Namra Khalid
Namra is a Pakistani cartographer dedicated to protecting her hometown from the devastating impacts of urban flooding. In response to the Karachi floods, she launched an innovative data collection programme to address the challenges of climate change and dysfunctional water networks. Believing that detailed mapping is essential for adequate infrastructure and socio-climatic planning, Namra combines her expertise in cartography with a commitment to creating resilient communities. Her work highlights the power of data-driven solutions in mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding urban environments for future generations.
In 2022, devastating floods left one-third of Pakistan underwater. Over 33 million people were affected by the extreme weather, and more than 1,000 lives were lost (UNHCR).
In response to Pakistan’s pressing climate challenges, Namra Khalid, founder of Karachi Cartography, is tackling Karachi’s water crisis and advocating for socio-climatic justice. Her work includes repatriating historic maps from Western countries to enhance socio-climatic planning and developing innovative solutions to address the acute impacts of climate change, including flooding and heat waves.
Namra is creating an open-access web-based library to address urban infrastructure challenges, using maps to identify vulnerable areas and support informed decision-making.
With the support of the Creatives For Our Future programme, she has collected over 1,500 maps for Karachi Cartography, with an additional 3,500 expected. She also developed the first conceptual map of Karachi’s pre-human environment, providing a baseline for future environmental assessments and promoting sustainable urban planning to enhance resilience against climate change.
Every map tells a story—not just of the past, but of the future we can shape. By reclaiming Pakistan’s cartographic history, we are not only preserving knowledge but also equipping our communities with the tools to build a more resilient, climate-adaptive future.
Namra Khalid
