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Once Upon A Time In Karachi, Karachi (2026)

20/06/2026

Across the borders of a changing subcontinent, an inspiring story began long before lines were drawn on maps.
It is the story of a family whose surname—Sharif—would come to symbolize art, performance, dedication, and achievement in both India and Pakistan.
From the vibrant cultural landscape of pre-Partition India emerged Syed Iftikhar Ahmed Sharif (1920–1995), known to the world simply as Iftekhar. One of the most distinguished actors of Indian cinema, he appeared in more than 400 films and delivered unforgettable performances in classics such as Don, Deewar, Zanjeer, Sholay, and many others. Whether portraying a police commissioner, judge, or respected elder, Iftekhar Sahab brought dignity, grace, and authenticity to every role. Beyond acting, he was also a singer, painter, and poet.
The Sharif family was blessed with three brothers—Syed Iftikhar Ahmed Sharif, Syed Imtiaz Ahmed Sharif, and Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Sharif—each leaving his own remarkable mark in different fields.
Then came Partition, and with it, different paths for the same family.
While Iftekhar Sahab continued his remarkable journey in Mumbai and became one of Bollywood's most respected character actors, his two younger brothers Syed Imtiaz Ahmed Sharif (1926–1987) and Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Sharif chose to settle in Karachi after Partition.
Syed Imtiaz Ahmed Sharif began his artistic journey in Karachi and became a respected television artist in Pakistan. His memorable appearance in the iconic drama Tanhaiyan and other television productions earned him recognition among Pakistani audiences and added another proud chapter to the Sharif family's creative legacy.
Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Sharif made his mark in the world of aviation. A professional pilot, he served for 42 years—10 years with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and 32 years with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He was notably the first pilot to fly an aircraft to Gilgit, becoming part of Pakistan’s aviation history.
Carrying forward the legacy of this remarkable family is Syed Yörgüç Tipu Sharif, son of Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Sharif. Born on October 24, 1978, Tipu Sharif followed the family's artistic tradition and established himself as a television artist in Pakistan. Alongside his creative journey, he also pursued higher education and holds an MBA degree from the prestigious Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi.
Three brothers.
Different journeys.
One remarkable family legacy.
From cinema and television to aviation and education, the Sharif family represents dedication, talent, and achievement across generations.
Two countries.
Two great cities—Mumbai and Karachi.
One enduring family name: Sharif.
Time has changed borders, skylines, and generations. Yet the achievements and stories of families like the Sharifs continue to connect people across history.
A tribute to Syed Iftikhar Ahmed Sharif, Syed Imtiaz Ahmed Sharif, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Sharif, and Syed Yörgüç Tipu Sharif—a family whose legacy reminds us that while history may divide maps, it cannot divide heritage.

18/06/2026

Ahmar Azam: From St. Jude's School to TriFit fitness Clubs
From the classrooms of St. Jude's School, D'Silva Town, North Nazimabad, Karachi, to becoming one of the most influential figures in the fitness industry, the journey of Ahmar Azam (Batch of 1986) is truly inspiring.
After completing his education at St. Jude's, Ahmar Azam qualified as a Chartered Accountant and built a successful international career in finance and corporate leadership. In 2011, he moved to Saudi Arabia, where he served as Chief Financial Officer of a major family-owned conglomerate before joining Leejam Sports Company, the operator of the highly successful Fitness Time clubs.
Initially appointed as CFO, he later became CEO and played a pivotal role in the company's rapid expansion. Under his leadership, Leejam Sports achieved a successful IPO in 2018, helping transform the business into a multibillion-dollar enterprise.
After years abroad, Ahmar returned to Pakistan after identifying a significant gap in the country's fitness industry. Backed by extensive market research and a clear vision, he launched TriFit in 2020, which has since grown into one of Pakistan's leading fitness and wellness brands.
His achievements extend beyond business. Ahmar Azam has served as: • Board Member and Finance Chair of the Health & Fitness Association
• Independent Audit Committee Member of the International Cricket Council (2018–2024)
• Board and advisory member of organizations including Sehat Kahani and Tasdeeq.org
In 2024, he was elected to the Board of the Health & Fitness Association, one of the world's most respected fitness industry organizations.
Ahmar has often stated that his goal is not merely to build a successful company, but to help develop the fitness industry across Pakistan and South Asia. His vision is to create a fitness brand with an international outlook while encouraging healthier lifestyles throughout the region.
His remarkable journey stands as a testament to the strong educational foundation provided by St. Jude's School, an institution that has produced countless professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who continue to make Pakistan proud.

18/06/2026

Unforgettable Memories of Karachi – Preserving the history, charm & soul of the city through reels rare photos, old buildings, lost landmarks & timeless stories. Once Upon a Time in Karachi.

16/06/2026

Marie Colaco School, Saddar, Karachi — A Forgotten Chapter of Karachi’s Educational Heritage
Marie Colaco School was once one of Karachi’s most respected and renowned educational institutions, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the city’s academic history.
The school was founded by Ms. Marie Colaco, who established the institution in Saddar, Karachi, with the vision of providing quality education to the younger generation. Later, Mr. Qureshi, (1918-1989) a well-known educationist, businessman, and philanthropist, Born in Rajkot, Kathiawar, Gujrat. He had no formal education. Moved to Karachi in 1938 acquired the school and played a significant role in expanding its educational activities. Mr. Qureshi was also the founder of Qureshi High School and Islamia College, and under his leadership, a wider network of educational institutions developed across Karachi.
In its early years, Marie Colaco School was located opposite the historic Methodist Church on Victoria Road, Saddar. Later, it shifted to its more familiar and well-remembered location at Depot Lines, Saddar, situated at the left-hand corner facing the historic Seventh-day Adventist Hospital. The school soon became known for its discipline, academic standards, and commitment to character-building.
The Marie Colaco educational network became an important part of Karachi’s educational landscape. Its branches, including the later campus established in Nazimabad No. 4, provided education to thousands of students from diverse communities and backgrounds.
Over the decades, the school produced many distinguished personalities who went on to achieve greatness in different fields. Among its notable alumni were:
Waheed Murad — one of Pakistan’s most celebrated film actors and a legendary icon of the silver screen.
Zahid Hussain — the respected sports journalist.
Islahuddin Siddiqui — former captain of the Pakistan hockey team and one of the country’s greatest hockey players.
Hanif Mohammad, Mushtaq Mohammad, and Sadiq Mohammad — three legendary brothers who became icons of Pakistan cricket.
Tanveer Jamshed — founder of the famous TeeJays brand.
The institutions established by Mr. Qureshi — including Marie Colaco School, Qureshi High School, and Islamia College — played a vital role in shaping generations of students who later contributed to Pakistan’s fields of sports, cinema, journalism, business, education, and professional life.
Sadly, the original Marie Colaco School building in Saddar no longer exists, as it has been demolished, marking the loss of another historic landmark of old Karachi. However, the memories of its students, the achievements of its alumni, and the dedication of its founders continue to preserve its legacy.
Marie Colaco School remains a cherished chapter in Karachi’s educational history — a symbol of discipline, excellence, and the countless dreams that were nurtured within its walls.

14/06/2026

A Rare Glimpse into St. Jude’s School, Block P, North Nazimabad Hussain D'Silva Town, Karachi – Late 1970s
This cherished photograph takes us back to the late 1970s and features two memorable personalities from St. Jude’s School, Seen in the picture are Mrs. Cunningham, the respected Principal of the Primary Section, and Sir Ansar, the school’s Physical Training (PT) teacher. Mrs. Cunningham was known for her discipline, strict standards, and dedication to maintaining academic excellence, while Sir Ansar played an important role in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork among students.
For many former students, these names bring back memories of a time when respect for teachers, punctuality, discipline, and good manners were considered essential parts of education. Mrs. Cunningham's strict yet caring approach and Sir Ansar's commitment to physical training left a lasting impression on generations of students.
St. Jude’s School was once among the most prominent educational institutions in the area, helping shape countless young minds who later went on to serve Pakistan and communities across the world.
Do you remember Mrs. Cunningham, Sir Ansar, or your days at St. Jude’s School?

14/06/2026

A Tribute to Sister Gertrude Lemmens (1 July 1914 – 30 October 2000) — The Founder of Darul Sukun
Sister Gertrude Lemmens was a Dutch-born humanitarian whose life became a shining example of compassion, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to humanity.
Born in Venray, the Netherlands, she first visited Sindh in 1939 to see her brother, a missionary priest serving in Sindh and Balochistan. During her travels through impoverished communities, she was deeply moved by the hardship and suffering she witnessed. The experience profoundly influenced her life and inspired her lifelong commitment to helping the poor, the disabled, and the marginalized.
After the creation of Pakistan, she chose to dedicate her life to serving the people of her adopted homeland. Her greatest contribution was the establishment of Darul Sukun, one of Karachi's most respected welfare institutions.
The story of Darul Sukun began in 1969, when Cardinal Joseph Cordeiro, then Archbishop of Karachi, acquired a property on Kashmir Road with plans to establish an English-medium school. Sister Gertrude envisioned a different purpose for the building. Recognizing the desperate need for a home for abandoned, mentally and physically challenged individuals, she persuaded the Archbishop to allow the property to be used as a care facility. He agreed, and thus Darul Sukun was born.
What began as a modest shelter soon grew into a beacon of hope, providing care, dignity, and support to thousands of mentally and physically challenged individuals, abandoned children, and people with special needs. Through tireless fundraising efforts in Pakistan and abroad, particularly in the Netherlands, Sister Gertrude secured support from philanthropists, charitable organizations, and companies such as KLM, ensuring the institution's survival and growth.
Over the years, she became affectionately known as the "Mother Teresa of Pakistan" for her extraordinary devotion to the homeless, disabled, abandoned, and needy. Her work touched countless lives and brought hope to those who had been forgotten by society.
In recognition of her exceptional humanitarian service, the Government of Pakistan awarded her the Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam on 23 March 1989.
Today, her legacy continues through Darul Sukun and the thousands of lives transformed by her kindness, vision, and dedication.
Few people leave behind a legacy measured not in wealth or status, but in the lives they uplift. Sister Gertrude Lemmens was one of them.

12/06/2026

Remembering Cricket Legend Javed Miandad on his Birthday 12th June
A rare and cherished photograph from Pakistan's historic 1979 tour of India.
Seen in this picture are Tasleem Arif, Javed Miandad, legendary actor Dilip Kumar, Mushtaq Mohammad, and A. Raqeeb during the tour. The series was captained by Asif Iqbal, while the Kolkata Test marked the Test debut of Tasleem Arif.
Today, we celebrate the birthday of Javed Miandad, one of the greatest batsmen Pakistan has ever produced. A remarkable statistic that sets him apart is that throughout his entire Test career of 124 Test matches, his batting average never fell below 50, an achievement unmatched in the history of Test cricket for a player with such a long career.
From his debut as a teenager to becoming Pakistan's batting mainstay, Miandad's courage, consistency, and match-winning performances made him a true legend of the game.
Happy Birthday, Javed Miandad — a cricketing giant whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

10/06/2026

A Tribute to Asad Ashraf Malik — A Distinguished Son of Karachi
Few public servants have served Karachi and Sindh in as many important capacities as Asad Ashraf Malik, whose remarkable career spanned engineering, law enforcement, public administration, anti-corruption work, and public accountability.
Raised in Nazimabad No. 5, opposite the iconic Liberty Cinema, Asad Ashraf Malik belonged to a respected Karachi family. His father, Dr.Sharful Haque Malik, was a well-known, humble, and highly respected physician. His clinic, Malik's Clinic, was widely known in the area for its service, compassion, and dedication to patients.
He received his early education at Happy Dale School, followed by studies at the renowned Adamjee Science College, before joining the NED Engineering College (Old Campus near Burns Road). At the time, NED was a college affiliated with the University of Karachi, long before it became an independent university.
As a student, Asad Ashraf Malik was not only academically accomplished but was also among Karachi's leading young debaters. He competed alongside notable personalities such as Zahoor Bhopali, Khushbakht Shujaat, Dost Muhammad Faizi, and Munawwar Ghani, proudly representing NED in debate competitions and intellectual forums across the city.
His literary interests were equally impressive. As a student, he wrote regularly for the daily Jang, participated in radio and television programs, and was actively engaged in the intellectual and cultural life of Karachi.
A photograph accompanying this post shows his first car, a Hillman Minx (1964 model), which he purchased in 1968–69 for Rs. 5,000 while studying at NED—a reminder of a different era when Karachi's students dreamed big and worked hard to achieve their goals.
After graduating in engineering, he joined the Police Service of Pakistan in 1972 and went on to serve in numerous key positions, including CCPO Karachi, DIG Crime Branch, DIG Hyderabad, Additional Inspector General of Police Sindh, Chairman Anti-Corruption Establishment Sindh, and later Sindh Ombudsman (Mohtasib).
In addition to his policing career, he was entrusted with important non-police assignments, serving as Chairman, Cotton Export Corporation of Pakistan and Commissioner, Sindh Social Security, reflecting the confidence successive governments placed in his administrative abilities.
His distinguished public service earned recognition both nationally and internationally. As Sindh Ombudsman, he worked tirelessly to improve accountability and redress citizens' grievances. He also represented Pakistan in the International Ombudsman Institute and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institution of Engineers Pakistan.
From the classrooms of Happy Dale School and Adamjee Science College to the halls of NED and the highest offices of public service, Asad Ashraf Malik's journey reflects dedication, intellect, integrity, and service to the nation.
Karachi takes pride in individuals whose achievements continue to inspire future generations.

09/06/2026

A Tribute to Ms. Mani Sheriar Contractor (1913–2008)
A Lifelong Beacon of Education
Ms. Contractor was one of Karachi’s most respected & legendary educationists, whose name remains deeply associated with excellence, discipline, and character-building in education.
She devoted an extraordinary part of her life to Mama Parsi Girls Secondary School Karachi, serving the institution for over five decades from 1936 to 1991. For the last 17 years of her service, she held the position of Principal, guiding generations of young students with wisdom, care, and unwavering commitment.
Known for her dedication to learning and moral development, Ms. Contractor inspired countless students who today are spread across the world. Many still remember her as a strict yet deeply compassionate educator who believed in shaping not just academic excellence, but strong character.
Her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives she influenced and in the enduring reputation of Mama Parsi School as one of Karachi’s premier educational institutions.
A true legend of Karachi’s educational history.

08/06/2026

A Tribute to Mrs. Deena M. Mistri — An Extraordinary Educationist and Proud Daughter of Karachi
Few educators leave a legacy that spans generations. Mrs. Deena M. Mistri was one such remarkable individual whose life was dedicated to the cause of education and the development of young minds.
After completing her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Bombay in 1945, she joined B.V.S. Parsi High School, Karachi, where she began teaching English to secondary classes in 1951. At a time when female teachers rarely taught senior classes, she became the school's first lady teacher to do so.
Her pursuit of excellence led her to earn a B.Ed. with Honors from the University of Karachi in 1958. In 1961, she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to the United States, where she completed a Diploma in Education. During her stay in America, she taught as a visiting professor at institutions in Ohio and Texas and was honored with Honorary Citizenship of Texas by Governor Price Daniel in 1962 for her contributions to education.
On her return journey, the British Council invited her to observe the British educational system in London, further enriching her knowledge and experience as an educator.
Mrs. Deena M. Mistri devoted an incredible 55 years of service to B.V.S. Parsi High School, one of Karachi's most respected educational institutions. Her connection with the school was deeply rooted in history, as it had been founded in 1859 by her great-grandfather, Seth Shapurji Hormusji Soparivala.
Her life stands as a shining example of dedication, scholarship, and service to education. Through the thousands of students she taught and inspired, her legacy continues to live on.
Karachi is proud of educators like Mrs. Deena M. Mistri, whose contributions helped shape generations of citizens and leaders.

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