Karachi

Quaid-E-Azam’s MausoleumThis white marble Mausoleum with its curved Moorish Arches and copper grills rests on an elevated 54 Sq. meters platform. The cool inner sanctum reflected the green of a four tiered crystal chandelier gifted by the Peoples Republic of China. The memorial slab framed with silver railings draws people from far and wide who come to pay their respects to the father of the Nation and to watch the impressive change of guard ceremony 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”, Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Qauid’s sister Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

Liaquat Hall/Bagh-E-JinnahLiaquat Hall is surrounded by the Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah Garden). Originally called Frere Hall, it was once used as Town Hall where, during colonial days, concerts and social events were held regularly. This two storey Venetian Gothic building now houses the Liaquat Municipal Library on the ground floor and an art galley on the first floor. Named after one of Pakistan’s renowned artists, Sadquain, the gallery displays a permanent collection of the artist’s work. Sadquain spent last year of his life, painting a huge mural on the ceiling of the gallery bur, sadly, did not live to complete it.

National Museum Of Pakistan/Burns GardenThis museum, on Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, contains an important collection of items relating to Pakistan’s ancient heritage. Well-arranged galleries display Indus Civilization artifacts, Gandhara sculptures, Islamic art, miniature paintings, ancient coins and manuscripts documenting Pakistan’s political history. There is also an interesting ethnological gallery. The construction work was completed in 1960’s.

Empress MarketBuilt by the British to commemorate the silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign, this historic market is designed in the domestic Gothic style. From its center rises a tall clock tower. The market contains shops that sell meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and other groceries. The foundation stone was laid by Sir James Fergusson, Governor of Bombay on 10-11-1884. The market was inaugurated by Mr. Prichard, the then Commissioner of Sindh on 21-3-1889.

Masjid-E-ToobaSituated in the Defence Housing Authority, Masjid-e-Tooba is a modern architectural marvel. It is said to be the largest single dome mosque. The dome covers central prayer hall with a capacity to accommodate congregation of 5,000 people. The mosque’s single minaret stands 70 meters high.

Mereweather TowerPositioned as the landmark of Karachi’s main business center, Mereweather Tower is another historical monument of Karachi. It stands 35 meters high and carries a four- faced clock. The Tower construction work was completed and opened for the public by Sir Evans James in 1892. The Tower was constructed in the memory of Sir William L. Mereweather who was the Commissioner of the Sindh.

Sindh High CourtBuilt in the Renaissance style, this magnificent sandstone building is a combination of local and Roman styles of architecture. It is embellished with cupolas, balconies and tall Roman style columns.

Clifton Beach And FunlandClose to the popular seaside of the city, is Clifton Beach, where Karachiites flock to on weekends and holidays. Scattered along the shore are numerous stalls selling handicrafts made from seashells. Clifton has an amusement park with a bowling alley, and an aquarium.

Mongho Pir’s Shrine

Located 16 km north of Karachi, the shrine of Saint Mangho Pir, stands below a mosque built on a rocky hillock. There are numerous legends connected with the saint and the crocodiles inhabiting a shallow pool near it. Legends has it that the crocodiles- a few that are now left, are of a rare and almost extinct species – were originally the lice that leapt out of the saint’s hair. Pir Mangho, according to one versions , came to Sindh from Bokhara in 13th century. Soon after, he miraculously caused thermal springs to gush from a rock and date palms to shoot out from the ground. The saint, who is said to have died at the age of 150 years, had made his home in a cave for 40 years from where he had spread the message of Islam.

Excursions From Karachi

BeachesKarachi’s golden beaches stretch for miles. The more accessible of them are SANDSPIT, HAWKEAS BAY and PARADISE POINT, which are within a radius of 10 to 20 kms from the city and about 30 minutes drive away. A ride on a gaily-decorated camel is a must for most visitors. Beach huts are dotted along the shore. Some are available for hire. For reasons of safety, care must be taken to swim only in the safe areas, as there is always a strong under current. In May and June, watch out for jellyfish. On moonlit nights, during the months of September and October, giant green turtles lumber ashore to lay eggs in the sand. The turtles are under protection of Sindh Wild Life Management Board.

French Beach
The French Beach, located half way between Hawks Bay and Paradise Point is, in fact, a small fishing village known to the locals as Haji Abdullah Goth. Surrounded by a boundary wall, it has some 20 huts constructed by villagers for hire. Its rocky beach and clear water are ideal for snorkeling and skin-diving. Boats for scuba diving are available for hire. Visitors need to bring their own equipment as well as food and drink supplies.

Wazir MansionForemost among Karachi’s historic buildings, is the birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The house is a 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.