KARACHI: Pressure of population has started changing the topography of the slums of Karachi. Getting a clue from the town planners, who have given up the policy of horizontal expansion, Karachi’s ‘Jhuggi’ dwellers have also found ways of vertical expansion of their hutments to meet the needs of a growing family but without disturbing the basic character of the joint-family system.

Multi-storey hutments have sprung up in parts of [the] Old City mostly in Ranchore Lines and areas around Hasan Ali Hoti Market, which are believed to be high-density areas of Karachi. Generally, the owners have provided as many floors as the number of sub-family units. … Lofts have also been provided in between the roofs to accommodate a bigger family. There are also ‘jhuggis’ with a full-fledged shop on the ground floor. …

Usually the lighting arrangement is still the age-old lantern although some ‘jhuggi’ dwellers said they knew families which had made some arrangement for electric supply from neighbouring shops or houses. Usually all the multi-storey ‘jhuggis’ fulfil the basic need of light and air — through wind-trappers and ventilators. Provision has also been made for improvised veranda.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2025