Intern Testimonials

Working under a mentor like Marvi Mazhar was a dream come true. I was introduced to Pakistan Chowk Community Center during one of my course lectures at university and since then I have been looking for an opportunity to get in touch with them. After learning about the Winter Internship, I enthusiastically applied and it was a great learning experience enriched with deep insights about heritage and politics around heritage preservation.

During my time at PCCC - MMA Internship Program, I was involved in research on Old Clifton and its changing dynamics. This research pushed me to become a kind of detective and I got to delve into so many books, contemporary as well as old and rare. I was introduced to laws around heritage and it broadened my understanding of why the city looks how it looks.

During our survey and documentation tours, I got an opportunity to go inside some of the historical buildings and witness the amazing scenes that I had not imagined would be there. Our Documentation of the Khyber Hotel was the most heart wrenching. How a beautiful structure was abused in the name of renovation on a busy Preedy Street in Saddar and no one took notice. This project also enabled me to engage with people and hone my communication and negotiation skills.

The main highlight of the Internship was the concept design for +921 Heritage Talks. It was the most creative and demanding project that I had worked on in my whole academic life. I had to lose all my creativity and push the boundaries of my writing abilities to come up with original and unique ideas and concepts for the program.

Ms. Pashmina taught me a lot about conflict management during the program and Shaheen Aunty’s nostalgic and explorer soul kept my spirits high to the point that I went almost all Sundays to Heritage Walks during my time at PCCC. I am very excited about putting all my learnings into practice and incorporating them into my final year research project.

— Afsar Hussain Jatoi (Anthropology - University of Sindh)

My experience at the PCCC has been very enlightening, especially because of the diverse array of projects I engaged with, each, in some way or the other, uniquely intertwined with Karachi’s urban landscape. My outlook on my city has entirely changed. Despite my mixed feelings about the city and its diversity, observing it from a fresh angle has been a riveting journey.

It is sad to see what the city was, and what the city is. I was largely oblivious to the chaos within Karachi's urban landscape, a reality that, like many others, has not made it to history textbooks. However, as I learnt more and more about the complexities of the city, I also learnt to not only engage with it, but also to empathize with it and its heritage.

During my time at the PCCC, I worked on the first Heritage Walk Karachi Journal with Shaheen Aunty and my peers and we were able to make a very detailed record of Old Town Karachi's buildings through Shaheen Aunty’s knowledge and secondary research. I delved into Heritage Activism for the projects I was part of, and to an extent, I felt like I was able to play a small part in heritage advocacy, especially through Dumlottee Wells document which was directly addressed towards preservation of the wells. Being a part of something that engages you with Karachi, its heritage, its natural landscape that once was, has been deeply gratifying. I've been living here my entire life but I feel like I’ve learnt more about Karachi in the past few weeks than I have before.

Before this internship, I felt that my engagement with the city was limited and I felt detached from my city, because, as a woman, it’s hard to care about a city whose streets are barely accessible to you. But seeing Shaheen Aunty and Ms. Marvi taking ownership of these streets, making Karachi’s problems their own, makes me realize the need to play a part in bettering my city too. I worked closely with Shaheen Aunty, for the first half of the internship and seeing her care about Karachi’s heritage so deeply has been very inspiring, especially at times when she would be upset over buildings in Old Town gradually being demolished, their signage falling off, and people walking past the streets as though nothing has happened.

My work involved a lot of research on Karachi and its past - through an ecological lens. Seeing Karachi as a city that has been abused by this so-called development has been very saddening, but I have come to cherish and love the small remnants of the past remain, and realized the need to conserve them. I hope I can apply the knowledge I have gained here - about heritage, architecture, urban landscape and environmentalism - as an activist in the future.

—- Aliza Shaikh (Social Development and Policy, Habib University - Junior Year)

My Internship at Pakistan Chowk Community Centre was really experimental as coming from a Fine Artistic background, I always had an eye on the deterioration of our old beautiful city. Through PCCC I got the chance to look deeply through this lens, as I worked on three projects in the series of 8 weeks.

The internship provided a valuable and enlightening learning opportunity, allowing me to fully utilize my skills and significantly enriching my overall learning experience. Engaging in research work has expanded my knowledge base, while fieldwork has empowered me to venture into new territories and adapt to various environments. Meeting deadlines has been challenging, but it has also strengthened my work ethic. The tasks themselves have been fascinating, striking the right balance between research and real-time interaction in the field. Collaborating with others has taught me how to navigate different spaces and introduced me to a diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique perspectives to share

From the moment I stepped into the office, there was a friendly and supportive atmosphere that made me feel welcomed and valued right from the start. Throughout my internship, I was amazed by the level of dedication and professionalism displayed by everyone in the office.

Each day brought new challenges and projects, allowing me to expand my skillset and knowledge in ways I could never have imagined. My mentors, Miss Marvi, helped me throughout the internship and guided me through tasks and offered invaluable insights that have undoubtedly enriched my professional growth.

One aspect that truly stood out during my internship was the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. I was fortunate to work with talented individuals who not only shared their expertise but also encouraged creativity and open communication. As we did all the three projects , it required unity throughout as we were coming from different fields.

The diversity of perspectives and ideas within the office created an environment where everyone's voice was heard and respected. This encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, contributing ideas without hesitation and knowing that my contributions were valued.

—- Ayesha Jamal (Fine Arts - Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture_Undergrade)

I have been following the work of Marvi Mazhar for a long time now, the Pakistan Chowk Community Centre initiative as well as the Heritage Walk Karachi. Upon finding out that there was an opportunity of collaboration with the programs I have for long looked up to, I applied for it.

When I started the internship, I was initially working on a project researching the neighborhood of Old Clifton and analyzing the residential scale of the city. This project was crucial for me, it changed my perspective on many things. I have before, in my academic journey been to site visits, navigated the city and developed research, it was however, the first time that I was not looking at the city as an observer, a researcher or as a student but rather as a civilian, a resident, a pedestrian and mainly as an active participant. I think the way that I view and especially navigate through the city I was born and raised in are changing, alongside learning new things, I have also undergone lots of unlearning.

My favorite part of the internship was that all the projects provided to us gave us ample opportunities to learn from each other, we also had enough time to interact and build friendships, who would have thought I would leave this space knowing how to work around in Photoshop! Even though Marvi herself was an amazing mentor as she waited for us and gave us space to navigate through the projects ourselves.

In conclusion, I think most importantly this internship has opened up gateways for me, shown me possibilities of what I can potentially do with my field of study which has been crucial for me. I believe that values and knowledge learnt here will plausibly remain fundamental in my work for years.

___ Komal Rehman (Fine Arts - Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture_Undergrade)

With a lacking background in architecture and as an economics major, I felt nervous about how I could contribute to the team. I initially started this internship with the intention of exploring something new and gaining diverse experiences before entering the corporate world. I'm thrilled to share that this internship not only fulfilled that purpose but also opened my eyes to the possibilities of a career in digital marketing.

Throughout this internship, I worked on various projects. My first major task was creating the Heritage Walk Karachi Journal, a comprehensive 70+ page booklet. This project required extensive research and collaboration with my team members. In addition to compiling the Journal, I promoted it through social media platforms. Crafting engaging Instagram posts allowed me to sharpen my marketing skills while raising awareness about the initiative. I reached out to different corporations to generate interest and secure donations for HWK and PCCC.

Honing my graphic design skills was one of the most rewarding aspects of this internship. I created visually appealing reels and posts to promote both the PCCC organization and the Heritage Walk Karachi initiative. Through research, I developed a cohesive brand style, selecting appropriate colors and fonts that resonated with our target audience.

Under the guidance of my mentor, Ma'am Marvi, I flourished both personally and professionally. She recognized my strengths and consistently encouraged me to excel. Her support and feedback played a pivotal role in my journey. I am immensely grateful for her mentorship, which fueled my desire for continuous learning and self-improvement.

As my internship comes to an end, I leave with a renewed sense of self and a clearer vision for my future endeavors. This experience has taught me the importance of pursuing meaningful work.

— Zoya Khan (A Levels - IoBM)

Interning at Marvi Mazhar and Associates has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has contributed to my personal and professional growth. The exposure to diverse projects and mentorship from experienced professionals are some of the reasons why I am grateful to have had this opportunity. The projects I worked on were a great experience.

My first project was to take out old archival maps of Old Clifton and to write a bit about the terrain of the land and about how it was mapped out. I found quite a few old maps and as I went through those maps I saw how the different maps portrayed Old Clifton and it was rather fascinating to see this as I saw how the terrain and mapping changed from year to year and to what it was today.

I then started working on Frere Hall, this project was quite fun. I enjoyed researching about Sir Henry Bartle Frere and about Frere Hall itself, I learnt quite a lot which I did not know before, so it was really a learning and meaningful experience.

However, for me the highlight of this entire internship was during the Heritage Walk Karachi because I, like the other interns, was thrown in the deep end to see if I could swim and I say this with lots of happiness when I say that I did not drown and swam and made it safely to shore. The walk was a tiresome one but learning the information on heritage buildings and guiding students throughout this walk and enlightening them about their heritage and going from one building to the next, journeying through Old Town was a memorable experience. One I would never forget and would definitely love to do again.

The skills and knowledge I have gained during my internship will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavors in this field.

—- Sameel Ali (AS Level - Karachi Grammar School)

When I first came to know about the Karachi Heritage Walk and about the work of historical preservation, I was intrigued. I had never thought about all the old buildings and history that my grandparents had grown up around and what significance they might hold. It was through this internship at the Pakistan Chowk Community Centre that I came to understand the importance of the heritage and preservation of these historic treasures. It amazed me how all the work being done at the PCCC, and how projects like the Old Town Mapping and the Spoken History Project, had interesting backgrounds and could affect our community in some way or another.

During my time at the PCCC I went from being a tourist in my own city, researching heritage sites for the HWK journal, to being able to guide a group of students on a heritage walk. Furthermore, I have gotten the hang of using Canva to create the Heritage Walk journal and have a better understanding of what it is like to work in a professional environment. This internship has undoubtedly contributed to my personal and professional growth.

—- Hana Akram (A2 - The Lyceum School)

Architecture was a field I was only tangentially aware of when I first decided to sign up for the opportunity to work under Ma’am Marvi Mazhar. However, from the moment that I stepped foot in the office till my exit I had learnt to view the city, I had been borned and raised in, with a new set of eyes. In this internship I had learnt the importance of heritage in defining our identities as agents within this cosmic system. I, with the help of the PCCC Team, helped prepare and execute 10 webinars as part of the +921HeritageTalks Project that centred on highlighting the importance of heritage preservation in the South Asian context by giving a platform to experts in related fields. My responsibilities ranged from researching about the topics, contacting and bringing on relevant experts, designing publicity material for the talks, moderating the discussions, editing and uploading the recorded webinars, etc. This internship was the best opportunity for me to realise the importance and proper execution of the skills I had picked up till now. Under the accommodating supervision of Ma’am Marvi, I was able to work smoothly in a team setting where all the interns added to each others' work. These 6 weeks, from 23rd of December till the 3rd of February, have provided me with a direction altering perspective to life where I have learnt the importance of collective social research and the importance of a nurturing space.

— Huzaifa Idrees (Social Development & Policy, Habib University, Final Year, 2023)

As someone who wants to pursue a Masters degree in Heritage Preservation, interning at PCCC under Marvi Mazhar Associates proved to be quite a wonderful learning experience for me.

In this one-month long internship program not only have I gained more exposure in the field of heritage preservation but have been pushed out of my comfort zone to lead a webinar-based project that I thought was not my forte. From gaining insights in issues surrounding heritage politics in Pakistan and beyond to learning organizational and networking skills - this internship program has definitely added to my personal and professional growth.

Moreover, I have had the privilege of working in a cordial office environment where the nature of the work is collaborative and team-led and where Ma’am Marvi herself is available for any kind of help or feedback one needs with their work.

I would like to thank Ma’am Marvi Mazhar for giving me the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best professionals in the field of Heritage and Preservation.

— Aqsa Hakeem (Visual Artist, Sabanci University, 2023)

“Before I joined Pakistan Chowk Community Centre, I had no prior experience to work in an office environment and thought of working just beside your boss intimidated me but when I joined PCCC, colleagues, fellow interns and Miss Marvi welcomed me with such warmth that I was no longer scared to work in a corporate sector. Initially when I joined, I just had the basic knowledge of some software like Adobe Photoshop and I could only replicate things but after working here I have learned a lot, Now I am able to create and develop things on my own and that to when I was just about to start my university as Communication Design as my major. I was also fortunate enough to be a part of Heritage Walk Karachi guided By Shaheen Nauman, ever since that day I have started looking at heritage sites in a different manner that now my heart cries when I see them getting destroyed. I can assure one thing for sure that either you work with Marvi Mazhar & Associates or Pakistan Chowk Community Centre you will see an impeccable change in your skills.”

— Fizza Muhammad Ali (Communication & Design, IVSAA, First Year, 2022)

“This internship was a great learning experience because I got to learn about heritage from one of the best. Throughout the internship we worked exclusively with Ms Marvi Mazhar and learnt a great deal about Heritage. My two-week internship introduced me to the heritage preservation laws in Karachi and their history. Working with Marvi Mazhar was a privilege in itself as she provided extensive background on the topic, and guided us throughout the way. Ms Marvi ensured that my contributions were backed by rich interest and determination which was enabled by her thorough involvement throughout. We were working for PCCC and along with Ms Shaheen Nauman we went for a tour of Old town Karachi. We learnt about heritage sites, visited some people and questioned them about the area. Afterwards, we had Pakistan’s famous Halwa puri. We created posters for +921 heritage talks and alongside we researched 3 panelists. They were Shaheera Pesnani, Tania Soomroo and Maryam Nizam. I got to learn about various techniques and strategies of research and its execution. I learned unique skills and this was particularly facilitated due to the fact that my work was largely independent and hence, tackling responsibility allowed me to largely enhance my abilities. Setting up a plan enabled me to enrich my thought process in order to cater to varying audiences, a significant skill to have. We learned how to use an editing app named Canva which enabled us to design our posters well. Alongside, she taught us about work ethics and how best to execute our research. My experience working with Marvi Mazhar Associates and Pakistan Chowk Community Center has been enriching in so many ways. Contributing a large amount of time led me to explore the exclusive aspects of heritage, research, and initiative. Being a student who has not delved into fields such as this, I was fortunate to have received this experience given that it changed this for me and has encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone. It was an eye-opening and enjoyable experience that I not only learnt a great deal from but grew from as well. I hope I can use this experience in the future. Marvi Mazhar is an amazing architect and instructor. She helps the interns and doesn’t leave anyone behind. Since we were all working as a team, I learnt a great deal about how to connect visuals with qualitative information. She taught us much about the world and gave us a taste of what real life is like.”

— Moosa Desai (The C.A.S School, Karachi, 2022)

“My internship at Pakistan Chowk Community Centre was a valuable and rewarding experience. It not only enriched me with knowledge but also taught me principles and ethics of working in a professional work environment. Marvi Mazhar’s work is a clear display of her dedication and passion towards the heritage of Karachi which truly motivates all the individuals operating in her workspace. Her patience towards her interns and the learning experience she provides them is unparalleled. Through the internship, a sense of responsibility and pride towards our heritage was instilled in my character as an individual. Walking in this internship, I was equipped with nominal tools and abilities to apply to my work but walking out, the amount of versatility that has increased amidst the 10 days was unimaginable. The first task assigned to me and my fellow interns was the +921HeritageTalks which was a webinar involving the most renowned heritage and architectural personalities comprising of Shaheera Pesnani, Tania Soomro and Mariyam Nizam. We were given the task of researching about these individuals and composing abstracts regarding the topics these individuals would be interviewed upon. Later on, assigned to us was to make posters for the Heritage Walk Karachi, a project of the Pakistan Chowk Community Centre and make a number of posters for the ‘Heritage Awareness Campaign’, another project of the Pakistan Chowk Community Centre to raise awareness amongst the people of Karachi towards the heritage of their city. We were privileged to be invited to the last Heritage Walk of the year, led by Shaheen Nauman. Here we had first-hand experience of the heritage of Karachi and saw the poor state of many of the heritage sites due to them undergoing the process of demolition. Conducting the walk Shaheen Nauman informed the group of the many sites that had already unfortunately been demolished due to the real estate developers constructing modern buildings in place of heritage sites owing to the value of the land on which they stand. Looking at these buildings while physically being present in their environment instead of through the screens of our devices was a knowledgeable and remarkable experience. The walk provoked a sense of realization and appreciation for the heritage of Karachi. Walking through the streets surrounded by heritage made me realize that the citizens of Karachi including myself had taken the rich cultural heritage of Karachi for granted and had not valued or cherished it for all our lives due to the lack of awareness of these sites. Overall, this prized internship helped me recognize and acknowledge the amount of work and effort that goes into each heritage project. The work done is highly admirable and I am completing this internship with great understanding about Karachi’s heritage which was previously unknown to me. I will be applying the knowledge gained in this internship in my school and practical life which I am sure will come in handy and be extremely useful.”

— Aiza Ahmed (The C.A.S School, Karachi, 2022)

“When I first joined the Marvi Mazhar Associates and The Pakistan Chowk Community Center Internship I had no prior architectural or corporate experience, therefore I was anxious that I would not be able to contribute to the work going on here. However my team were able to guide me and made me feel confident in the work I did, and it wasn’t long before I was able to stand on my own two feet and successfully complete assignments. Working with the PCCC and going on the tour with Guide Shaheen Nauman, Heritage Walk Karachi showed me the beauty of these buildings and how important they are to the city’s historic identity. I also got to see firsthand the heartbreaking deterioration of some of these structures and how they are slowly fading away. My time here also gave me a glimpse of the work architects do and I got the opportunity to work with some of them on the NAPA Restoration Project. This internship was an extremely eye-opening experience for me and I had a lot of fun working with my fellow interns. I am glad I spent my summer doing meaningful work and learning so much. Going forward I will always look back on this, thank you for this wonderful experience and incredible opportunity. “

— Babar Naqvi (Karachi Grammar School,2022)

“Working for the Pakistan Chowk Institute made me “see” the city properly for the first time. The internship revealed not just the city’s past but its present and possible future. Working here made me feel as if I was a part of something big, something impactful, something with the power to initiate change. Things were not static in Marvi Mazhar’s office. There was never a dull moment; everyone working on one project after the other, learning on every step of the way. The variety of projects really helped me develop a large set of skills within a small duration; through the process of digitalization and documentation for instance, I got to learn how best to protect and store data. It also brought to perspective the importance of making information and knowledge accessible to the public. Working on the website for PCCC and MMA, I got to use a new software and explore different ways of making a user’s journey through the website easier and more efficient. Something I really enjoyed was working on the Conditional Survey Report for the National Institute of Performing Arts. We photographed, mapped and documented the damage on this building in hopes of restoring it. As the internship ends, I hope I get the chance to work with Marvi Mazhar and her team again because this internship really changed my perception of things.”

— Zoha Shahzad (Communication & Design, IVSAA, 3rd Year 2022)

“Ever since I participated in the Heritage Walk Karachi in 2019, I always wanted to work alongside Shaheen Aunty and Miss Marvi Mazhar. In 2022, I finally got the chance to. This internship was a great learning experience because I got the opportunity to apply the design knowledge learnt in university whilst juggling multiple projects. My four-week-long internship introduced me to the heritage preservation laws in Sindh and Pakistan and its history and helped me visualize infographics. I was expected to come up with ideas and was given free liberty for my designs. Coming from a communication and design field to an architectural one, I was not sure how much my skills would hold any impact but this internship taught me to collaborate with a team from diverse educational backgrounds and majors which demanded me to coordinate and polish my communication skills. In the end, I felt like my work meant something"

— Sana Mohsin (Communication & Design, IVSAA, 3rd Year 2022)

“My internship with Marvi Mazhar and associates was unique, as it was for two-weeks, but I still managed to learned so much not just about Karachi, but also about bylaws and institutions related to heritage for the province of Sindh. The task that me and my team were given was very interesting as well. We were to do secondary research and write an investigative report on the current situation pertaining to our Heritage sites in old town.

My gaze used to get stuck whenever I passed the old town, on our beautiful, historic, and heritage sites. I used to wonder who lived inside them, what’s their story, why are some left to deteriorate on their own. At this internship I got to write for these sites and buildings, I had the opportunity for letting the rest get aware of how we are letting our history disappear piece by piece, or brick by brick.

Throughout the internship I read, analyzed and understood the situation and transcribed interviews of some of renowned environmentalist and social researchers. Working with other students and getting their feedback when stuck is something I appreciated. Learning how to frame the issue, and writing smartly through research, are two main aspects that I got to enhance my writing skills at. My writing and the cause for which I was writing were aligned which I haven’t got the opportunity to exercise much, so I really appreciated my time here, and my cause here. I hope the city can achieve fruitful results from all of our efforts. ”

— Laiba Farid (Social Development & Policy , Habib University , 3rd Year, 2022)

“This internship was a great learning experience because I got the opportunity to extensively apply my theoretical understanding of policy making and development in the context of heritage conservation. Over the course of the internship, we exclusively worked with Marvi Mazhar who guided us through the process of writing a comprehensive research paper on heritage conservation. We did elaborate secondary research on the condition of heritage in Sindh and performed a policy analysis of the same. Through the research and writing process, we understood the politics and functions of relevant government organizations while diving deep into how important it is to conserve the heritage of the city. It was overall an excellent experience which polished my team working and communication skills and provided me with the confidence to take on challenging research opportunities because they indeed prove to be intellectually rewarding.
I also learnt a great deal about architecture and how important its role is in shaping the history and culture of the society. There were many people involved in making the research paper a reality which gave me the opportunity to converse with people different educational backgrounds such as illustration and design. Since we were all working as a team, I learnt a great deal about how to connect visuals with qualitative information. Towards the end of the internship, we also transcribed some interviews.”

— Daniya Yousuf Varoo (Habib University, Social Development & Policy, 2022)

“My experience working with Marvi Mazhar Associates and Pakistan Chowk Community Center has been enriching in so many ways. My two-week long internship introduced me to the heritage preservation laws in Sindh and Pakistan and their history, and I was able to use my existing knowledge to conduct a policy analysis based on secondary research. Working closely with Marvi Mazhar was a privilege in itself as she provided extensive background on the topic, the past trends and current political dynamics of the issue, all of which helped me analyze the case through a holistic lens. Understanding the geography of Karachi and understanding the division of zones, as well as their importance was very eye-opening and truly fascinating. Transcribing interviews of renowned architects also added value to my research.
Besides that, this internship provided me an opportunity to work with a team from diverse educational backgrounds and majors which not only helped me expand my horizons but also helped me expand my social network. Working in a team and collaborating to put together one piece of publication demands clear communication, flexibility and coordination, all of which were the skills I was able to polish during my internship at PCCC. ”

— Qurat Ul Ain (Habib University, Social Development & Policy, 3rd Year, 2022)

“In search for an internship opportunity that would broaden my experience and strengthen my skills, I was told about Marvi Mazhar by my school counselor very briefly. Not deeply familiar, I did some research regarding her work, explored her website, and looked into various initiatives led by her. Although I was immediately inspired and interested, I noticed that MMA’s usual intern intake is of university students. Being a high school student, I was unsure as to whether or not I would be given an opportunity. Regardless, I decided that I would reach out to her. Surprisingly, I was met with a very quick and positive response to my inquiry after which my internship was confirmed. Although slightly nervous, I was looking forward to beginning this journey considering it was a new path for me that I had not explored previously. The very first step of my internship involved me partaking in the Heritage Walk Karachi which is also a PCCC initiative. This walk, alone, opened up my eyes to unique areas of Karachi that I previously viewed from a very surface-level perspective. Under the lead of a guide, I explored the heritage packed streets of Old Town Karachi. From the get-go, Marvi ensured that my contributions were backed by rich interest and determination which was enabled by her thorough involvement throughout.
On a general level, my internship consisted of organizing systems, setting up and implementing a media plan for website/social media revival, collection of research data, archiving, and organizing a future internship program. Each step of the way, I learned unique skills and this was particularly facilitated due to the fact that my work was largely independent and hence, tackling responsibility allowed me to largely enhance my abilities. Organization of systems provided me with the ability to effectively classify and group systems, while also controlling different aspects (e.g: website, social media) on my own. Similarly, setting up a media plan enabled me to enrich my thought process in order to cater to varying audiences, a significant skill to have. A very valuable aspect also included the collection of research data (e.g: examining and formulating case studies for dilapidated buildings, identifying issues, quotations) as this gave me first-hand experience of the workings of research, the depth of common workings, and the use of specific formats; my interest in research was increasingly amplified. Overall, the immense responsibility I was given provided me an opportunity to prove my abilities which certainly strengthened my approach to such tasks. Beyond that, however, I can confidently say that this internship has had a strong impact on my interests and experience. Contributing a large amount of time led me to explore the exclusive aspects of heritage, research, and initiative. Previously being a student who has not delved into fields such as this, I was fortunate to have received this experience given that it changed this for me and has encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone. Whether it involved me partaking in the heritage walk, or archiving for research regarding Sabeen Mahmud, on a personal level, the determination and rich involvement I witnessed during my time with Marvi Mazhar truly inspired me and allowed me to feel that any and all workings are significant in the larger scheme. As a student, I can undoubtedly say that this was far from a mainstream, surface level internship that ranged beyond just the purpose of fulfilling time. I’m grateful to have received this experience and am sure that it will prove extremely helpful in the future. ”

— Tia Aftab (Karachi Grammar School, 2022)

“My time working with Marvi Mazhar was an eye-opening and enjoyable experience that I not only learnt a great deal from but grew from as well. My position as a research assistant gave me the privilege to hone my research skills that I am now able to use to my advantage in the future.

I worked closely with Marvi for roughly 4 months, carrying out research projects assigned by her. This included researching South Asian case studies of international organizations, activists, NGO’s, non-profit and government organizations related to heritage conservation, urban development and raising awareness. The research included works in Pakistan as well. I compiled and presented this research to the students of Karachi University - where Marvi had been teaching a course on Built Heritage - to show them the ropes of how to prepare the Heritage Awareness Campaign that they and Marvi were to lead. Throughout this course, I acted as a teacher’s assistant, attending each class, taking down notes and working along with the students. My other assignments included web-based research on public-private partnership projects and their critiques, web-based research on Marvi Mazhar, PCCC and Heritage Walk Karachi-related articles.

Although this was all done entirely online, the material I learnt through attending classes, going on the Heritage Walk and researching all these projects really sparked my interest in urban design and the built cultural heritage of Pakistan. Experiencing this before going to university myself to study this very subject also allowed me to learn from the students as well as Marvi in what is expected of a student by a teacher. Marvi herself acted as a mentor and guided me throughout this internship. Observing her work ethic and drive inspired me as well, which is why I am now more determined to do well in the future and be a part of the larger conversation surrounding conservation and urban development.”
— Fatima Farooqui

“ Over the course of the last four weeks, I was a part of the research internship done at Marvi Mazhar & Associates. During this time, we worked on two projects, Public Parks of Karachi and Irani Cafes. With this internship, I was able to further refine my research skills. As an aspiring policy developer, the Public Parks project gave a lot of insight into the ground realities of the city and how does one collect and document data. I was able to do both field and desk work which I feel was perfectly balanced. The Public parks project raised important questions which I hadn’t thought of before but are quite important for policy development, for instance the sustainability of a certain project and its social and environmental impact. Moreover, documenting the Irani cafes gave a completely new perspective on the changing urban patterns in the city and its communities. This part of the internship also made me take notes which I’m rather thankful for because jotting down little snippets is quite useful as it makes one retain all the information that much better. I also learnt bits about design and architecture of public spaces, and I think this is going to be one of the topics I’ll be delving into more in the coming future. I also plan on getting some design skills as I feel they are an important tool to make your research reach a wider audience. “

— Arooma Naqvi

“This internship broadened my mind as well as offered a lot of experience. I learned about research
techniques, compiling data, interviewing and transcribing, and much about Karachi’s history and heritage. It was a very enriching and interesting experience alongside colleagues which increased my experience in teamwork and team research. Field work provided first hand observation of Karachi’s buildings that I would have otherwise overlooked. Overall, it was a great way to spend my summer.”

— Emaan Farhan

“Internship at Marvi Mazhar & Associates / PCCC was an enriching experience. It was not only rigorous in terms of field work but was very academically challenging as well.
As a student pursuing Social Development Policy, I learned essential skills of developing research and the methodology to pursue it the right way.
The foremost thing I would love to thank MMA for, is the opportunity to co-author the article: How development undid sea view.
The projects that I really liked working for and was whole heartedly invested in were: The Sea View Development project, Heritage walk activism campaign, and The Arrival City. These projects did not only provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by a city like Karachi but gave me the opportunity to engage actively in the discourse around the refugee crisis, development, and heritage.
It was a challenging yet welcoming working environment. I would highly encourage and recommend people to intern at PCCC.”
— Ailiya Nooruddin Merchant

“I have participated in projects like HWK and OTM which are very well planned to let an individual learn about the heritage of Karachi. It was interesting to explore and investigate about Saddar and its locality. I have used my previous knowledge of illustrator and Photoshop to design posters during my internship. The idea of cross-pollination was really interesting, I felt that it should happen more often because it’ll allow everyone to think and observe beyond their assigned projects. I have also learned about the importance of our heritage and how everything requires maintenance and preservation. I also got to know the value and relevance of our heritage which is useful for my academics.”
— Bushra Anis

“My internship at PCCC was a worthwhile experience as I got exposure to new set of skills such as making HWK posters by Illustrator and Photoshop. To add this during research on encroachment I gained knowledge of further areas which were affected by encroachment drive such as Railway Cantt Station and the government policies regarding it. Furthermore, during the field research I got to explore and know the different areas near Pakistan Chowk which I did not know of before. It was insightful to learn the history of some of the heritage buildings and know how important it is to preserve the old architecture. In the OTM project I enjoyed photographing the buildings with its details. My time at this internship taught me a lot about history and heritage and how it is relevant to us.”
— Amna Qamar

My favorite projects have been working on the exhibition related to the Afghan Refugee crisis and documenting their experience, the collaborative exhibition really bridged gaps between vastly different communities while reflecting on the global refugee and immigrant question.

Researching on mangroves brought back memories from my favorite social studies classes in school, exploring the link of environmental disaster with the unprecedented urban development has awakened a sense of emergency and the idea of doing something towards it.

All in all, from learning about the old town heritage of Karachi to exploring the sea view coastline and questioning the development while asking important questions about the conservation of historic architecture, this internship has enriched my experience and made me a much better, socially aware citizen.

I will not only miss the workplace but all the co interns that I befriended and the rare chance to go explore the city on foot during field visits.”
— Armeen Nasim

“When I first heard about PCCC and how they work with heritage buildings from my teacher I was quiet intrigued. However, when I joined PCCC and started working here it came into my attention how PCCC not only does Old Town Mapping tracking down heritage buildings, heritage nodes and other heritage places but also does other projects such as The mangroves project, the seaview project, the Karachi Delhi App and so on. All these projects having vital significance in concern to our community all having extremely interesting facts and backgrounds to them. I learned so much about my own country that even though is in plain sight people fail to notice is wrong or questionable. Furthermore I got a good hang of Adobe Illustrator due to different tasks assigned to me and learned a lot from the people interning with me. Another thing that I enjoyed greatly and learnt from was Marvi’s vast knowledge on different subjects, how she spoke about them all differently and how she corrected us and pushed us to do better. I thoroughly enjoyed this internship it was a great learning experience for me and opened my eyes and mind to look at different aspects in our daily lives.”

— Hafsa Moin

“I have had been looking out for people that were involved in conservation of our heritage and the politics that are involved in speaking up about encroachment and demolitions and actually doing something about it, and my teacher led me to this place. This was a great learning experience for me and the support of my mentor Marvi Mazhar brought in the confidence I needed. I wouldn’t have imagined going out in the streets of the old town by myself and experiencing it with a different perspective. I feel that all the other projects my fellow interns have been up to have given me a great deal of learning as well.”
— Mashaal Amjad

“My time at this internship was a learning curve and helped me develop different views towards our heritage. I uncovered historic, cultural and architectural aspects of Karachi and got a chance to explore my city better than I ever have before. The support and encouragement I received as well as the people I met made me grow and love the field of architecture and design even more. Marvi’s passion for this city is definitely contagious and I found myself appreciating Karachi on a completely different level.”
— Insiya Huzaifa

“The research that I was a part of not only required a large amount information gathering but also effective ways to organize and present it. This was something I believe I greatly benefited from and can utilize in any future projects. Interning here was an experience which taught me about the importance of learning from my peers as well. I can draw upon the knowledge and research methodologies used by others as well as what I learnt personally due to the insightful presentations that we took part in. Visiting many different locations in Old Town made me more aware of the history of a part of the city that I was personally never connected to as much as I would have liked. Along with this I gained a new perspective on areas that I was familiar with. Overall, I think the way in which I approach any project will be improved after having learnt it at PCCC.”
— Hajra Hasan

“Interning for Marvi Mazhar; juggling multiple projects all at once has been as enjoyable as it was demanding. Majority of the work involved extensive research and now, research, even more so comes as a natural progression to me. Marvi’s verve and enthusiasm evident in all the work she does has come off on me and her aspirations for the betterment of this city will hopefully become a reality. By way of the Heritage Walk exploration and the groundwork for the Location-based app, as well as various other projects, I stumbled upon another side to Karachi. From Karachi’s hearty history to the intellectual activities that took/take place in its areas; I now leave with a towering appreciation for Karachi.”
— Rohama Saqib

“Over the course of the last 4 weeks, I have worked consistently as part of a team to research and develop MMA’s projects on Irani Cafes and Karachi’s Public Parks. It has been a real pleasure working with Uzayr and Ghania who were extremely helpful in giving us guidance and direction. Arooma and Javeria were great partners and I thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone in the office, whom I’d like to thank for welcoming me. My responsibilities were quite varied, ranging from historical research, documentation and report writing to conducting oral history interviews and fieldwork. I worked primarily on researching and writing the text for the Irani Cafe Report, and was involved in the fieldwork for Irani cafes, observing the cafes, photographing them for spatial analysis, and participating in the interviews with owners. I was also involved in fieldwork for the Karachi Parks project in which I visited three parks (Quaid Mazar, Hill Park and Kidney Hill Park) and worked on the text for those park reports. In addition, I set up interviews with elders who were visitors to the Irani cafes in their heyday, compiling and organizing the interview questions. The internship program was incredibly useful in driving me through practical opportunities to utilize and hone my research skills. Working with the team to conceive the reports was incredibly rewarding because our diverse backgrounds allowed for dialogue and discussion that gave our work more nuance. I would certainly recommend the program for the office’s amazing environment alone. The work going on there is vital to Karachi’s history. It was a great pleasure and incredibly inspiring to work with Marvi for her ideas, work ethic and guidance. I’m incredibly grateful and proud of what I did in my brief time there and hope to be back sometime in the future.”

— Mirra Saigol

“I interned at Marvi Mazhar & Associates under a Pakistan Chowk Community Centre projects documentation of Public Parks and Irani Café’s. My experience has been unlike any other receiving first hand practice, participating in documenting the relevance of cultural heritage, coming up with solutions to challenges on spot and team work. This internship not only motivated me to know more about my city as I had never traveled to most of the places we visited for field work, but also challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I had never walked the roads of Saddar before, and never would have if it wasn’t for this internship, it felt highly empowering to do so. Mainly, it helped me in the application of what I am studying for my degree and refined my perception of what I want to do in the future.”

— Javeria Taufiq

“Internship at Marvi Mazhar & Associates// PCCC was an enriching experience. It was not only rigorous in terms of field work but was very academically challenging as well.
As a student pursuing Social Development Policy, I learned essential skills of developing research and the methodology to pursue it the right way.
The foremost thing I would love to thank MMA for, is the opportunity to co-author the article: How development undid sea view.
The projects that I really liked working for and was whole heartedly invested in were: The Sea View Development project, Heritage walk activism campaign, and The Arrival City. These projects did not only provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by a city like Karachi but gave me the opportunity to engage actively in the discourse around the refugee crisis, development, and heritage.
It was a challenging yet welcoming working environment. I would highly encourage and recommend people to intern at PCCC. ”

— Ailiya Nooruddin Merchant

“The internship proved to be a beneficial and insightful learning experience, allowing me to utilize my skills to the maximum while aiding richly to my learning experience.
The research work has allowed me to expand upon my knowledge bank. The field work has helped me step out and navigate spaces. There has been a lot of work back and forth and it has been challenging to meet the deadlines, however it has bettered my work ethic. The work in itself has been very interesting and the right mix of research as well as going out on the field and interacting real time. There has been a lot of collaborative effort and it has all taught me to navigate spaces as well as being introduced to a diverse set of people who all have some unique insight to offer.
My favorite projects have been working on the exhibition related to the Afghan Refugee crisis and documenting their experience, the collaborative exhibition really bridged gaps between vastly different communities while reflecting on the global refugee and immigrant question.
Researching on mangroves brought back memories from my favorite social studies classes in school, exploring the link of environmental disaster with the unprecedented urban development has awakened a sense of emergency and the idea of doing something towards it.
All in all, from learning about the old town heritage of Karachi to exploring the sea view coastline and questioning the development while asking important questions about the conservation of historic architecture, this internship has enriched my experience and made me a much better, socially aware citizen.
I will not only miss the workplace but all the co interns that I befriended and the rare chance to go explore the city on foot during field visits.”

— Armeen Nasim

“Interning at Marvi Mazhar and Associate has been a great experience. The interning period helped me in grooming my skills and overall thinking towards a professional environment.
The projects handed to me includes old town mapping, survey of the site and the mapping of JPMC ,which was a great experience and l learnt the true essence of our country through the architecture of old town, getting to know the history of them while interviewing the families residing there.
To me it was a great and meaning full experience and will love to do it again anytime.”

— Sunny Joel

“Marvi Mazhar & Associates is an esteemed and renowned firm providing opportunities a plenty to potential architects to learn and grow holistically. I have not only learnt through experience but also through observation, on how to put forth and document tasks, how to study and analyze in surveys and much more. The research projects that were delegated to me were of immense significance in terms of my growth. Moreover, I gained an insight of the overall work environment. MMA provides a promising environment for learning and exposure. Overall, my experience was productive and I would love to join you again.”

— Shazde Ahmed

“This was my first internship at Marvi Mazhar and Associates and it has been an insightful experience. Before, I didn’t have much understanding of software but now I can work on various commands.
During my internship period, I got to know about city mapping and learnt the importance of historic buildings. I worked on two projects, JPMC and an old chowk in Saddar Town. Through my visit to the old quarters, I interviewed different people and took their views regarding the project being carried which was a meaningful experience. I never had the chance of carrying out such survey in University projects.
Moreover the environment at MMA was comfortable and the team was helpful towards the interns. It was a beautiful and learning experience overall.”

— Fazila Altaf

“Working at Marvi Mazhar’s, provides you with a sound knowledge of how architecture firms operate in the dynamic conditions of a metropolitan city like Karachi. After working at Marvi Mazhar Associates, I gained an understanding and appreciation of architecture in depth that I could not have gained in school otherwise. Moreover, the exposure to sustainability and heritage planning allowed me to decide what particular type of Architecture and design I wanted to pursue. Overall, my time at Marvi Mazhar’s was a positive and fulfilling time with the office team more than willing to assist me along my career. ”

— Prunia Farrukh

“It had been a great experience to work with Marvi Mazhar and Associates, where I got the opportunity to work on architectural design and planning, in a professional setting through various projects of heritage and conservation. Site visits to Halai Residence, Jhufelhurst School and National Foods gave me hands on experience of field work which was very knowledgeable. Participating in the research and archiving of Jufelhurst School and Mangalore Tiles helped in understanding what measures one must take to sensitively approach a conservation project of a heritage building. It had been an honor to get a small glimpse of the HAP, which is an amazing initiative by MMA. In all, I could not have asked for a better internship experience. Thank you so much for the opportunity.”

— Mariam Hanif

“Interning for Marvi Mazhar and Associates was a great and an insightful experience where I was a part of documenting the tombs of Suhagan ,Duhagan and the Mohammad bin Qasim mosque. I got to study the geometry and the complexity involved in its architecture. Interning for Marvi Mazhar and Associates also helped me shape up my thoughts for my thesis as I felt the value and connection in designing for the unprivileged. My thesis was based on a Katchi Abbadi in Islamabad. I visited her during my thesis and worked out most of my work in her library where she helped me be gain a better perspective of the design strategies and practical responsibilities of an architect when it comes to slums. One of the greatest benefits that I have received is knowing that I actually enjoy doing what I have been studying for”

— Maaz Khan

“Interning with Marvi Mazhar and Associates not only instilled in me great love and pride for our built heritage, it was beyond fun. Would gladly do it all over again!”

— Mahnoor Shehzad

“You literally went above and beyond to help me out during my internship with you. I love the fact how you are always ready to help your students, you are one great architect to work with. Thank you so much for believing in me and giving me a chance. ”

— Neha Faruqi

“Interning with Marvi Mazhar and Associates helped me realise how a strong and passionate woman can not only survive but get ahead in a clearly male dominating field of career. It was really fun learning about the beautiful heritage outlet country has to offer and I would definitely do it again!”

— Yusra Iqbal

“My internship at Marvi Mazhar and Associates was an experience that I’ll never forget. It was liberating in all aspects and helped me discover my profound love for heritage and its importance. It is certainly because of my time at the firm that I learned managing practicality and incorporating that with my talent.”

— Mahnoor Shah

“Over the course of past four weeks, I worked on two projects; A Girl’s School in PECHS and Alizay Bashir Residence. Purely architectural work helped me polish my software skills. I was able to observe and learn the technical aspect of planning and designing of both; a public building as well as a private residential building. My Internship experience at Marvi Mazhar & Associates gave me insight into a professional working environment, how an architectural firm functions and the dynamics of working in this field. In conclusion, my training at MMA was crucial in my development as a student of architecture. I will take the skills and lessons I learnt and apply them to my next academic project.”

— Verdah Latifi

“Summer 2020, with COVID plaguing the city, I wasn’t sure if I could find an internship that would help me explore areas of study pertaining to the urban landscape of my city, a field that I have recently come across and often found myself excitedly reading about. However, with something as unpredictable as COVID radically changing the city and its academic field, bizarrely Marvi Mazhar and Associates (MMA) was able to provide me with the space and opportunities to study Karachi’s built and natural environment.
During the course of my internship, I was able to work on multifarious projects such as studying and writing a report on the changes brought to Karachi’s dying coastline due to supposed developmental activities occurring on its bordering land and even larger macro level issues spanning across the city. It enabled me to critically look at my city’s urbanizing climate and through maps, primary and secondary data, be able to translate information into comprehensively researched but simply written reports that can easily help disseminate information, ideas and research to a wider audience. I was finally able to understand that my work was not for me now, it wasn’t about being a good assignment or paper, it was about being a tool that could help shed light on issues that surround all citizens.
Additionally, I learned how interdisciplinary research is a product of team work, avid learning of multiple fields and the use of many research methods for data collection, including but not limited to digital documentation, perusing policies, interviews, listening, observation and assessing the very geography of our city through maps. Fortunately, I was able to work on other projects as well such as writing a report on the dying heritage of Karachi – Art Deco architecture and interior, on People’s Archive (a PCCC project) and advocating for a better rehabilitation process for Empress Market and the affected traders and vendors during its anti-encroachment drive. Being able to work on a diverse array of projects, all falling under different areas of City Planning enabled me to explore my areas of interest. I understood that data is always being generated but it needs to be brought out for the naked eye and that starts with documentation and dissemination.
However, I was nervous to write about topics I had just recently started studying but gratefully, my supervisor, Marvi Mazhar, was kind enough to be willing to answer all my questions and she would often sit and teach me foreign concepts that I hadn’t previously studied. I’m glad that I could work in a space that made me learn so much about myself, my work, my city and the field that I hope to study and work in. I have left MMA with many answers but thankfully, with even more questions.
Last but not the least, working at MMA helped me communicate. As an undergraduate student, my work was either received by a professor or peers in the same field. However, I learned to finally understand that more than being able to collect data and research on our city’s urban issues, it is imperative that we learn to communicate them to everyone by making information accessible. Be it through creating a well-designed report that keeps the readers interested, using language that is precise and simple or stepping out of our bubbles and learning to engage with governmental institutions. The key being engagement and not restricted or exclusive academic circles. ”

— Harmain Ahmar

“Interning with Marvi Mazhar & Associates was an experience that I’ll never forget. In our society the world is seen by men’s eye, Marvi made me realise how strong and passionate woman can not only survive in this male dominating field but can also be successful in their careers. Her passion towards heritage is remarkable which inspired me to have pride in our built heritage. It was a great learning experience, would gladly love to do it again!”

— Anmol Poplani

“An Internship at Marvi Mazhar & Associates is truly a privilege. This was my first internship and I walked in through the turquoise framed door with minimal tools, but she pushed me to navigate what were ‘foreign waters’ to me and allowed me to feel safe in her studio environment. Working under a powerhouse like Marvi Mazhar as a young woman myself, who is striving to achieve the same place and respect as a man in a developing country like Pakistan, was an enriching experience. In addition to acquiring working skills, I also gained behavioural knowledge on how to carry oneself with professionalism and grace whilst managing stressful stimuli on the daily.
Is was an honour to be able to work closely with her during this pandemic and be able to witness and learn from her vigour, concern and dedication towards our city, design projects, her fur babies and the people around her! ”

— Hareem Naseer

“I started interning at MMA in June 2020, and continued through mid-September 2020. Because of the pandemic, I was one of the very few people interning with Marvi this summer. The main project I worked on was a research project on land reclamation and ecology along Seaview, published in DAWN as “Reclaiming Karachi’s Edge”. Marvi had been planning this project since Karachi’s initial lockdown, and had been conducting site visits and documenting the ecology along the strip of beach from China Port till Emaar. As soon as I started, Marvi guided me to research land reclamation for a few weeks before moving on to the writing and collaborating aspect of the project. We went on site visits to China Port and Phase VIII, and documented and observed what had been happening on the ground. The research process was intensive, and thorough. We took our time compiling our work, conducting interviews, and deciding how to present our project to the public in a way that would spread awareness so that perhaps something can be done about the issues we raised. The response we got was immense, and I was glad to see many people realising that Karachi’s natural environment is not something that should be taken for granted any longer. I worked on other projects as well, including a proposal on rehabilitating Empress Market to reintegrate the markets that were demolished, and a research essay on the architectural style of Art Deco, and its inﬂuences on Karachi’s built environment.
Working with Marvi this summer was a very rewarding experience, and I have gained a deeper appreciation for the level of work that goes in to all the projects that have been carried out through MMA and PCCC. I thoroughly enjoyed putting eﬀort into projects that were not graded for school, and were instead meant to create ripples in the real world. Marvi was a patient mentor, and cared about teaching me about her process of raising awareness and carrying out projects in a city that is usually quite unfriendly and diﬃcult to work in. She gave me tasks that involved me teaching myself diﬀerent softwares, and was patient with me during my learning process.
I am studying urban design and planning, so working at MMA was exactly the kind of hands-on experience I needed to understand the real-life implications of what I am studying, and to learn more about the complex ins and outs of Karachi. I hope to continue researching aspects of Karachi on my own, and, as I enter my ﬁeld of work, build upon the knowledge and skills I gained in the last few months to create lasting, positive changes throughout my career. We all want to do something to help make Karachi a more liveable city, and I am grateful to have been able to work on projects aiming to do exactly that.”

— Anushka Amer Maqbool

My internship at Marvi Mazhar Associates was very enriching and educational. I was entrusted with the role of collecting data and visualizing it. I was supervised by Marvi Mazhar who was not only very great at communication but also teaching me good work ethics. All the changes that needed to be made to the ideas I shared, were treated as discussions and conversations rather than just work assignments. This allowed me to take a more serious interest in the work that I was doing. Ma'am Marvi had a very clear vision and that helped in streamlining the work and meeting deadlines. I also got to learn about different methods of research that will continue to help me with my career and school. This experience has only encouraged me to participate in more research-based work and I would love to work with Ma'am Marvi again!

— Ilsa Ahmed