THE CASE STUDIES presented in this book come from four carefully chosen low-income settlements which represent different physical and socioeconomic conditions within Karachi, and which have undergone different kinds of development processes. The introduction relates the four case studies to the larger political context of Pakistan and to Karachi’s history. Karachi’s rapidly growing population is estimated to reach 13 million by 2001, and every year the demand for housing exceeds supply by some 70,000 units. Infrastructure in many inner-city areas is on the verge of collapse, and in other areas it is either absent or fails to meet community needs. In spite of efforts to regularize and improve the city’s informal settlements (katchi abadis), the backlog continues to increase.

Each of the four case studies, written by Karachi practitioners and activists, gives an account of the history and development of the neighbourhood in question, and its physical and economic conditions. It describes the community organizations that have been active in the area and discusses the initiatives they have undertaken and the level of external cooperation (or more often, lack of cooperation) that has been involved. The challenges presented by corrupt and self-serving bureaucrats, agencies and entrepreneurs are a repeated theme. Special attention is given to the role of women in each neighbourhood. Community activists are profiled in each case, and each study concludes with a critical appraisal of progress and of the challenges that continue to face the community.

The book includes a number of appendices: an explanation of local terms and abbreviations; a list of the compulsory and optional functions of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation; a description of the procedures of the Sindh Katchi Abadi Authority; and accounts of the activities of several specific projects and organizations. The text is illustrated throughout with black and white photographs.