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 This second edition of Megacity of Our Times edited by Hameeda Khuhro and Anwer Mooraj and published by Oxford Printing Press, is a fabulous documentation of the events that transformed Karachi from a small fishing village to Asia's largest cosmopolitan city. Co-authored by Hamida Khuhro and Anwer Mooraj, the book comprises nineteen impressive chapters written by eminent writers including famous names like Muneeza Shamsie, Muhammad Ali Siddiqui, Arif Hasan and Asif Noorani amongst many others.
In the first four chapters Hameeda Khuhro has masterfully documented historical facts, giving a detailed and rarely found history of Karachi right from its beginnings in the sixteenth century, when it was "an important rendezvous of the Arab navigators in Sindh", to its occupation by the British in 1839, its progress as an important port city, its role during turbulent pre and post independence days when it became a hot bed of events and time and again lived up to the challenges like accommodation of the Government of Pakistan within a short period of three months. The chapters are full of maps, illustrations, paintings and pictures that compliment the text.
Title: Karachi: Megacity of Our Times
Editors: Hamida Khuhro, Anwer Mooraj
Publisher: Oxford University Press, Pakistan (18 Feb 2010)
Price: PKR. 1950
Pages: 390, Hardcover
ISBN-10: 0195475194
ISBN-13: 978-0195475197
Chapter 5 "The Founding Fathers of Modern Karachi", written by Muneeza Shamsi pays a glorious tribute to not only renowned personalities like Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Begum Raana Liaquat Ali and Abdul Sattar Edhi but also acknowledges services of lesser known yet equally remarkable individuals like Sir Charles Napier, K.B. Hassanally Bey Effendi, Haji Sir Abdullah Haroon, Jamshed Nusserwanji, Mohammad Ayub Khuhro and Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan to name a few who selflessly worked for the development and prosperity of Karachi.
Chapter 6, written by Shahida Wizarat, highlights the economic contributions of Karachi and has some very informative facts and figures. "The Growth of a Metropolis" is a very engrossing narrative by famous architect Arif Hasan who wistfully explains facts, while introducing us to the root causes of Karachi's current problems of transportation, lack of civic amenities, unplanned housing, poor sanitation and inadequate water supply. The nostalgic tone of the narrative touches a chord stirring up deep emotions for Karachi, a city that once glittered like a jewel but has now lost its glory due to neglectful attitudes, especially of the higher authorities.
In Chapter 8, "More than half a century of trends" Noman Ahmed highlights the architectural developments in Karachi that happened after independence. Well-written and crisply composed, every line is worth reading and gives tremendous insight into designing and construction of the landmark monuments of Karachi, which will make readers view the city in an entirely different light.
"The Literary Scene English-II", written by Navid Shahzad effectively sums up the intellectual and cultural life of Karachi while documenting transition of thoughts and ideas happening in literary circles primarily due to traumatic post-partition events. It also lists famous contemporary writers of English literature belonging to Karachi like Bina Shah, Kamila Shamsie, Hanif Kureishi, Omar Kureishi, Anwer Mooraj and Uzma Aslam Khan. It is equally refreshing to learn about Karachi's contributions to Urdu literature in Muhammad Ali Siddiqui's article "The Literary Scene- Urdu". The writer tells us how Urdu flourished in Karachi, and how the city has tremendously contributed to Urdu literature by producing eminent writers and poets like John Elia, Shaukat Siddiqui and Qurratul Ain Hyder. A separate chapter "The Literary Scene- Sindhi" written by Hamida Khuhro discusses in detail literary work done in Sindhi language and how it has flourished over the years.
Asif Noorani writes from his heart in "Saddar of the Fifties and Sixties", reminiscing Saddar of his youth when it was the place to be- the center of attraction and a prime shopping avenue. Many of his descriptions of Saddar will come as surprise to the new generation. The writer's fondness for the city is evident throughout the chapter. "Cycle rickshaws were forbidden to enter Victoria Road and Elphinstone Street, the two prestigious passages in Saddar." For the youth, it is definitely hard to imagine Saddar as the neat, tidy and exclusive shopper's paradise fondly remembered by the writer.
Marjorie Husain's "An Ever Expanding Canvas" brings back to life the art and artistic community that once flourished in Karachi. The wealth of information, the choice of words and flow of the article is simply amazing. Whether it is the narration of Sadequain's or Jamil Naqsh's work, Gulgee's expertise in calligraphy, establishment of Karachi School of Arts or contributions of the Zuberi sisters, the writer gives rare details that only a person belonging to that circle can give. This chapter is a must read of all those who want an insight into history of art in Karachi.
"Comedy Tragedy and Realism" written by Hameed Zaman traces the growth of theatre in Karachi. Some of the facts are really eye opening like how Tehrik-e-Niswan managed to highlight social issues despite strict restrictions by the martial law regime. An interesting anecdote was about the two legendary performers, Uzra Butt and Zohra Saigal, both sisters, who performed on stage in "Ek thi Nani" after four decades.
In "A Close-Up of Cinema, Radio and Television" Asif Noorani provides a brief round up of cinema, radio and television activities.
The last few chapters of the book are the most intriguing ones as they narrate tales of a city that had a colorful night life, where booze flowed and visitors danced to the rhythm of music until dawn. In "Karachi before Prohibition" Anwer Mooraj makes readers laugh and cry with his nostalgic reminiscing of Karachi that bustled during the day and shone during the night. He recalls a recklessly entertaining Karachi when going to late night movie shows was considered safe, classical dancers like Panna, Amy Minwalla and Nahid Siddiqui had a huge fan following and horse racing was the majority's favorite sports. The writer walks down the memory lane in "Being Young in the Fifties", making us wonder how much Karachi has changed for the worst over these years! He narrates "How well I remember the Karachi of fifties. Everything was so safe and peaceful.... Ethnic Violence was unheard of, and public enemy number one was the bicycle thief, a close relative of the nocturnal burglar.... Stopping at the red light was absolutely mandatory, and offenders were duly punished. ...People were also very tolerant... What a pity those lazy, carefree days are gone forever...."
After reading through these chapters describing the glory days of Karachi, an optimistic end to the book was very much needed and is adequately provided by Ayla Khuhro in "Millennium Karachi"- the closing chapter of the book. This is a narrative of the 21st century Karachi seen through the eyes of an expatriate returning to the city after living abroad for many years. She has kept her tone positive while describing bitter facts of life experienced in Karachi today. Her narration of the political upheavals in Karachi during recent years, the cosmetic changes for beautification of the city are very realistic. Although many of Karachi's problems are highlighted but so are its strengths that make Karachi so lovable and livable even today. Her questions ring a bell though "How do her citizens maintain a positive outlook and bounce back despite the calamity and peril they constantly face... "
In the concluding paragraph she has given words to the emotions of all those who have seen the city decline year after year and have still never stopped hoping for a better future.
"I feel that like me, Karachi has grown older, more aggressive and more impatient, practically at the end of its tether.... The Karachi of today reflects the wider world, instinctively absorbing influences within Pakistan, Asia and the world."
Karachi Mega City of Our Time" is a touching documentation of Karachi's glory days. It makes one fall in love with Karachi, gives a new understanding of the city's problems and shortcomings, develops a sense of awe, gratitude and respect for all that the city has done for the country and the country men. Karachi might have lost its old days charm but it is still a city that strives hard, despite its limited resources, to fulfill the needs of 16 million of its residents. 
Reviewed by Ayesha Asif
Ayesha Asif worked as a content writer at CMC, Karachi, and was a regular contributor to SouthAsia. She died on July 28, 2010 in the Air Blue crash in Islamabad. SouthAsia deeply grieves the loss of a much-loved team member.
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