Once Upon A Time In Karachi

Once Upon A Time In Karachi Once Upon a Time in Karachi.

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

The Hindu Gymkhana Karachi was established in 1925 by Seth Ramgopal Gourdhanandh Mohatta and the Hindu community on a va...
17/05/2026

The Hindu Gymkhana Karachi was established in 1925 by Seth Ramgopal Gourdhanandh Mohatta and the Hindu community on a vast plot of approximately 47,000 square yards. Designed in the Mughal Revivalist style by architect Agha Ahmed Hussain, the building was intended to serve as a premier social and cultural space for Karachi’s Hindu community during the pre-partition era.
It is located on Sarwar Shaheed Road, which was formerly known as Inverarity Road during the colonial period. Like many streets in Karachi, it was later renamed after independence to reflect local identity.
After 1947, the structure was repurposed for government use, and over time it deteriorated due to neglect. Years later, it was carefully restored and eventually handed over to the National Academy of Performing Arts, which revitalized the historic building as a center for theatre, music, and cultural education—bringing new life to one of Karachi’s architectural landmarks.

Manghopir Leprosy Hospital - A Forgotten Chapter of Karachi’s HistoryDeep in the foothills of Manghopir, about 40 km fro...
17/05/2026

Manghopir Leprosy Hospital - A Forgotten Chapter of Karachi’s History
Deep in the foothills of Manghopir, about 40 km from the heart of Karachi, stands a silent witness to a century of compassion. Established in 1896, this institution is one of the region's earliest symbols of organized care for leprosy patients.
Widely known as the Hiranand Leprosy Hospital, it bears the name of a philanthropist whose dedication to easing human suffering is etched into local history—even if the exact details of his life remain shrouded in time.
In the late 19th century, leprosy (Hansen’s disease) was heavily stigmatized. Fear and a lack of medical cure meant patients were often cast out by society. Manghopir became their sanctuary—a place that offered shelter, medical care, and, above all, dignity.
What began as a colonial-era charitable effort evolved over generations, but its core mission never changed. Today, these walls are more than just old stone and mortar. They are a powerful reminder of a time when humanity reached out to those who were most forgotten.
Preserving sites like the Manghopir Hospital isn’t just about protecting old buildings—it’s about safeguarding our shared memory, our history, and the legacy of empathy.
Have you ever visited or heard stories about Manghopir’s history?

The visionary Hakeem Muhammad Saeed dedicated his life to healing humanity through Unani medicine, education, and servic...
10/05/2026

The visionary Hakeem Muhammad Saeed dedicated his life to healing humanity through Unani medicine, education, and service.
It is widely remembered that through his lifetime of service at Hamdard Dawakhana, he treated millions of patients (reportedly around 30 lakh), not only in Pakistan but also people from different countries and walks of life who trusted his knowledge and care.
In 1953, he launched Naunehal, a pioneering magazine for children focused on moral education and character building.
In 1993, he was appointed Governor of Sindh, a prestigious constitutional role, but he chose to step away soon after, returning to his lifelong mission of education, healthcare, and social welfare instead of politics.
A remarkable aspect of his personality was that even in public life, he never preferred government protocol or VIP treatment, and remained simple, accessible, and deeply connected to people.
He also established Madinat al-Hikmah — a “City of Wisdom” dedicated to education, research, healthcare, and intellectual growth.
He was the Founder and Chancellor of Hamdard University, created as part of his vision to promote higher education, science, and ethical learning.
Through Hamdard Tibia College, he trained generations of physicians.
Through Taleem-o-Tarbiyat, he guided youth in education and ethics.
Through Al Majeed Center and other initiatives, his mission of learning and service expanded further.
Through Hamdard Laboratories and Hamdard Foundation, he built a complete system of healing, education, and social welfare.
He also authored around 200 books, making him a scholar whose influence extended far beyond medicine into philosophy, history, and ethics.
He supported and inspired major educational institutions in Pakistan, including:
Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology
Baqai University of Health Sciences
Jinnah University for Women
A life that proved one timeless truth:
Real greatness is not in power or position—but in knowledge, service, and humanity.
This is only a glimpse of his journey; the list of his contributions to medicine, education, and society is vast and cannot be fully captured in a single post.
A name that still lives in every home, every institution, and every heart.

Traffic Alert for Karachi As O Level examinations are underway, heavy traffic congestion is being observed around key ar...
24/04/2026

Traffic Alert for Karachi
As O Level examinations are underway, heavy traffic congestion is being observed around key areas, especially Hassan Square and Expo Center.
Today, many students reached late to their examination centers due to severe traffic jams.
Exam Timings:
Morning: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
For General Public:
Please avoid these areas during exam hours to help reduce congestion.
For Parents & Guardians:
Ensure your children leave home at least 1.5 hours earlier (or more depending on distance) to avoid any delays.
You are requested to share this post for public awareness and guidance.
Let’s cooperate to support students during this important time.

Bundu Khan Kabab – A Taste that Defined Karachi Karachi has always been known for its unique, high-quality, and flavorfu...
21/04/2026

Bundu Khan Kabab – A Taste that Defined Karachi
Karachi has always been known for its unique, high-quality, and flavorful food. The Karachi of the 1970s and 80s was very different — only a few names represented true quality, and when it came to BBQ, one name stood above the rest: Bundu Khan Kabab House.
A Glimpse into History:
Al-Haaj Bundu Khan was born in 1890 in Meerut, British India, and migrated to Karachi in 1947.
In 1948, he started with a small kebab stall at Old Exhibition area on M. A. Jinnah Road (formerly Bunder Road). By 1957, he had established a proper restaurant at the same location.
His popularity soared even further during the 1963 Industrial Exhibition his stall, especially known for its large paratha and sizzling kebabs, became a major attraction and drew crowds from across the city.
Chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, and the iconic fried paratha — these were not just dishes, but a part of Karachi’s collective memory.
Even today, the name Bundu Khan brings back the aroma, the taste, and the spirit of old Karachi.
Do you remember Bundu Khan’s kebabs?

18/04/2026

An unforgettable moment in cricket history at Sharjah
18th April 1986, 40 Years ago on this Day
India vs Pakistan at Sarjah
Austral Asia Cup Final
Javed Miandad hit a last-ball six off Chetan Sharma while Pakistan needed 4 runs to win off the final delivery, with one wicket in hand, making it one of the most iconic moments in cricket history.
Javed Miandad scored 116* (114 Balls 3 Fours 3 Sixer) which was one of the Best Knock in ODI History.

Pak 248/9 (50)
Ind 245/7 (50)
Pakistan won by 1 wickets
Player of the Match: Javed Miandad

Our Lady of Fatima Church Karachi — A Landmark of Faith, Architecture & CommunitySituated between Gul Plaza and Anklesar...
18/04/2026

Our Lady of Fatima Church Karachi — A Landmark of Faith, Architecture & Community
Situated between Gul Plaza and Anklesaria Hospital, this remarkable church stands as one of Karachi’s most distinctive Catholic landmarks, serving the community for over six decades.
Named after the Marian apparitions in Fátima, the church reflects the deep spiritual traditions of the Roman Catholic faithful in the city.
The parish was formally established on 22 August 1953 by James Cornelius van Miltenburg, marking the beginning of an organized Catholic presence in this locality. Nearly a decade later, on 13 July 1962, the foundation stone of the present structure was laid by Xavier Zupie. The church was completed and dedicated on 8 September 1963.
Architecturally, the building is notable for its circular plan, a relatively uncommon design among churches in Pakistan. The façade incorporates large glass panels, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. Inside, a semi-circular seating arrangement focuses attention toward the altar, while a modest balcony accommodates the choir and musical instruments. A separate bell tower, inspired by traditional European church design, complements the main structure.
Adjacent to the church is Our Lady of Fatima School Karachi, continuing the long-standing tradition of the Church in Karachi of combining faith with education and community service, and serving generations of students from diverse backgrounds.
Over the decades, the church has remained not only a place of worship but also a quiet witness to Karachi’s evolving urban landscape—standing as a testament to the city’s religious diversity and architectural heritage.
Preserving such landmarks means preserving the memory of Karachi itself.

16/04/2026

Karachi Tram — A City That Once Moved Differently
There was a time when Karachi didn’t rush… it flowed.
When the sound of tram bells echoed through its streets, carrying people, stories, and a sense of order that today feels almost lost.
A reminder that we once had a system that worked… and we let it disappear.
For the new generation, this video is more than history — it explains what trams were, how they worked, and how beautifully they served the city.
From progress to pause was it evolution, or a mistake we’re still paying for?
Karachi had it. Karachi lost it.

Mideast Medical Centre — The Man, The Dream, The LegacyThe original Mideast Medical Centre, once standing on Khayaban-e-...
15/04/2026

Mideast Medical Centre —
The Man, The Dream, The Legacy
The original Mideast Medical Centre, once standing on Khayaban-e-Iqbal is no longer part of Karachi’s skyline. Yet its story remains deeply woven into the city’s memory.
When Dr Abdul Ghaffar Jatoi bought land in Clifton in the 1970s, many mocked the decision. The area was swampy, undeveloped, and nearly deserted. Few could have imagined that this unlikely location would soon become home to one of Karachi’s most respected private hospitals.
Born on July 28, 1938, in New Jatoi, Sindh, Dr. Jatoi was an exceptional student who secured top position in Sindh during his MBBS from Liaquat Medical College. He later earned his FRCS in the United Kingdom and trained internationally, including in the United States under renowned cardiac surgeon Denton Cooley.
Driven by personal experience and a strong vision, he returned to Pakistan to establish a modern, patient-centered hospital—financed largely through his own resources.
Project Profile
Name: Mideast Medical Centre
Location: Khayaban-e-Iqbal
Owner: Dr Abdul Ghaffar Jatoi
Architect: M/S Rizki & Associates, Karachi
Consultant: M/S Beg Associates, Karachi
Covered Area: 60,000 sq. ft.
Approximate Cost: Rs. 8 million
Construction Period: 1975 – 1977
At a time when open-heart surgery was viewed with fear, Dr. Jatoi took an extraordinary step. Facing resistance, he first operated on a calf—twice successfully—at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). Only then did he proceed to operate on a human, a historic moment televised on Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), helping build public trust in cardiac surgery.
Mideast Hospital flourished through the 1980s, becoming a leading private healthcare institution with strong departments in cardiac care, pediatrics, and maternity services. It was considered ahead of its time, even featuring centralized air-conditioning—rare for that era.
More than a hospital, it became a center of influence and care. Notable personalities, including Benazir Bhutto, were treated there.
After nearly four decades of service, Mideast Medical Centre eventually ceased operations and was later demolished—marking the end of a physical landmark but not its legacy.
Today, the site where it once stood is occupied by Ocean Mall, a modern commercial landmark of Clifton—reflecting how the city continues to evolve over time.
In 2012, Dr. Jatoi passed away in London due to a sudden heart attack and was laid to rest in his native village of New Jatoi.
Today, while the structure no longer exists, its story continues to inspire—standing as a testament to vision, courage, and service to humanity.
May Allah Almighty grant Dr Abdul Ghaffar Jatoi the highest place in Jannah. Aameen.

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