At the Aalmi Urdu Conference in Karachi, Mahira Khan shared personal anecdotes about her deep connection to the city during a session with Waseem Badami. Reflecting on her roots, she said, “I was born at the Lady Dufferin Hospital in 1984 in Karachi.” She fondly recalled her childhood home on Khalid Bin Waleed Road, sharing, “My dada built our house when my grandparents migrated here from India.” Mahira reminisced about her visits to Zainab Market, enjoying street food like bun kebab, saying, “Even today when I have bun kebab, it is nostalgic.” She humorously revealed her failed attempts to visit bazaars incognito, admitting, “I’ll wear a burka and go. The problem is that as soon as I start speaking, people recognise me.” Mahira hailed Karachi as Pakistan’s most tolerant city, stating, “Karachi doesn’t judge you. This city doesn’t ask you where you’re from, it doesn’t ask who you are.” She credited the city’s diversity for shaping her worldview, adding, “Growing up here, I made friends with Hindus, Christians, Bohris, and Agha Khanis. Any port city in the world functions like this.” While expressing her love for Karachi, she criticized its residents, saying, “This city gives and gives, with its arms wide open, welcoming everyone. But we don’t take care of it the way we should.” During a rapid-fire round, Mahira described Karachi as “home,” Lahore as “Maula Jatt,” Imran Khan as “brave,” and Shah Rukh Khan as “childhood love.” When asked about Khalilur Rehman Qamar, she said, “Good writer,” and about Firdous Jamal, she remarked, “I don’t know him but very experienced actor.”

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