This paper revolves around the nexus of bureaucracy, informal practices and ideas of development. The paper is situated in Karachi, which is a mega city within Pakistan, housing a population of approximately 16 million people, where 60% of this population dwells in informally developed localities. Within this relationship, the theory of urban charisma and its connection to informal practices which help realize local culture and give a platform to existing social networks to work towards development, is analyzed. Using a case study methodology of an informal area within Karachi, the methods are based on recording personal experiences of the government servant positioned at the grass root level. The paper documents and analysis the methodology adopted and the outcome of his efforts. Furthermore, qualitative interviews of various stakeholders and personal observations and visits to the case study areas have been used to generate data. It was found that some of the services were able to sustain even after the transfer of the government servant, while the other service such as solid waste management could not even take off. The findings also point towards various conclusions that can be drawn through the different procedures adopted on ground and the role of the bureaucrat as a facilitator for community empowerment.  The paper also explores ideas of urban charisma, community empowerment and development and the applicability of these theories/ ideas within informality as experienced in the global south.

Index Terms- Bureaucracy, Informality, Leadership, Philanthropy, Urban charisma