KARACHI: Pressure of population has started changing the topography of the slums of Karachi. Getting a clue from the town planners, who have given up the policy of horizontal expansion, Karachi`s `Jhuggi` dwellers have also found ways of vertical expansion of their hutments to meet the needs of a growing family but without disturbing the basic character of the joint-family system.

Multi-storey hutments have sprung up in parts of [the] Old City mostly in Ranchore Lines and areas around Hasan Ali Hoti Market, which are believed to be high-density areas of Karachi. Generally, the owners have provided as many floors as the number of subfamily units. ... Lofts have also been provided in between the roofs to accommodate a bigger family. There are also `jhuggis` with a fullfledged shop on the ground floor. ...

Usually the lighting arrangement is still the age-old lantern although some `jhuggi` dwellers said they knew families which had made some arrangement for electric supply from neighbouring shops or houses. Usually all the multi-storey `jhuggis` fulfil the basic need of light and air through wind-trappers and ventilators. Provision has also been made for improvised veranda. Staff reporter