By Wania Khan

February 1, 2023

Gazdarabad previous named as Ranchore Line for till about the 1950s as a Hindu called Ranchor was linked to the place's name. In the early years of the British Raj, the region was initially developed. It eventually developed into one of the city's most densely inhabited districts. The bulk of the population in the region was Hindu before Pakistan's independence.

After Pakistan gained its independence, hundreds of thousands of Muslim refugees (Muhajirs) from India went to Pakistan and settled in Karachi, substantially increasing the city's population. Hindus and Sikhs, who make up a small minority, moved to India, whereas many Muslim immigrants from India landed in Karachi.

The name was changed in honor of Muhammad Hashim Gazdar, a local resident and member of the Muslim Marwaris group. Mr. Gazdar served as the deputy speaker of the Constitutional Assembly and as mayor of Karachi. Muslim Marwari immigrants from Rajasthan's Jaisalmer settled at Gazdarabad sometime before the British Raj began. These folks developed the craft of masonry using yellow stone. All of Karachi's structures during the British era showcase their aesthetic brilliance.

They are mostly responsible for Karachi's best buildings. One of the oldest mosques in Karachi is located in the Ghazadarabad neighborhood. There are five mosques nearby that all still feature the fine stonework that the area's original inhabitants previously created.

An interesting thing about this place is that most of the children here after school set their own paan stalls outside their houses after school and from my my experience I can say that these little businessmen no matter what age they belong to, really know their business and would not tolerate any joke or prank when it comes to their paan stall.

Fully dressed women gently open their doors after midnight when activities cease and quiet reigns, emerging to sit on the “Takhats” set out outside their homes. These streets belong to women at night, sitting like queens, sipping tea and engaging in late-night chatter while laughing and making jokes. No man or kid may disrupt their calm while they enjoy their leisure time since they are free from fear or guilt. This unique situation sticks out in a culture where women are banned from going for evening strolls alone. However, this has been a typical practice for the locals for a long time.

Naturally, hearing of a bunch of ladies loitering outside late at night prompts concerns about their safety, but this issue has also been addressed. Everyone in this community is acquainted with one another, and visitors are quickly recognised. Although the Marwaris have their own methods for dealing with hooligans and eve teasers, the warmhearted generosity applies to newcomers as well. Any hoodlum entering these streets is instantly asked why he is there, and if the response is unacceptable, the ladies will take action as collective.

The Marwaris Salawat take pride in highlighting the talent that their forefathers were known for: stone masonry, in addition to their unbreakable communal bonds and the empowerment of women.

It is an undeniable fact that this community lives happily with its close bonding but still their lives are hard and compromising because of the problems they face and if I define the ones I have noticed then the first to start with is the “Electricity” which is completely non accessible in that area due to government negligence. The residents have arranged high-powered generators outside every alley for the provision of electricity in it which also makes us as outsider wonder (considering the traditional way of festivities they follow making every single community member part of their celebration and decorating the entire streets) that if they can afford all this then why do they live and keep on living life in such distressing state.

The next problem is the old pathetic infrastructure and house system of that area which apart from being age old only allows 1 to 2 room houses whether you are a family of two or a family of 12 members. Even the condition of roads here is horrible just like every other area in Karachi which makes this historic Marwari Lane even more problematic place to live in.

The Marwaris of Marwari Lane have lost their trust or hope in politics or government rule but government and authorities should take responsibility and work for the betterment of this important area and community of Karachi. Marwaris would also gain their trust back on our system if they will see someone working for the betterment of community rather than just paying visits to gain votes.