One of Karachi’s few open community spaces, Kitab Ghar, has announced it will shut down on May 31 after nearly 18 months of hosting public events, workshops, and gatherings.
In a statement shared on social media, the management said rising rents driven by gentrification in the PECHS area have made it financially unsustainable to continue operating the citizen-run public library.
The team said the decision was not taken lightly, highlighting that the space had become a hub for creativity, discussion, and community engagement.
Over the past year and a half, Kitab Ghar has offered residents a place to study, create art, hold discussions, and connect socially.
Despite the closure, the organisers expressed hope to relocate in the future. They have launched a fundraiser aiming to collect Rs500,000 to support the establishment of a new space.
“We exist because you do,” the team said, urging supporters to contribute and help sustain the initiative.
Kitab Ghar operates as a free-to-access community space, relying largely on public donations and occasional ticketed events for funding.
The management thanked its patrons and supporters for building a vibrant community and standing by the initiative throughout its journey.
