THE love for football in Lyari knows no bounds. The World Cup might be underway thousands of miles away in North America but this Karachi locality is once again decked in the colours of the tournament — with allegiances set in stone, flags of competing nations fluttering on rooftops and murals of football’s heroes lining the lanes. Known primarily for its gang wars and drug trafficking, this dense, economically disadvantaged area is also referred to as ‘Mini Brazil’. Football has been part of Lyari’s fabric since long before Independence, making it one of the oldest football hubs in the subcontinent. Hence, it is no surprise that Lyari has produced some of Pakistan’s most famous footballers, whose talent was developed in the narrow, winding alleys of the neighbourhood. From Abdul Ghafoor Majna — nicknamed the ‘Pakistani Pelé’ — to Ali Nawaz Baloch, Lyari provided the spine of the national team — until violence put almost a complete stop to its contribution. Poor socioeconomic conditions forced many aspiring footballers to turn to a life of crime.

Matters have improved since the gang wars ended, with community leaders and sports non-profits using football to draw youth away from drugs and crime. But Lyari’s representation in the national teams is not what it was. Other regions of the country have caught up, becoming the nurseries that Lyari used to be. Years of crisis in Pakistan football have only served to compound the problems as clubs and academies have been forced to work on their own, with few prospects for growth. But as Lyari transforms itself again for the World Cup, there is hope it can rebound. The passion for football remains undimmed; the flame still burns bright. The onus is on the local community, organisations and the Pakistan Football Federation, as well as its provincial representative, the Sindh Football Association, to use structured coaching and mentorship to restore Lyari’s standing as the heartland of football in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026