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Karachi Then vs Now – The Evolution of the City We Love

Karachi isn’t just a city — it’s an experience. It’s the honking horns on Shahrah-e-Faisal, the smell of fresh bun kababs at Burns Road, and the endless hustle that make life here unforgettable. But if you’ve lived in Karachi long enough, you know one thing for sure: this city has changed a lot. From food to transport, beaches to shopping, let’s take a fun look at Karachi Then vs Now and see which version of the city you relate to most.

1. Food – From Bun Kababs to Smash Burgers

Then: Karachi food meant sitting at a roadside dhaba with a hot cup of chai, devouring gola ganda on a summer night, or hunting down the best bun kababs at Burns Road. Street food was life.

Now: Karachi’s food scene has gone global. From smash burgers in DHA to sushi, gelato, and fancy rooftop cafés — eating out has become an aesthetic experience. But let’s be honest, nothing still beats that Rs. 100 bun kabab.

2. Transport – Taxis to Apps

Then: Remember the iconic yellow-and-black Fiat taxis? Or the Suzuki pickups stuffed with an entire family, plus the family’s shopping bags? Public buses with blasting desi music were the real Karachi vibe.

Now: Karachiites rely on Careem, Uber, Bolt, and the occasional rickshaw ride. But just like old times, you’ll still face the same problem: the driver refusing your route. Some things never change.

3. Entertainment – Hill Park to Netflix

Then: Aladdin Park, Hill Park picnics, cricket in every gali, and the occasional trip to Funland defined Karachi childhoods. Entertainment was all about being outdoors.

Now: Karachi’s entertainment has shifted indoors. Shopping malls, cinemas, gaming arenas, and bowling alleys are the new hangout spots. And of course, let’s not forget the king of entertainment today — Netflix.

4. Shopping – Zainab Market to Online Shopping

Then: Zainab Market, Gulf, Tariq Road, and Sunday bazaars were the go-to places for affordable clothes, accessories, and every random thing you could imagine. Bargaining was (and still is) a sport.

Now: Online shopping and Instagram stores are taking over, with malls adding a more polished shopping experience. But ask any Karachiite — nothing beats the thrill of scoring a “first copy” handbag at Gulf.

5. Beaches – Thermos Picnics to Jet Skis

Then: A family beach picnic meant carrying a thermos of chai, samosas, biryani, and folding chairs. The highlight? Horse and camel rides at Clifton.

Now: Karachi’s beach life is all about beach huts, jet skis, BBQs, and yes — endless Instagram reels. But at its core, Karachi’s coastline still brings families and friends together, just like before.

6. Surviving the Chaos – UPS vs Candlelight

Then: Load-shedding meant lighting up candles, playing cards or ludo, and listening to the radio. Karachiites bonded over power cuts.

Now: Karachi is powered by UPS, generators, and memes. The city may have upgraded, but the spirit of surviving chaos together hasn’t changed.

Karachi Then vs Now – Which Era Wins?

Karachi has transformed dramatically, but its heart hasn’t changed. Whether you miss the old-school vibes of Fiat taxis and dhabas or love the modern luxuries of malls and cafés, one thing is true: Karachi continues to reinvent itself while keeping its soul intact.

So tell us — are you more of a “Then” Karachiite or a “Now” Karachiite?

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