What Karachi means to me

Breezy evenings, busy roads and lively people — this is what Karachi is to me. For many, it is a place where there is no security of life, but for me this is the only city where I can breathe out and live to the fullest.

I have spent 24 years of my life in this city. By no means has this beautiful city even once given me a sign that my life was in danger. I have spent the happiest time of my life here. This is the place that taught me everything. It gave me beautiful memories from my school years and wonderful family time, and my heart wrenches when I come to know that people want to leave Karachi because of its current situation.

I feel pride in saying that I come from one of the bravest cities of the world. This city doesn’t forget to shine brightly, even during its darkest hour. Karachi has seen the worst of times in recent years. There have been days that have seen the loss of countless lives with hundreds of families shattered, yet the city does not fail to rise again. Every sun that rises here creates a new day, a new life for its citizens.

The situation in Karachi has made its citizens tougher and stronger individuals. My love for the city grows more and more with every passing day, even with people elsewhere being scared to visit it.

Many people have left Karachi to find a better future abroad. However, those who have chosen to stay back have not lost hope. Even today if you visit the busy, congested areas of Karachi, like Saddar or Empress Market, you would witness the way Karachiites live on despite the tragedies that so many of them have been through. They will not let this dark phase overwhelm them.

No matter what people say, Karachi will always be the ‘city of lights’ for me.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2015.