Mahira Khan's heartfelt ode to Karachi

Actor laments neglect, celebrates resilience of city's forgotten streets

KARACHI:

Mahira Khan, one of Pakistan's most prominent actors, has penned an emotional reflection on Karachi - her beloved yet burdened hometown - expressing both sorrow and affection for the metropolis that continues to crumble under civic neglect.

In a moving Instagram post, Mahira shared photographs from the city's less-seen neighbourhoods, alongside a message that resonated deeply with her followers.

"Sometimes I marvel at my city," she wrote. "I feel blessed that my work takes me to places I probably would have never gone to - streets and little bastis I would have never seen."

Her words paint a vivid picture of a city of contradictions - one where luxury high-rises coexist with slums struggling for basic necessities.

"Homes that don't have electricity for hours on end, barely anything to eat on a daily basis, dirt that has been collected for weeks," she observed. "The disparity between rich and poor is so massive in this city."

The actor, known for her roles in 'Raees' and 'Humsafar', didn't stop at lamentation. She also captured Karachi's undying humanity - the spirit that endures despite hardship.

"I saw kids laughing, a child or two coming back from school, a mother making fresh parathas for the son going out to earn a living," she wrote.

Mahira's post drew attention to the resilience and diversity that define the city. She described one striking moment: "I saw a street where a mandir, church and a masjid literally shared a wall." For her, that image symbolised Karachi's essence - imperfect yet united by a quiet coexistence.

What began as a lament soon turned into a love letter. "I saw smiles which had sadness, yet hope. Within the struggle - life," she wrote. "Karachi, I love you. I'm sorry we haven't been able to look after you the way you look after us all."

The post, shared on October 3, sparked a wave of responses from fans and celebrities who echoed her sentiments, calling it a "painfully beautiful" reminder of how much the city gives - and how little it receives in return.

"How true this is. Karachi really is all that and more," salmanghori replied to the post. Lailarwasti added: "So aptly described. Karachi fills my heart with love yet breaks my heart. Every. Single. Day."

In a time when Karachi continues to grapple with decaying infrastructure, power outages, and other issues, Mahira's message serves as both critique and confession - a celebrity's heartfelt tribute to a city that mirrors the resilience of its people.