Karachi Ki Kahani: A Seminar
UrduPoint
Home
News
Pakistan Today
Auto ... (rest of the categories as listed)
Seminar titled “Karachi Ki Kahani” held
A seminar titled “Karachi Ki Kahani” was organized by the Rotaract Club of Karachi Game Changers at the Dr. Riaz Islam Audio-Visual Center, Department of History, University of Karachi on September 4, 2026. Federal Banking Ombudsman and renowned banker, Sirajuddin Aziz, served as the keynote speaker, addressing students, faculty members, and guests on Karachi's economic history, development, and evolving character.
Keynote Address: Karachi’s Journey and Transformation
Sirajuddin Aziz retraced Karachi’s history from a small coastal settlement of Baloch fishermen to a significant regional port and commercial center. He explained the city's development as a port during the British East India Company era, with a diverse population including Hindus, Parsis, and later, Goan Christians.
Following Pakistan's creation, people from various parts of India and Pakistan settled in Karachi, contributing to its economic growth. Aziz emphasized that Karachi's early economic boom was primarily driven by Pakistani capital, vision, and hard work, rather than foreign funding. He highlighted the role of Pakistan's business community, known as the "22 families," who invested heavily in Karachi, transforming it into an industrial and commercial hub.
"Karachi developed as a cosmopolitan city from its inception," Aziz noted. "Its port status gave it strategic importance from day one, while the opening of the Suez Canal further solidified its position as an essential international port city."
Karachi’s Past Glory and Cultural Heritage
Aziz recalled Karachi Airport's past as a major international aviation hub, with 46 international airlines operating from the city. Aviation-related activities generated economic activity and revenue for Karachi, fostering international tourism and global commerce.
He discussed the intricate relationship between the economy and culture, emphasizing the historical role of Karachi's educational institutions. The University of Karachi, once a magnet for students from across the Muslim world, especially from Arab countries, he said. Many international students lived in university hostels, studied modern subjects, and even learned Urdu during their stay.
Aziz painted a picture of Karachi's earlier urban culture, describing evening walks along Bandar Road as akin to Hong Kong's vibrant atmosphere. He highlighted the city's well-maintained major roads and its social and cultural environment, reflecting a genuinely international city.
"Religious intolerance, extremism, and violent social attitudes were not dominant features of Karachi's public culture during that period," Aziz remarked. "The city's diverse population, social interaction, and cultural openness contributed to its cosmopolitan identity."