Karachi, a fishing village in the eighteenth century, has grown into a wonderful Mega City of the twenty-first century. It has been referred to as the ‘Glory of the East’, ‘City of Lights’, and the ‘Liverpool of India and Pakistan’. It had the distinction of having the first airport and the third seaport of undivided India. It was the Federal Capital of Pakistan from 1947 to 1961 and now constitutes the biggest commercial hub of the country. Together with Bin Qasim port just 50 km from the city centre, it accounts for more than 95 per cent of Pakistan's foreign trade, 30 per cent of its industrial production, and 60 per cent of the total revenue.

Karachi is the home of almost 15 million people. Despite the fact that it generates huge revenues for the country, its residents are deprived of the basic civic amenities. ‘Unmanaged growth of the city has given rise to the mushrooming of Katchi Abadies (slums and squatter settlements), where poverty, disease, and crime’ prevail. It is the most literate cities of Pakistan, but most of its residents have so far failed to enjoy a quality of life that they deserve, given the prime role Karachi plays in the economy of Pakistan.