The club culture was one of the most conspicuous symbols of the exclusivity of the British Raj. Although an increasing number of Indian locals were prosperous and well educated, they faced segregation and discrimination when the European mercantile class was concerned. Clubs were designed as a retreat for the white sahibs who could use the exclusive environment to consult one another in matters of dealing with their common interest in India and recreate without having to deal with the native population. Here they could discuss their government's policies and ensure that their implementation resulted in profit for the government and themselves.
The Sindh Club was also meant to be an exclusive institution for European gentlemen and was off limits to the local population. A demeaning sign installed on the gate of the club reportedly read "Natives and Dogs not allowed". Even after the creation of Pakistan when the prime minister of the country used to live across the road, the club was still almost exclusively used by Europeans. The first native member was admitted to the Sind Club on August 15th, 1947, when Quaid-e-Aazam Muhammad Ali Jinnah took oath of office as a Governor-General. However, it took almost two decades before a Pakistani, Masud Karim became chairman of the Club in 1965.
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