- Heritage Under Threat: Karachi’s architectural history is rapidly disappearing, highlighted by the demolition of the 1868 Kanji Building during a seminar on heritage preservation titled “Bunder Road se Keamari: Confluence of Cultures.”
- Efforts to Preserve History: Experts at the seminar discussed restoration, adaptive reuse, and digital documentation of historic sites, with successful examples like the revitalization of Khaliqdina Hall serving as inspiration for safeguarding Karachi’s heritage.
- Urgent Call to Action: With hundreds of historic buildings at risk and limited government support, the seminar emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect Karachi’s architectural and cultural identity before it’s permanently lost.
Karachi, a city rich with history and cultural treasures, is slowly losing its architectural soul. As efforts are made to preserve its heritage, buildings that hold the city’s past within their walls are being erased overnight.
The irony was evident at the recent seminar, “Bunder Road se Keamari: Confluence of Cultures,” where experts and enthusiasts gathered to discuss preservation—while at the same time, the Kanji Building, a majestic 1868 structure, was being demolished just streets away.
Hosted at the historic Khaliqdina Hall, the seminar brought together architects, designers, and artists to highlight Karachi’s endangered heritage and the urgent need for collective action.
Discussions ranged from restoration projects to digital documentation, underscoring the importance of preserving what remains.
Saima Zaidi, founder of Numaish-Karachi, shared how her team helped restore the Khaliqdina Hall and its library, turning it into a vibrant cultural retreat for the city. Architects Christophe Polack and Asiya Sadiq emphasized the importance of research and long-term maintenance when restoring historic sites. Without continuous care, these spaces fall back into decay.
The seminar also explored how modern technology can help save Karachi’s past. Amer Bazl Khan stressed the importance of using digital tools to document and manage historical sites. Artist Ozair B. Mansoor presented detailed drawings of Karachi’s lost communities, immortalizing buildings that might soon only exist on paper, including the ill-fated Kanji Building.
Discussions on adaptive reuse by Qurratulain Poonawala reinforced the idea that preservation isn’t just about saving walls—it’s about reviving spaces to integrate them into modern life. Meanwhile, Ayla Raza and Nusrat Khawaja shed light on Karachi’s evolving artistic landscape, reminding attendees of the city’s once-thriving cultural hub.
Despite the enlightening conversations, the shadow of destruction loomed over the event. Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s silence on the demolition of the Kanji Building spoke volumes about the government’s stance on heritage protection.
With hundreds of historical buildings at risk, the seminar was both a call for action and a painful reminder of what’s already been lost. If Karachi’s citizens and authorities don’t unite to protect these spaces, the city’s architectural identity may soon be nothing more than a memory.
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