City Walk – Locating Wazir Mansion

A journey back in time. Finding an address in Kharadar is no mean feat. Even if it is that of the founder of the country. A lot of people shake head when you inquire. Others get lost in translation. The Karachi Walla did not mind it. Kharadar Streets make a vibrant art gallery. Phase out of the time and relish the craftsmanship which has transformed stone and wood into an enduring piece of art. Rising pollution and population has taken its toll on the area. People have multiplied. The space has not. Floors have been added marginalizing consistency. Buildings have been cut into halves leaving them bleeding for eternity. Wires and polls have been put up strangling the grace of the structures.

Wazir Mansion has been closed for good five six years for restoration work. Restoration has been done but Wazir Mansion has not been opened yet due to lack of the staff. Don’t get disappointed. Take a look around. The area is delightful. Facing Wazir Mansion is a pale yellow stone building, looking like a replica of the original Wazir Mansion. Move forward and you will see four five early 20th century buildings whitewashed by existing occupants.

Go there on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Park your car in one of the streets at the beginning of M.A. Jinnah road. Wazir Mansion is ten minutes walk from Merewether tower. Take a sip of tea at the first tea stall you see. There is a bookstall too. An anomaly in the landscape. Buy a book or two even if you don’t want one. It will be encouraging for the seller.

The people in Wazir Mansion did not commit to any date for its opening. You may never know when they open it up. It does not make up big news these days and you may miss it. But still try visiting it. Locating Wazir Mansion will be a delightful learning experience.