Every time Brazil is in possession of the ball, traditional Balochi music blares out in the area surrounding Gabol Park in Lyari. Neymar doesn't even need to score a goal to send the hundreds gathered in raptures. A mere glimpse of the young Brazilian forward is enough for the men squatting in front of a huge screen, one of a dozen around the streets of Lyari for the Samba Boys' 99th appearance at the World Cup against Mexico .

Few can match the passion of the football aficionados in the violence-plagued area of Karachi, but locals say it would be nothing compared to the emotion that would be on display if Pakistan, one day, qualifies for the World Cup.

Opinion

Editorial

After the deluge
16 Jun, 2024

After the deluge

AS on many previous occasions, Pakistan needed other results going their way, and some divine intervention, to stay...
Fugue state
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Fugue state

WITH its founder in jail these days, it seems nearly impossible to figure out what the PTI actually wants. On one...
Sindh budget
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Sindh budget

SINDH’S Rs3.06tr budget for the upcoming financial year is a combination of populist interventions, attempts to...
Slow start
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Slow start

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Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...