By Brig Syed Karrar Hussain Retired.
It was a calm and pleasant afternoon in Karachi, the kind that gently persuades you to pause the rush of life and indulge in something meaningful. I found myself seated at the Marina Club, DHA Karachi, a place where the rhythm of the sea seems to blend effortlessly with the quiet sophistication of the surroundings. My purpose was simple yet heartfelt — to plan a recreational outing for my family, something that would allow us to step away from routine and create moments worth remembering.
As I sat there, sipping tea and gazing at the shimmering waters, my thoughts wandered between options — perhaps a dinner, a short getaway, or something by the sea. Little did I know that destiny had already arranged something far more special for me.
Right across from me, on a neatly placed sofa, sat a gentleman who immediately caught my attention. He had a calm demeanor, a pleasant smile, and an aura of quiet confidence. He was engaged in conversation with a few friends, speaking in a composed and courteous tone. There was something about him that felt familiar, though I couldn’t quite place it at first.
As fate would have it, a few words from his conversation drifted toward me — he mentioned that his office was in Uni Plaza.
The name struck a deep chord within me.
Uni Plaza… a place that was not just a building of offices, but a chapter of my life filled with duty, challenges, and patriotism. My mind instantly travelled back in time to my days of service with Sindh Rangers, when I was entrusted with responsibilities tied to national interest. Those were days of discipline, purpose, and unwavering commitment.
Without much hesitation, I leaned slightly forward and politely addressed the gentleman.
“Excuse me, may I know your name?”
He turned toward me with the same warm smile and replied, “Sadar Ud Din Gilani.”
The name, though different, stirred yet another wave of memories. I couldn’t resist sharing my own story.
“I once had the honor of performing a special duty with Mr. Sadar Ud Din Hashwani,” I said. “It was on the orders of the then Corps Commander, General Asif Nawaz. I still remember those days vividly — I even had lunch with him at his residence in Bath Island and later escorted him to Karachi Airport in 1991.”
The gentleman listened with great interest, his eyes reflecting respect and curiosity. There was a brief pause, but it wasn’t awkward — it was the kind of silence that bridges two individuals through shared respect and mutual understanding.
He then introduced himself more fully and told me about his work. To my surprise and delight, I learned that Mr. Sadar Ud Din Gilani was running a remarkable recreational venture — a cruise experience named Ocean Dreams, operating right there from Marina Club, DHA Karachi.
As he spoke about it, I could sense his passion. It wasn’t just a business for him; it was an effort to bring joy to people, to provide families with a safe, elegant, and refreshing escape from the daily grind.
Something inside me immediately connected with the idea.
A sea cruise… with family… in Karachi…
It sounded perfect.
Without giving it a second thought, I decided then and there that this would be the recreational event I had been searching for. After a brief discussion, I booked seats for my entire family and made the payment in advance. There was a sense of excitement building within me — not just for the trip, but for the unexpected way in which it had come into my life.
Finally, the much-awaited day arrived.
We reached Marina Club with eager hearts and smiling faces. The gentle sea breeze welcomed us as we stepped toward the beautifully arranged cruise vessel — Ocean Dreams. It stood there gracefully, ready to carry us into an experience that would soon become unforgettable.
From the very beginning, everything was organized with professionalism and warmth. The staff greeted us with courtesy, ensuring that every guest felt comfortable and valued. There was a sense of care that was not forced, but natural — something that is rare and precious.
As the cruise set sail, we slowly moved away from the shore, leaving behind the noise of the city and entering a world of calm waters and open skies. The view of DHA Phase 8 from the sea was mesmerizing — a perspective that many Karachiites rarely get to witness.
The journey lasted for two hours and thirty minutes, but it felt timeless.
The sea was calm, reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. Children laughed freely, elders relaxed with contentment, and families shared moments of pure joy. It was not just a trip — it was a shared experience of happiness.
One of the highlights of the cruise was the high tea, which was served with elegance and quality. Every item was fresh, well-prepared, and thoughtfully presented. It added a touch of class to the entire experience.
But what truly made the evening unforgettable was the live music.
On popular demand, Raheel and Ieza Khan performed, and their music brought life to the cruise. Their voices blended beautifully with the sound of the waves, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and soothing. People began to smile more, some even hummed along, and for a while, it felt like the entire world had paused just to enjoy that moment.
As I looked around, I saw my family — happy, relaxed, and fully immersed in the experience. That alone made everything worthwhile.
The team behind Ocean Dreams deserves special appreciation. Miss Fiza, Mr. Faisal Khan, and of course, Mr. Sadar Ud Din Gilani himself — all of them displayed exceptional hospitality. They were not just managing the cruise; they were hosting it with heart. Their caring attitude, attention to detail, and genuine warmth made every guest feel special.
It reminded me of an important truth — that true success lies not just in providing a service, but in creating an experience that touches people.
As the cruise gently made its way back to the shore, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. What had started as a simple plan for a family outing had turned into a beautiful journey filled with memories, emotions, and unexpected connections.
Sometimes, life presents you with moments that seem ordinary at first but unfold into something extraordinary. That day at Marina Club was one such moment for me.
To my fellow Karachiites, I would say this from the heart: if you truly wish to experience something different, something refreshing, and something memorable with your loved ones, then you must take at least one trip on Ocean Dreams. It is more than just a cruise — it is a celebration of life, family, and the simple joys that often go unnoticed.
And as for me, I returned home not just with photographs, but with a story — a story of memories from the past, a chance encounter in the present, and a beautiful experience that will remain with me for years to come.
