Kolachi to Karachi

From a small fishing village in the 18th century, Karachi has emerged with a god-speed as one of the largest metropolises in the world. The city personifies a melting pot homogenizing a variety of ethno-cultural value systems including Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Jews. Karachi is the chief seaport, an industrial hub and financial capital of Pakistan with a city GDP projected to reach $193 billion/year by 2025. The city, however, has had a fair share of highs and lows from Paris of Asia and City of Lights to a Hell on Earth - recently ranked worst in the World Safe Cities Index 2018. Bereft of peace and security, the city has bled profusely for over three decades amid ethno-political conflict and terrorism. The city is also justly typified as a mini-Pakistan, given the identical profile of challenges when extrapolated to the country at large caught amidst cultural chaos and social polarization. The situation urges the need to dovetail multi-dimensional resources and expertise to ensure transformative outcomes for Karachi and Pakistan.

Inclusive social consciousness acts as a precursor for mobilizing a civic infrastructure that would form the basis of a just and peaceful society. Collective reflection and collaborative action continue to prove as the most effective model to enhance democratic governance around the world. Karachi Research Chair epitomizes the bonding force that to pool in strategic resources and expertise to facilitate sustainable development for all.