HAVING been able to visit Karachi a few times, I always wanted to take at least one trip to Lahore out of my curiosity to see for myself the worth of the widely discussed comparison between the two mega cities of Karachi and Lahore. Here is my opinion on the ever-popular, and often funny, ‘Karachi versus Lahore’ debate. And, remember, I am an outsider in the debate!

Like every metropolis, both the cities are over-populated. Before the much-awaited visit to Lahore, I had thought of a city with huge multi-storied structures, diverse population, larger markets and bigger industries, but there was nothing of the sort.

The fact is that Lahore, with its heavenly green gardens, horizontal infrastructural pattern, and historical aesthetic beauty, made me fall in love with it.

Despite being a very organised and well-planned city, Lahore, however, lacks the feel of a more diverse and advanced global city that Karachi has in abundance. And, then, of course, there is the sea!

I had a fascinating experience during my visit to Lahore and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I feel Karachi will always have an edge over the former; at least for me.

Bilawal Ali
Larkana

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2021