Karachi

The Pearl of Arabian Sea

The history of mega polis dates back to 18th century, when it was formally planned and established by a Seth, a local merchant. Researchers claim that there has been a small settlement around the Arabian Sea, even centuries before Jesus Christ.

Apart from the proven facts, it has been a folk tradition that Karachi was once a village of fishermen, called Kalachi or Kolachi. It later changed to Currachee, Currachi and finally Karachi in the times of British rule. Crochey, Caranjee and Kurrachee are other corrupted versions. The city earned prominence while the British made it provincial capital, after annexing Sindh in 1843.

The Zoroastrians or Parsis are responsible for many of the heritage buildings and other landmarks of Karachi. They are truly called the pioneers of city as they served enthusiastically to make Karachi a proper city from the ashes of a fishermen’s village.

1947 saw the emergence of first ideological state in the Sub-continent. The newly born Pakistan chose Karachi as its capital. It was then a small, clean and cultured city of 400,000 people. As the floodgate opened for immigrants, it soon developed as a big city of ethnic diversity. The world recognised it as one of the most important towns of the region for it had all the charm, attraction and opportunity for the natives, as well as foreigners.

Even after shifting of capital to Islamabad in 1959, Karachi kept on touching the height of growth in every aspect. Now it is a mega city of some 200 million people, having an international airport, a modern seaport, railway stations, flyovers, overhead bridges, underpasses and metallic roads, with other necessities. It is by far the largest city of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan has many pleasant attractions like sunny, sandy beaches, deep-sea fishing, yachting, golf and horse racing, besides rush-taking shopping markets. You can buy indigenous handicrafts, beautifully woven, hand-made rugs/carpets, jewellery, garments, cloth, pottery and a lot more.

Quaid-e-Azam’s Tomb

The mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah is yet another monumental place situated in the east of M.A.Jinnah Road. The marble work on the tomb offers a great luminous scene at dusk, while the recently built garden is a good example of modern architectural planning resulted in fast completion. There are graves of his sisters, Shireen Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah, his right hand, Liaquat Ali Khan and former Vice President Noorul Amin.

Tooba Mosque

One of the most impressive architectural works, Tooba Mosque has been built by the DHA in phase I of Defence Housing Authority Scheme. The single dome, especially designed to cover the building without pillars is claimed to be the largest in the world.

PIA Planetarium

The national flag-carrier PIA has gifted a modern, well-planned planetarium for the people who enjoy staring and gazing at stars and planets of distant galaxies.

Safari Park

Amongst many public parks, the Safari Park is a real fantasy for the citizens, seeking a haven from the tiresome routines of life. The City District Government has recently renovated its infra structure and increased number of animals and birds. They had also organised a bird-show which won great appreciation from all quarters. Latest addition to the Park is a chair lift, installed to provide the visitors a joy ride through the elevated hilly area.

Other notable public parks include Hill Park and the Bonsai Park, comprising the Bonsai-applied little plants and trees only.

National Museum

The National Museum is situated off I.I. Chundrigar Road, the busiest commercial hub of the city. Here one can see the rich collection of items in galleries named after the Indus Valley Civilisation, Gandhara sculpture, Islamic Art, besides rare manuscripts, ancient coins and paintings.

Empress Market, Saddar

It is one of the oldest markets of Karachi, comprising old Empress Market, Khwaja Shahabuddin Market and surrounding small bazaar. One can have variety of items from meat to dry fruits and from food items to books.

There are some other attractions for the shoppers like Zainab Market, Zamzama Street, Millennium Mall, Dolmen Mall, Park Towers, The Forum and other big and small centres at Tariq Road.

EXCURSIONS FROM THE CITY

There are few very important sightseeing places, like Chaukundi Tombs, Bhambhore, Haleji Lake, Keenjhar Lake, Thatta and Moenjodaro.

Chaukundi Tombs:

Situated at a distance of 27.35 kms (17 miles) from Karachi, the place is very famous for its unique and extraordinary high graves, having impressive carving and engraving of the sandstone slabs and floral motifs. There are two other similar types of graveyards in the remote areas of Karachi, but little known to the general public.

Bhambhore:

This archaeological site, known also as the actual coast of Debal, where great Muslim conqueror, Muhammad bin Qasim landed in 712 AD, is about 64 kms/40 miles away from Karachi. You can find a rich collection of painted pottery, coins, beads etc. at the site museum.

Haleji Lake:

Asia’s greatest water- fowl reserve, the Haleji lies at a distance of 70kms/52 miles from the City of Lights. It is well known for the migratory birds flowing down from the cold Siberia.

Thatta:

The historic city of Thatta, which also served as the capital of Sindh for about four centuries, lies at a distance of 98kms/61 miles. It also has the splendid Shahjahani Mosque, built by the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan in 16th century and Makli Hills’ graveyard.

Keenjhar Lake:

The beautiful lake is situated in the north of Thatta, at a distance of 24kms/15miles. There you can enjoy a stay at PTDC Motel, offering air-conditioned accommodation and delicious food.

Makli Hills’ Graveyard:

The necropolis of Makli is a living proof that the historical city of Thatta thrived on the forefronts of culture and civilisation. It is the resting place of countless dignitaries including holy saints, kings, native rulers, chiefs and viziers. It is considered as the largest ancient graveyard in the world.

Moenjodaro:

This 5000-year old centre of civilisation can be visited at a distance of 563kms/350miles from the present capital of Sindh. The worthy site offers spectacular view of one of the world’s most ancient civilisations, Indus Valley Civilisation. The visit to museum will provide you detailed history through various goods, discovered during several excavations.

KARACHI BEACH ATTRACTIONS

Being a port city, Karachi has several romantic, thrilling and exciting beach points like Sandspit, Sonmiani, French Beach, Paradise Point, Hawks Bay, Clifton Beach. Tourists from across the country as well as from abroad feel the tranquillity of breathtaking environment.

Nature-lovers would love to visit the sandy beaches providing sanctuary to the endangered species of green turtles. Efforts have been made to preserve this rare creature.

CLUBS IN KARACHI

There are several social and athletic clubs allowing foreigners entry on some conditions. Most of the members enjoy playing sports, having business meetings and other functions. Some of the important clubs are:

American Consulate Employees Association Club

Working under US Consulate, since 1984, it is open for the US citizens and their dependents.

DHA Saeed Mir Sports Academy/Club

The club provides sports facilities of tennis and squash under professional coaches; it also offers swimming lessons to children.

Karachi Boat Club

The club at New Queens Road is a fine place to dine on the patio or in the air-conditioned room, besides a room for private parties.

Karachi Yacht Club

This club of Bunker Island is good for sailing, racing, and social activities like barbeques. Delicious meal is offered to the visitors.

Sindh Club

Situated at Abdullah Haroon Road it is known for sports like tennis, squash, billiards and swimming.

Members can enjoy the mouth-watering dishes.

Caledonian Society Karachi

The society arranges Scottish dances on weekly basis. Two events are held each year, including the Caledonian Ball at the end of November to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.

ACCESSIBILITY

Karachi is linked by road, rail and air with other parts of the country and the rest of world.

There are several means of public transport including buses, rickshaws and taxis.