Karachi- History, Myths, and the Capital Question

Karachi- History, Myths, and the Capital Question

Abstract

Karachi has been at the heart of South Asia’s colonial and postcolonial transformations. From a modest fishing village under the Khan of Kalat to a strategic port developed by the British, and later the first capital of Pakistan, Karachi’s history reflects the complexities of power, governance, and identity. This paper examines historical claims regarding Karachi’s status, the shift of the capital to Islamabad, and the long-term socio-economic consequences for Pakistan. It argues that while administrative changes contributed to Karachi’s decline, deeper structural issues—poor governance, ethnic politics, and uneven federal policies—were the primary causes.

1. Early History under Kalat and the British

Karachi, prior to British conquest in 1839, was a small settlement under the nominal suzerainty of the Khan of Kalat, administered locally by the Jam of Lasbela (Balochistan Records, 1890). The British recognized its natural harbor and annexed it for military and trade purposes. By mid-19th century, Karachi was incorporated into the Bombay Presidency.

The British undertook extensive urban development: construction of Saddar, Empress Market, Bolton Market, tram and railway systems (Markovits, 2000). These projects transformed Karachi into one of the fastest-growing colonial ports, linking it to the global economy.

2. Karachi as Capital of Pakistan (1947–1963)

In February 1947, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared Karachi would serve as the capital of the new state of Pakistan (Ahmed, 1997). The decision was based on Karachi’s cosmopolitan infrastructure and strategic accessibility.

British officials reportedly suggested retaining Karachi under international or British administration, but Jinnah refused, emphasizing national sovereignty (Qureshi, 1985). Following independence, Karachi was designated as a Federal Capital Territory (FCT), separate from Sindh Province.

For the next 24 years, Karachi functioned as Pakistan’s political and economic hub. Scholars describe this period as Karachi’s “golden era,” when it ranked among Asia’s leading cities in terms of urban growth and modernity (Hasan, 2013).

3. Shift to Islamabad: Rationale and Consequences

In the late 1950s, the Ayub Khan government decided to relocate the capital to Islamabad. Official reasons included:

• Neutral location: Karachi was seen as a coastal, ethnically diverse city, whereas Islamabad was geographically central and less politically charged.

• Strategic security: Islamabad’s inland location was perceived safer against possible attacks (Haque, 2012).

• Urban planning: The government aimed to build a “planned capital” modeled on global examples like Brasília.

The capital formally shifted in 1963. Karachi, meanwhile, remained Pakistan’s economic hub but lost its federal administrative status.

4. Integration into Sindh (1970)

In 1970, Karachi was merged into Sindh Province. The absence of a referendum and the political disputes surrounding this decision remain contentious. Some Sindhi leaders, including G.M. Syed, initially opposed Karachi’s integration, fearing unrest (Shaikh, 2009). Conversely, sections of the Urdu-speaking leadership acquiesced under political and military pressure.

The merger intensified ethnic divisions, particularly with the introduction of the quota system in government jobs and education. This policy, while intended to address rural-urban disparities, deepened resentment among Karachi’s residents (Alavi, 1988).

5. Decline of a Global City

By the 1980s, Karachi—once considered “the Paris of Asia”—was facing severe challenges:

• Ethnic violence and political militancy.

• Strained infrastructure due to uncontrolled migration.

• Corruption and poor urban governance.

• Federal neglect following the capital’s relocation.

Scholars argue that Karachi’s decline was not solely due to the capital shift. Instead, the interplay of political exploitation, weak institutions, and ethnic polarization turned a global city into one struggling with basic municipal services (Hasan & Raza, 2009).

6. The Way Forward

Karachi continues to generate over 50–60% of Pakistan’s revenue and remains the country’s financial nerve center (State Bank of Pakistan, 2020). Its ports, industries, and universities keep it vital to Pakistan’s economy.

The key lesson from history is clear: Karachi cannot be managed as a provincial afterthought. It requires special administrative recognition, inclusive governance, and investment in urban infrastructure. Global models—such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Dubai—demonstrate how port cities can thrive when given autonomous, business-friendly, and merit-based systems.

Conclusion

The narrative that “Islamabad killed Karachi” oversimplifies a complex reality. While shifting the capital did reduce Karachi’s political prestige, its economic decline stems more from governance failures and politicized ethnic divisions. Karachi’s revival depends not on reliving past grievances but on adopting forward-looking policies that recognize it as Pakistan’s national and global city.

References

• Alavi, H. (1988). Pakistan and Islam: Ethnicity and Ideology. London: Macmillan.

• Ahmed, F. (1997). Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah: The Nation’s Founder. Karachi: Oxford University Press.

• Balochistan Records (1890). Gazetteer of Balochistan. Government of India.

• Haque, N. (2012). Islamabad: The Politics of Urban Development. Islamabad Policy Research Institute.

• Hasan, A. (2013). The Unplanned Revolution: Observations on the Processes of Socio-Economic Change in Pakistan. Karachi: Oxford University Press.

• Hasan, A., & Raza, M. (2009). Migration and Small Towns in Pakistan. IIED, London.

• Markovits, C. (2000). The Global World of Indian Merchants, 1750–1947. Cambridge University Press.

• Qureshi, I.H. (1985). The Struggle for Pakistan. University of Karachi.

• Shaikh, F. (2009). Making Sense of Pakistan. Columbia University Press.

• State Bank of Pakistan (2020). Annual Report on the Economy. Karachi: SBP.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan,  the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.