The Karachi Walla

The Progressive Girl Council Reading Room can only accommodate 15 or so people. The bookshelves are installed higher on the wall to make more room for people. There is an arch in middle for no reason. There is a loud speaker and an amplifier lying in one corner. There are empty plates in another. The […]

Karachi’s lost tradition of Reading rooms. You can perhaps count remaining few in Karachi on fingertips. However Mir Muhammad Baloch Progressive Academy reading room is one vibrant community space in the heart of Marwari Lines. I find Ali Akbar, caretaker and librarian basking in winter sun outside the small reading room. He takes pride in […]

An instant favorite. Despite all the troubles a low income neighborhood in Karachi harbors, such as filth, garbage, sewerage water and traffic. But there is warmth in people, a distinct taste in roadside food and character in buildings that make this area special. Marwari Lines or Gazdarabad is a neighborhood in Saddar Town, which has […]

People in Marwari Lines claim that Beech Wali Masjid was built 250 years ago, making it the oldest mosque in the city. It certainly is one of the most active mosques in the city. The streets in the Marwari Lines are one of the narrowest you will ever find in Karachi. The congested neighborhood and […]

What I saw during Ramazan. A collection of photos and videos from Karachi Walla’s daily trips to Karachi’s old quarters during Ramazan.