Pursukoon Karachi: What was, what is, what should be

First session of three-day initiative brings Karachiites together to draw a roadmap for a better city, literally.

KARACHI:

After a nostalgic, emotional inauguration laden with speeches, the three-day Pursukoon Karachi festival took off with an interactive activity titled ‘Karachi — A Roadmap for the Future’.

Curiosity was instantly aroused as artist Naiza Khan energetically came forth as mediator, and a large, blank white sheet was placed centre stage. The energy in the expansive auditorium was upped within minutes as Khan announced what the session would entail: Without thinking, without deliberating, audience members would get up and state the one point that, in their opinion, could make Karachi a better city.

On cue, young artists Abdul Malik Channah and Sarah Khan, with their motley of coloured markers, came up. They were tasked with illustratively translating the views of the participants on to the white sheet.

Palpable camaraderie in the room

What followed was an intense, entertaining 20 minutes in which the roadmap to Karachi’s future came alive, one mark at a time.

The interaction of participants with Khan, with the artists, and with themselves, brought the room alive. More than 60 ideas, each more daring than the previous, were confidently pronounced, ranging from absolute de-weaponisation to planting trees outside every house and the revival of a library culture.



“Parks should be free,” exclaimed photographer Tapu Javeri, also among the audience.

A young girl got up and asked for more music in the city. She was obliged almost instantly when, a few minutes later, an audience member rose and rendered an impromptu beat-boxing performance.

There were cries of ‘Ameen’ as people rattled of the basics missed every day: tolerance, swift justice, relative equality in education, decent public transport, access to water and healthcare. “We need more public art,” stated actor Ayesha Omar, while another citizen said with gusto, “Give us back our samandar (sea)!”

By the end, the once-blank sheet had turned into a kaleidoscope of hope and spirit. In its overlapping depictions of clean footpaths, protected mangroves, billboard less streets, and the all-encompassing peace sign, it spoke volumes about what Karachi was, what Karachi is, and what Karachi should be.

Will drawings translate to action?

Clearly, the activity left many of those present with evident gusto and optimism.

“What a beautiful thought, what a different session,” said Sana Burney, who is a fine artist, photographer, and teacher. “I am an optimistic person, and I think such an initiative will get us somewhere. It may not be overnight, but it will be soon. This is a drop in the ocean, the first session.”

Asad Rizvi, a student volunteer, agreed with Burney. “Activities such as these are great reinforcement for teenagers, for those who want to plan for a better Karachi,” said Rizvi.

While the auditorium was busy and bustling, it was, in no way, filled to capacity. When asked about the turnout, Anza Saqib, the social media coordinator of the festival, said the first event should not be a gauge of the success.

“Overall, the response has been amazing, especially that of the young people,” said Saqib. “I do believe that these activities will translate to action. Karachi needs initiatives that bring everyone together to brainstorm, initiatives that are free and open to all.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2013.

Slideshow: Making peace with Karachi