Events should be hosted in localities that are in the middle of the city
KARACHI: Since the start of 2019, Karachi has witnessed many festivals such as the Coke Fest, Adab Fest and the upcoming Karachi Literature Festival in March.
It is great to realise that the ‘City of Lights’ is once again safe to host so many cultural events. Considering that there are not many recreational activities in the metropolis, these festivals come as a solace for Karachiites to break free from their mundane routines.
However, it should be noted that most of these festivals take place on what most Karachiites call ‘the other side of the bridge’ in Clifton and Defence areas. This makes such events inaccessible for the majority, as many living in Gulshan or Nazimabad areas find it difficult to travel such long distances to attend an event.
Many believe that organisers deliberately choose such locations as they want only a certain (read elite) audience to attend these events.
However, this only goes on to widen the already existing class divide in the country.
It is, therefore, advisable that such events that aim to promote culture should be inclusive and hosted in localities that are in the middle of the city such as the Expo Centre.
Naeem Ghauri
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2019.
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