Kakapir Explained

Kakapir
Timezone:PST
Utc Offset:+5
Postal Code:75300
Subdivision Name1:Karachi West
Subdivision Type1:District
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Pakistan
Subdivision Type:Town
Subdivision Type2:City
Settlement Type:Village
Subdivision Name2:Karachi
Subdivision Type3:Country
Subdivision Name3:Pakistan

Kakapir, (Urdu: {{Nastaliq|کاکاپیر) is a fishing village in Karachi Harbour, 15 kilometers to the west of Karachi, Pakistan.[1] It is located at the western end of Sandspit Beach, near Hawke's Bay Beach. Mauripur lies to its north. Kakapir is named for a saint, whose shrine is located in the village, who reportedly was known for his brown hair.[2] "Kaka" is the Sindhi word for blond, while "Pir" means saint. The village is reportedly about 100 years old. Residents of the village were originally from the Mithadar and Kharadar neighborhoods of Karachi, who were settled by the British in Shams Pir during the construction of the Port of Karachi. Those residents migrated further west and established Kakapir.

Ethnically, the population is mostly Sindhi Lasi, who claim to be descendants of the original indigenous inhabitants of Karachi and the Sindh coast. It had an estimated 600 residents in 2005. Prior to construction of Manora Road in 1952, men from other villages could settle in Kakapir only if they married within the village.[3] The village is in the midst of mangrove forests, which locals report are being cut down by criminal groups.[4]

External links

24.8452°N 66.9°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Empowering Fisherfolk Women. www.mangrovesforthefuture.org. en. 2020-04-19.
  2. Web site: Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, & Practices of Fisherfolk Communities. 2005. World Wildlife Foundation.
  3. Book: Askari, Sabiah. Studies on Karachi: Papers Presented at the Karachi Conference 2013. 2015-10-05. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. 978-1-4438-8450-1. en.
  4. Web site: Kakapir village: Fishermen fear the elusive 'mangrove mafia' and eco-devastation. Tribune.com.pk. 2011-08-12. The Express Tribune. en. 2020-04-19.