Karachi has been seeing an immense phase of transformation and development since half a year now.
Amidst the entire affair, a debate has been going on as to how detrimental the entire operation is when it comes to preserving the city’s rich heritage and culture – and citizens have been rightfully worried about where it would take them.
You are right Thomas. It is shame for all of us being a Karachiites. Encroachment mafia has ruined the beauty of Queen's Karachi. Month ago operation led by municipal govt demolished around 1400 shops from Empress Market Saddar to restore the original shape of that location. pic.twitter.com/weiz93AlpY
— Tweeterist (@Tweeterist_) January 30, 2019
But to be a beacon of hope, there are organizations which are working to preserve the history and culture of our country, Citizens Archive of Pakistan being at the forefront of them all.
CAP is also the founder of the brilliant and absolutely awe-inspiring Oral History Project.
The project records recollections of the early days of Pakistan to provide an alternative perspective to official narratives.
Mushtaq Ahmed was born in 1963 in Mohalla Raja, Chiniot. He became the head librarian and guide of Umar Hayat Mahal in…
Gepostet von The Citizens Archive of Pakistan am Freitag, 14. Dezember 2018
The project is what inspires the various events that CAP holds – through the stories, the secrets captured in old photographs, and the personal experiences of our nation’s rich and varied people. The project also aims to archive and preserve various records such as letters, newspapers, refugee cards, official correspondences, and passports.
Since its inception, CAP has digitised more than 91,000 photographs from private and public collections, and has collected over 2000 oral histories.
Recently, CAP arranged a fundraising carnival called the CAP Family Carnival in order to keep at their mission.
The CAP Family Carnival was aimed at fundraising to support our running expenses and core projects. The event which was attended by over 3000 people featured not just food, games and prizes, but also had several interactive activities for the whole family.
There were also games which revolved around the knowledge of Pakistan, including a cool music trivia!
The festival, therefore, was for everyone – kids and adults whether you’re a history enthusiast or not.
In a time where the history and culture of our city is under threat, be it through newer developments or through the restoration of the old, it’s absolutely brilliant that there are organizations out there which care about the preservation of what has made us who we are, and people who come together to make it all possible!
What do you think about the initiative? Let us know in the comments section below…