We posted a satirical piece on one of the proposed multi-billion dollar development projects in Karachi earlier. Below I’ve posted a video titled ‘Karachi Waterfront’, which is a waterfront project spearheaded by Dubai based real estate developer, Limitless. Many of you might be aware of this as this was approved in June. I had read about it in a Defence Housing Authority magazine last year, but just came across this video. They will be investing Dh73 billion in Karachi after the success of their previous international project of note, Dubai World.
The video is more like a sales pitch. I wasn’t able to make out its target market. Is it being targeted at rich Pakistanis? or at Pakistani and foreign investors? or at tourists?
It talks about, ‘Innovation, imagination and inspiration’ and when you look at the video it truly seems to be conveying all three. However, it also talks about ‘new Karachi’ (referring to the project) and ‘old Karachi’. The video hardly talks about the city of Karachi and how it would benefit it. It seems as if the project is distancing itself from the existing city of Karachi. It seems to be doing the same as the Buddo and Bundal island projects.
I am sure the project would have great benefits for the city and very little negative impact on the city, unlike the Buddo and Bundal project. That project made many fishermen homeless. This one doesn’t seem to be doing any such thing. But it also isn’t ‘Karachi’.
Once again it doesn’t promote the culture of Karachi. It talks about building another Dubai next to Karachi. I’ve heard many people talk about how Karachi could be the next Dubai. I don’t regard Dubai too highly, but the Sheikhs really know how to attract tourists and money from all over. I only wish we didn’t want Karachi to be the next Dubai, but rather something much more special while keeping the identity of Karachi intact.
Additionally, the video mentions sustainable development, which is very important in this day and age for projects of such magnitude. Well designed housing can help to reduce fuel bills, reduce our impacts on climate change, minimise the depletion of natural resources, create a higher quality local environment and improve community safety.
The project does have its pros and cons. Property prices will rise in Karachi, while such a project will definitely promote tourism and in a way put Karachi on the tourist destination map. The project is billed to be completed by 2015. It remains to be seen whether Limitless would be able to resist local corruption, inefficiency, red-tapism and lax attitude to complete a world class waterfront on time.
Till then this video is all we have. Tell me what you think.
I had heard of some large scale development along the coast but didn’t have any details.
So its already been approved. The plan sounds a bit too good to be true for Pakistan. Like you mentioned, with all the corruption and the red tape. Though, i would really like to see something like this happen to our city.
One wonders though, what will happpen to the Karachi that we gew up in? Are developers going to reshape that at a later time as well?
The video above, is presumably for Phase 1 of Karachi Waterfront, it’s going to take ten years to complete the project.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed
All this seems nice on paper. I say know your country and know your people. And if you and I accept who we are then the above holds no charm. Community living and responsibilities that come with it are as rare a commodity in Pakistan as snow leopards. There is an absolute lack of civic sense in and of all forms. I do not mind re-shaping things, modernization etc. but destruction does bother me whether it be physical or environmental. I really find it hard to digest that something like this project will walk away with clean hands.
I’m always sceptical whenever Arabs are involved. They are without a doubt the most arrogant and greedy race on the planet. And now they’re coming to a waterfront near you. Oh joy …
They do know one thing though. That Pakistani people are fickle. A savvy presentational video and we’re all gagging for it. The author of this article mentioned that he has heard many people talk about how Karachi could be the next Dubai but he doesn’t regard Dubai too highly. My sentiments exactly … Dubai is a right shit hole. Its way too ‘plastic’ and theres way too many arabs … did i mention that they’re the most arrogant and greedy race on the planet?
My kids had a 24 hrs stay at Dubai and courtesy of their cousins, were able to see it well. Upon their return they contrasted the poverty they witnessed in Pakistan and affluence in Dubai. Aptly they called Dubai “Sheikhy Land.”
About understanding the Arab mind, I highly recommend T. E. Lawrence’s “Seven Pillars of Wisdom.”
If someone in the local government is smart enough to milk these sheikhs - fine. The only positive side to this equation is that perhaps the slum dwellers of Karachi will find work to fill their hungry stomachs…
Wow this looks amazing. But having said that, you cannot help but think that there has to be something dodgy going on. What I dont understand is that how will the investors benefit from this project, because its not an easy job lumping up a few billion quid and sayin “yeah we’re gonna make an island here”. Another point I want to make is that I think this project is too good to be true. I see numerous projects being proposed on the paki channels that get accepted but then thats the last you hear from then. Where does all the money go? I blame the corruption, its a disease that will forever eat away our beautiful country. If this thing was to be completed it would also provide hundreds of jobs for the poor people of karachi, and give budding professionals good career opportunities. By the way does anyone know if this project has actually started yet? If you do then please email me on the above address.