KARACH AGAIN

After I finished my studies in Neuchatel, I flew to Karachi where my father was working.   It was lovely seeing my parents again, meeting old friends and making new ones.  Although almost five years have passed since the partition, Karachi's population from about 500.000 residents still continued bulging into millions.   Unfortunately, homeless refugees were still sleeping in parks, playfields, in front of large hotels, clubs, all over the place.  It was heartbreaking and the government's greatest problem.  A first masterplan was presented by a Sweedish firm, which sought to accommodate the refugees in ten-storeyed buildings in the outskirts of the city.  Fortunately, the plan was never accomplished.

The foreigners living in Pakistan, trying to give a helping hand, held bazaars, concerts, plays and balls in aid of the refugees.  One such charity ball was the "Dance of the Nations" which was a great success and raised large donations.

Also, the city was growing monstrously.  An orgy of construction was taking place, in order to house the refugees but, also, to accommodate new businesses, educational institutions, hospitals,  barracks, embassies and government facilities.   Fortunately, the beautiful traditional old buildings and parks still adorned Karachi. 

Mohatta Palace

 

Frere Hall

However, the life and habits of the European community remained unchanged.  We still dressed for dinner.  As Karachi was the young new capital, social life was very intense.  Receptions for national days, cocktail and dinner parties were everyday events.  We plaid tennis, cricket and golf and rowed and sailed.  We swam ar Sandspit and Hawke's Bay, sandy beaches on the Arabian sea, very near Karachi.  We were all members of clubs.  Most young people, including me, preferred the Boat Club and the Gymkhana, but the Sind Club offered traditional elegance and the most delicious Gourmet dishes.

Zeibunissa Hamidulla, journalist and writer. sitting far right with friends 

Dining at "Le Gourmet" 

Mrs I Khan, wife of the Prime Minister  of Pakistan buying one of our plates