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Karachi the largest and the most populous city of Pakistan, presents
an interesting and colourful combination of the old and new. The
narrow twisting lanes and alleys of the old city throb with life
alongside wide metalled road and elegant modern building. Within the
city, talented artisans with age-old skills produce handicrafts of
exquisite beauty.
Karachi offers a variety of pleasant attractions, wide sunny beaches
deep-sea fishing. yachting, golf and horseracing, all year around. Its
restaurants cater to
a wide choice of Pakistani and Western cuisines. Its markets and
bazaars offer an endless variety of exciting shopping, including
indigenous handicrafts. Particularly rugs and carpets of rare designs
and beauty.
Karachi `s recorded history goes back to the 18th century when its was
a small fishing village known as Kalachi-jo-Goth. With the development
of its harbour it gradually grew into a large city and an important
centre of trade and industry. Its selection as the capital of Pakistan
in 1947 added to its importance and accelerated its growth and
development. Though the seat of Government shifted to Islamabad,
Karachi still remins the centre of commerce and industry.
WAZIR MANSION
Foremost among Karachi`s historic building is the birthplace of
Quaid-e-Azam. The house is balconied, three-storied structure on
Newneham Road, located in Kharadar, one of the oldest residential
areas of the city. The house has been declared a protected national
monument.
QUAID-E-AZAM`S MAUSOLEUM
This white marble Mausoleum with its curved Moorish arches and copper
grills resets on an elevated 54 sq. meters platform. The cool inner
sanctum reflects the green of a four-tiered crystal chandelier gifted
by the peoples Republic of China. The memorial slab framed with silver
rallings dawas people from far and wide who come to pay their respects
to the father of the Nation and to watch the impressive changing of
guards cermony that takes place everyday. Today the Quaid-e-Azam`s
Mausoleum is a prominent and impressive landmark of Karachi. Nearby
are the graves of the “Quaid-e-Millat”. Liaqat Ali Khan, the first
Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Quaid`s sister, Mohtarma Fatima
Jinnah.
LIAQUAT HALL/BAGH-E-JINNAH
Surrounded by the green Bah-e-Jinnah, Liaqat Hall, originally the
frere hall was once the Town Hall where inc colonial days, concerts
and social events were held reqularly. This two-storied Venetian
Gothic building now houses the Liaqat Municipal Library on the ground
floor and an art gallery on the upper storey. Named after one of
Pakistan`s renowned artists, Sadequain the gallery displays a
permanent collection of the artists`s work, Sadequain spent the last
years of his life painting a huge mural on the ceiling of the gallery
but, sadly, did not lived to complete it.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PAKISTAN / BURNS GARDEN
This museum, on Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road , contains an important
collectins of items relating to Pakistan`s ancient heritage. Well
arranged galleries display Indus Civilization, Gandhara sculptures,
Islamic art Miniatur paintings ancient coins and manuscripts
documenting Pakistan`s political history. There is also an interesting
ethnological gallery.
EMPRESS MARKET
Built by the British to commemorate the Silver Jubille of Queen
Victoria`s reign, this historic market is designed in the domestic
Gothic style. From its centre rises a tall clock tower. The market
contains shops that sell meat fish, poultry, vegetbles and other
groceries.
For souvenirs of brassware carved silverware, gold and silver jewllery,
embroidy, Delicate mirror-work of Sindh, handloom tapestris, printed
fabrics. lacquer-ware, camel skin articles and carved wood-work,
tourists are advised to visit the All Pakistan Women`s Association (APWA)
shop on Abdullah Haroon Road and the P.I.D.C.Cottage Industries show
room where prices are fixed and quality ensured. There are a number of
other shops in all main markets of city.
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