High stakes gamble on island homes - 27 November 2020

This wilderness, divided by a narrow channel from Karachi, Pakistan’s most densely populated city, is the deserted Bundle Island.

Roamed by camels, it’s a nursery for fish and sanctuary to creatures inhabiting its mangroves.

According to architect and urban planner Arif Belgaumi, it cushions the city from nature’s power.

Belgaumi: "These islands form a barrier against storm surges and tsunamis. And their preservation is vital for the preservation of Karachi."

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Imran Khan is pressing a $50 billion proposal to develop the island to alleviate the burden on Karachi from 20 million residents.

It’s at odds with Khan’s former stance citing the menaces climate change will unleash and championing renewables. The Bundle Island investment is projected to sustain thousands of new roles in the employment market and uplift contributions to the government’s ailing balance sheet.

In contrast, however, others foresee Karachi facing greater challenges due to the development, as Mahera Omar environmental filmmaker illustrates:

Omar: "It's the mangroves that protect us from these storms and cyclones. And the ecosystem here is essential for the livelihood of the fishermen who come here. So, this is why we, like, really need to protect it. It's, it’s only if nature thrives here, that it's good for the entire city of Karachi."