this link to business as well as charity that Byram Avari, the head of the Avari chain, one of Pakistan’s leading luxury hotel groups, said has allowed the community to build an enduring relationship with Karachi.
"Before partition the ladies maternity home called Lady Duferfin hospital was put up [by] the Parsis, the NED college, now medical college, the Spencer Eye hospital and I cannot tell you how many numerous things have been set up by the Parsis for people of Karachi," he told AFP.
Parsis believe "in giving back what they had," he added.
But today young Parsis are leaving in droves. The past decade has seen Islamist violence soar, with religious minorities often in the extremists’ crosshairs. While Parsis have not been specifically targeted, many feel vulnerable.
‘We cannot see a future’
"There is a general instability in the country. Because of this we cannot see a future for our community here right now," says Kaivan Solan, a 27-year-old training to become a priest.
Izdeyar Setna, 37, a freelance photographer with a slew of international clients, added that Parsis were seeking new lives in countries with larger Parsi communities, such as Canada.
"I think most people are leaving because of a few reasons. One is security. The way things are, people are scared not knowing if things are going to get better,” he said.
"So I think they are trying to get out. Most people are going to Canada, or the USA, wherever it is easy to get the visa."
"Losing a community like the Parsis is definitely a huge blow to a tolerant Pakistan, its cultural diversity and economic well-being as Parsis have contributed immensely to the progress of this country," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher on religious minorities at the Jinnah Institute think thank. Not all the threats faced by Parsis are external. They are already facing a low birthrate and their marriage laws are extremely strict, forcing women to leave the community if they "marry out" -- though men marrying non-Parsis is tolerated.
"I would love to [marry] if I find the right person, but it´s difficult because the numbers are so small," Rustomji, the student, said.
Growing up in such a close-knit society, familiarity can breed contempt, she said.
"I grew up in Karachi and all the Parsi boys I know since I was 10. It’s just science that I wouldn’t just fall in love with them when I turn 28," she said, referring to the age by which most Pakistani women get married.
"When Parsi men marry out of the community, they are undeniably accepted more and unquestioned... I find that very hypocritical because Zoroastrianism is a religion that advocates equality for both sexes."