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Khyber Hotel, Karachi

Khyber Hotel is one of the most out of the ordinary buildings on Preedy Street. Unexpectedly, and despite the kind of pollution infested atmosphere that envelops the whole area, its frontage is still worthy of being appreciated. It is unclear whether at some point in time, in recent past, it was refurbished or sandblasted. The hotel has a lovely appearance. Yes, as is the case with a vast majority, if not all, of the old colonial structures, toying with decorative elements have altered the building’s first-look a wee bit. It is still a crackerjack.

The balustrades lining the rooftop are okay. You do not know whether they were put there by the masons or subsequently added by someone realising the architectural composition of the hotel. The windows have two variables. On the top floor, they have semicircular and rectilinear railings. On the first floor the size of the ‘magic casements’ becomes smaller with the broken parts compensated with paper stuffing. Here, unusual scenes are not unusual. For example, a pair of jeans could be seen hanging off a nail stuck on top, arched part of the window. The pilasters and some other tiny pieces of embellishments are unharmed. The hotel’s view from the back gate to St Andrew’s Church provided there is no haze and the myriads of shops on its ground storey are closed, is just splendid.

The entrance to the building is off putting. The stairs to the floors are clutched between stationary stores, dental clinics, and wristwatch repair shops. Hold on. Once you reach the first floor, where there is a sofa where the manager ensconces himself in. On both sides there are rooms with wooden doors on which room numbers are written. The dining hall is not very spacious, never mind. And be careful of setting foot on the balcony: it can be a dizzying experience.

[Source: Karachi Legacies of Empires by Peerzada Salman]