The iconic ‘World Globe’ monument, a celebrated symbol of Karachi’s heritage, now lies forgotten amid unkempt bushes, its future hanging in the balance. Once known as the Islamia College Fountain, the globe was dismantled to accommodate the ongoing BRT Red Line project, which spans from Malir Cantt to Tower via Numaish. Pakistan Observer’s photographer Muhammad Noman captured the neglected state of the structure, evoking public concern over its fate.
Built in 1964, the globe was a striking feature of New M.A. Jinnah Road and a hallmark of Karachi’s cultural identity. It served as a picturesque backdrop in iconic Pakistani films, featuring legends like Nadeem and Waheed Murad. This is not the first time a Karachi landmark has faced such neglect. Years ago, the Allah Wali Chowrangi monument—a towering, four-sided structure inscribed with the word ‘Allah’—was dismantled into eight pieces and moved to the parking lot of Hill Park, never to be restored to its former glory. Now managed by the District Municipal Corporation-East, the World Globe has fallen further into disrepair.
Originally painted sky blue, it was later redone in darker tones, and its once-admired fountains were completely uprooted. Despite this, sources indicate that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) retains technical control over the monument, as New M.A. Jinnah Road falls under the city’s municipal administration.
