Eating Out

How structural transformation changes minds

The former Capital of Pakistan and also its financial hub has always had a thriving community. People from different ethnicities and cultures reside in this coastal city.

Even before partition, Karachi was the hub of socio-cultural activities, which continued after the partition.

As the city is located next to the Arabian Sea, it has an active harbour and before technology took over, successful cities were port cities where goods would be transported, which always contributed to the economy.

The educated elite found the city fascinating and majority of the industrialists resided in this beautiful city.

The allure of making money attracted all sorts, from people living in smaller cities to the rural dwellers, they were drawn to Karachi like bees to honey. As time passed, the city grew exponentially, the once clear roads narrowed as the traffic increased. The once open spaces were taken over by small clusters of plots and unattractive buildings, which were overcrowded. The city that gave so much to the people could barely be recognized as the colonies grew and spaces shrunk.

People still flock to get to Karachi for better job opportunities, but when they arrive here, they are met with disappointment.

The vast structures replaced with unsightly buildings and even smaller office spaces leave new comers confused. What they hear about and what they experience are two vastly different things.

Overcrowded streets, traffic and noise pollution are some things people have to get used to, whatever markets are present, they are overcrowded due to the size of the shops, two or three cramped where there should have been only one, pedestrian bridges exist but they too are dilapidated, and people cannot walk about any area or sit to enjoy the evening breeze. This once thriving city has lost its former glory, the city termed as the ‘city of lights’ has dimmed as the people rush to get from one place to another, the city has in essence lost its soul.

Every major city is known for its ‘soul’, a unique quality, Paris is called the ‘city of love’, because of its ambience, of the Squares and Piazzas built, of River Sein flowing just below it.

Los Angeles is termed ‘City of Angels’ because it has the highest number of Hollywood A-Listers residing there, from Amsterdam to Brussels, to London or New York, every metropolitan city has something unique to offer. Karachi was in the same league as them, as seen by the beautiful architecture of yesteryears, it too boasted a Piazza and complexes, the masonry of that era was near perfection, but it could not be sustained as people who resided in Karachi did not own the city.

However, much to the relief of Karachi’s residents, DHA Karachi has taken the first step to initiate the glory that the city enjoyed many decades ago, DHA Karachi is revamping the Commercial areas of Defence so that the residents can enjoy a stroll, or a cup of tea, outdoors, without having to worry about being robbed, or harassed.

The first step is near completion, which is the A Market of Phase 2, it is in the process of being completely transformed. The almost completed Square is already attracting people, as they can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, or ice-cream while enjoying the evening breeze.

Trees have been planted, lights, benches and tables are produced for the comfort of people visiting this beautiful site. Surrounded by food outlets, people from all walks of life are taking a keen interest in this now revamped area, which goes on to show how important such spaces are for people, just sitting out in the open, one feels the burdens of life lift, which automatically puts one’s mind at ease, which is beneficial to one’s mental health.

 

The Piazza has attracted much attention due to its uniqueness in the design format and its location. People from all walks of life, flocked the area on the weekend, they brought their toddlers, elderly mothers and fathers and their friends. The relaxed outdoors gave much respite to the tenseness of everyday life.

It is important to note that the area is not fully complete, yet people loved coming there, how it will look on completion, one can only imagine. Mr. Nadir, owner of A-ONE snacks is busy keeping an eye, he said, “I have had this business for many decades, but what I am witnessing now is pure magic, people coming with families to enjoy a meal in the outdoors, it’s a beautiful sight. I am really thankful to DHA Karachi for taking this initiative, as the cleaner and more organized the area is, the better it is for business.”

One of the ladies, who had come from UAE commented on the beauty and security of the A Market Piazza, Phase 2, stating, “you know, in the UAE, there are so many malls and all, I never imagined Karachi to give me a feel of a European city, please don’t be offended, Karachi is a great place, but it’s really not known for the beautiful squares or security, I am so pleasantly surprised, DHA really do a marvelous job with this.”

DHA Karachi’s initiative to create public spaces for people has met with a lot of praise, as people, especially Karachiites love to go out with their families, it offers a much-needed respite from the daily drudges of modern-day living.

As the area develops further, more people would be seen visiting Phase 2, which is 6 acres of land. DHA Karachi has already uplifted Bukhari Commercial and is in the process of revamping all the Phases so that people can enjoy an evening stroll or an ice-cream cone without fear.

It is however, important to note, that people should also be careful of waste disposal and dispose of their waste in the bins provided so that there is no trash around them.

Journalist based in Karachi