When you think about Karachi, you think about two things: the sea and the food.
Do Darya was an amalgamation of these two things, thereby representing the very essence of the city. Additionally, over the years, the foot street on the shoreline became one of the go-to places for just about everyone. It offered people the best dining experiences in the city while enjoying the sea breeze.
However, rumors surfaced recently that Karachi’s beloved strip of food and festivity is to be demolished.
Restaurants in Do Darya have been ordered to shut down, according to reports on social media. Word on the street (err, social media) is that the DHA has sent notices to the restaurant owners to fold up their businesses by June this year.
Understandably, this news has broken hearts.
Karachi is soon going to loose the beautiful #DoDarya food strip, this is one place where we take our guests with pride for a breathtaking experience of our beautiful city. This place has revived city’s reputation and hosted lot of foreigners too. Please dont shut them #DHA # pic.twitter.com/T0o97Vfrlf
— Usama Qureshi (@UsamaQureshy) April 21, 2018
Consequently, some people are using apt images to voice their thoughts.
#DoDarya is closing pic.twitter.com/HH2jnTBCrY
— Arnold ShalwarNikker ?? (@DaPakiGuy) April 20, 2018
Moreover, others are upset that Karachi’s about to lose its symbol of pride.
#DoDarya surely became a symbol of pride for Karachi. Undoubtedly the go to place when friends and family from abroad visiting or even to celebrate the other special occasions. This place will be missed.
— Engr Junani (@Engr_Junani) April 22, 2018
And even non-Karachiites seem pretty devasted.
#DoDarya was on my Pak bucketlist sigh pic.twitter.com/ORoKBCEugT
— Omar (@timesn0w) April 20, 2018
Some people have raised genuine concerns too.
Just got to know this terrible news. #DoDarya is being demolished by #dhakarachi to construct a "no civilian" sports complex and entertainment center.
Dude what about the thousands of employees who work there? Or the fact that Do Darya is the pride of Karachi that entails tourism— Amber Zulfiqar (@Cheese_Pakora) April 20, 2018
Kyunke yeh Karachi walay log hain, a united front formed online. Their anger and sorrow resulted in the hashtag, #SaveDoDarya. People began rallying for the protection of the food street.
Remarkably, within hours, the hashtag started gaining traction.
We don't let this happen! #Savedodarya
— Saad Jaw (@Saad_Jaw) April 22, 2018
The only place where people love to spend hours </3
Please #SaveDoDarya
— ML (@Milez1447) April 21, 2018
However, unfortunately, it seems like the demolition process has already begun.
Images that have been circulating on Facebook indicate that authorities have begun demolishing the area. People have been sharing these images extensively, heartbroken that their beloved Do Darya will soon no longer exist.
And honestly, looking at these pictures, it is kinda heartbreaking.
It almost seems like a part of Karachi’s serenity is being robbed.
Okay, this is pretty sad.
Hang in there Karachiites. Besides, you never know what’s really going down. As infuriating as it is, it can’t be denied that Do Darya will be missed. What do you think? Will you miss Do Darya? Share your fondest memory in the comments section below.