A project as good as Port Grand should be open for all of Karachi’s residents, regardless of gender.
LAHORE: Recently, I decided to go to the much-hyped Port Grand in which the Karachi Port Trust is also involved. However, I was surprised to find that single men are not permitted inside, on the grounds that the project is reserved only for ‘families’. I have found this happen at a cinema in DHA and in one of Karachi’s better known cafes as well and find the policy highly discriminatory and, in fact, downright sexist.
By adopting such admissions policies, establishments such as these seem to be sending a message to the people of Karachi that all single men and groups of single men are natural troublemakers and their sole purpose in life is to harass women and/or families.
Though I will not deny that there are some young men in our society that do make families and ladies uncomfortable in public places with their behaviour, this does not justify a blanket ban. The Rs300 admissions charge should be enough to discourage so-called ‘unwanted’ elements from visiting the place.
A project as good as Port Grand should be open for all of Karachi’s residents, regardless of gender.
Deen M Sheikh
Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2011.
