KARACHI: Mayor restores original grandeur of historic Hoti Market on its centenary. On the completion of 100 years, the original grandeur of the historic Hassan Ali Hoti Market was restored by removing encroachments and renovating the market, retaining its original characteristics. The market is located in the Old City area of Ranchore Lane. Platforms were removed, encroachments were cleared, and modern facilities were provided so that the business community could benefit from an improved environment, said Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab while inaugurating the market’s renovation, along with Sindh Minister of Culture and Tourism Sindh Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah. The elected representatives, the business community, members of the Hoti family, and KMC officials were also present. Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor said, “Today we are present at the historic Hassan Ali Hoti Market, which has completed a century.” This is not merely a commercial center, but a symbol of Karachi’s historic identity and the urban heritage of the British era. He said that the market, established a hundred years ago, had been neglected over time and encroachments were made which faded its beauty. However, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation took the initiative to preserve this historic heritage and its original grandeur has been restored. He said that the restoration of heritage sites is an important component of urban development. Reviving historic markets not only enhances Karachi’s beauty but promotes commercial activity. “The restoration of Hoti Market reflects this very vision,” he said. The Mayor said that Karachi is a multicultural city where people of all colours, races, and religions live. These historic markets are symbols of this harmony. Denso Hall and Frere Hall have already been restored; restoration work on Empress Market, KMC Building and Lee Market is in progress. The restoration of Machhi Miani Market will also start soon. He said that, God willing, Rupees 46 billion will be spent on Karachi this year. Work is ongoing on K-IV, Hub Canal, and other projects to resolve water issues. At Maripur, 54 MGD of water is being treated. In the first phase of TP-1, 20 MGD of water will be treated. The Mayor said that new buses are being launched in the city, and development works will be visible over the next one and a half years. Under the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples’ Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chief Minister of Sindh and the provincial ministers, the journey of Karachi’s development will continue. On this occasion, Provincial Minister for Culture Zulfiqar Shah, while addressing the ceremony, thanked the Mayor for the restoration of a historic heritage site like the Hassan Ali Hoti Market. “Excellent work has been carried out in collaboration with the Heritage Department.” He said that various projects were in progress to restore the grandeur of the historic buildings in the city, which reflects the protection and preservation of Sindh’s cultural heritage. “I commend the entire team of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation,” he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026