us – engineers, doctors, lawyers, scientists – there is no banglore back home. so skills transfer / jump starting a tech eco sytem is still a distant dream.
having said all this, i have met so many local collegues in the countries where i have worked, US / canada / middle east / germany / france etc, who live, work, retire in their home countries even home towns without a need / desire to move to other places – “would not want to leave family / freinds” situation. Why does Pakistan not have these opportunites?
JNZ
““I think many Pakistanis who live abroad become most obnoxious when they go back home. They act as if they know everything, can soleve everything and just because they are walait-palat they have the right and duty to find fault in everything and give advice to everyone”
Yes, as a Pakistani living abroad, I fully agree with this.
First of all, a great and very funny post! In response to Bilal, yes, unfortunately you’re quite right.
However, one thing I learned in my long vacation in 2003 is that every situation requires a different approach. We Pakistanis and Muslims in general have major, major pride issues. The best thing to do is to ask very softly and respectfully at first, making sure you acknowledge the person’s position; remember, it is probably very easy to detect that you’ve been away for a long time and the other person is probably thinking that you’re looking down on him (which a lot of people do, sadly). If the other person, still doesn’t comply, then respond very firmly. Sometimes, talking in English can help you, especially if the other person has a poor command of the language…they might feel embarrassed and try to diffuse the situation. (yeah, I hate myself for saying thsi but it works)