Karachi

Karachi is the capital city of the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It is the largest city in the country and the 12th largest city in the world, with over 20 million people.

The city is located at the southern tip of the country along the Arabian Sea coast. It was once the country's capital from 1947 to 1959.

Karachi started as a small village called Kolachi in 1729. It grew quickly, especially after the East India Company arrived in the mid-19th century. Today, Karachi is a major industrial and financial centre. It has important seaports like the Port of Karachi and Port Qasim, and the busiest airport, Jinnah International Airport.

Karachi is very diverse, with people from many different backgrounds. It is a cultural hub, known for its fashion and arts. The city continues to grow as one of the world's fastest-expanding urban areas.

Etymology

Karachi started in 1729 as a small village called Kolachi-jo-Goth. It was named after a woman named Mai Kolachi. Stories tell of her son stopping a dangerous crocodile. The village grew and its name changed. By 1742, people called it Karachee, a shorter name. This name was in a report by Dutch sailors after a ship had trouble near the village.

History

Main articles: History of Karachi and Timeline of Karachi history

Early history

The area around Karachi has been home to people for thousands of years. Old stone tools have been found in the Mulri Hills near the city. Long ago, Karachi might have been known to travelers from ancient Greece.

Some believe Karachi was once a place called Barbarikon, a busy port near the Indus River. Others think it might have been called Ramya in old stories. Near Karachi, there was a harbor named Krokola, where a famous leader named Alexander the Great stopped with his ships.

In the year 711, a leader named Muhammad bin Qasim brought his army to the area around Karachi. Later, leaders from the Mughal Empire helped build up the land along the coast.

Kolachi settlement and the first port

In the 1700s, small groups of people began to live near Karachi. They built a little village called Kolachi-jo-Goth, naming it after a woman named Mai Kolachi. The village grew with people from different places, including Balochi tribes who moved there because of hard times in their homes.

The British took control of Karachi in 1839. They built forts and used the city as a base for their army. Karachi became important for trade because of its port, and many people from different countries and areas came to live there.

British control

Under British rule, Karachi grew fast. They built a big port and railways, which helped the city become a center for trade. Many new people moved to Karachi for jobs, making it a busy, lively place.

Post-independence

After Pakistan became independent in 1947, Karachi was chosen to be the country’s first capital. Many people who had to leave India moved to Karachi, changing the city’s makeup. Over time, Karachi has seen many changes, with people from all over coming to live there. It remains a very important city in Pakistan.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Karachi and Environment of Karachi

Karachi is found along the coastline of Sindh province in southern Pakistan, right by the Karachi Harbour, a natural harbor on the Arabian Sea. The city sits on a flat coastal area with some rocky hills and marshlands. Mangrove forests grow in the salty waters near the harbor (see: Chinna Creek), stretching towards the big Indus River Delta. To the west of Karachi is Cape Monze, also called Ras Muari, known for its sea cliffs, rocky areas, and beaches.

Karachi is close to where two large pieces of Earth's surface, called tectonic plates, meet: the Indian tectonic plate and the Arabian tectonic plate. Inside the city are small hill ranges like the Khasa Hills and Mulri Hills, which act as a barrier between places like North Nazimabad and Orangi. These hills are part of a bigger range called the Kirthar Range.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Karachi

Karachi has a tropical semi arid climate, which means it is dry but gets some rain. The city experiences long, hot summers with some humidity, thanks to its closeness to the Arabian Sea. Rain mostly falls between late June and September during the monsoon season. Even though summers can get very hot, cool sea breezes often help make things more comfortable. Winters, from December to February, are dry and pleasant.

Cityscape

Glimpse of I. I. Chundrigar Road, as captured from the southern vantage point overlooking Chinna Creek.

Karachi started growing around its harbor in the late 1700s and became important because of its location as a seaport. Unlike older Pakistani cities such as Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar, Karachi was built more recently. The area known as Mithadar marks where the city of Kolachi was before British rule.

During British times, Karachi was split into “New Town” and “Old Town.” The New Town had planned areas for homes, businesses, and military use. The Old Town was less planned and had many local residents.

Today, Karachi has many different neighborhoods. Some, like Clifton, have big, old houses near the sea. Others, like Orangi and Nazimabad, grew later and have homes for middle-income families. Upscale areas such as Defence were built by the Pakistan Army. The city also includes islands like Baba and Bhit Islands, Oyster Rocks, and Manora, which is now connected to land by a narrow stretch called Sandspit. Newer areas such as Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Federal B. Area, Malir, Landhi, and Korangi were developed after 1970.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Karachi

Karachi is the biggest city in Pakistan and is very important for the country's money and business. The city helps nearby places like Hyderabad and Thatta with its strong economy.

Today, Karachi's economy is growing fast and is expected to have many new families with good incomes soon. Big companies from other countries also see Karachi as a good place to do business.

Finance and banking

Most of Pakistan's banks are in Karachi, especially on I. I. Chundrigar Road. Many big companies from around the world have their main offices in Karachi, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange is also there.

Media and technology

Main articles: Media in Karachi, Cinema in Karachi, List of television stations in Karachi, List of magazines in Karachi, and List of newspapers in Karachi

Karachi was the first city in Pakistan to have good cable networks, and it now has many technology and media companies. The city has become a place where companies do software work. There are many television and radio stations based in Karachi.

Industry

Industry is a big part of Karachi's economy. The city has many big companies that make things like clothes, cement, steel, machines, chemicals, and food. There are also many smaller factories and shops that employ lots of people.

Karachi has special areas for factories and also a big center for shows and events.

Revenue collection

Because Karachi has Pakistan's biggest ports and many factories, it helps collect a lot of the country's taxes and duties. The ports in Karachi collect most of the money from things brought into Pakistan.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Karachi, Ethnic groups in Karachi, and Religion in Karachi

Karachi is a city where many different kinds of people live together. The largest group speaks Urdu. Other groups speak Pashtun, Sindhi, and Punjabi. There are also smaller groups such as Baloch, Saraiki, Hindko, Brahui, Kashmiri, Shina, Balti, Gujarati, Memons, and others. In 2023, about 20.3 million people lived in Karachi, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

Karachi has many languages. Urdu is the most common, but Pashto, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, Saraiki, Hindko, and other languages are also spoken. The city grew quickly after Pakistan’s independence in 1947 because many people moved there for jobs and a better life.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Karachi

Karachi is mostly a Muslim city, with most people following Islam. There are also Christians, Hindus, Zoroastrians, and small communities of other faiths. Before Pakistan was created, Karachi had many Hindus, but most moved to India after independence. Today, Karachi still has a Hindu community, along with Christians and a small number of Zoroastrians.

Transportation

Main article: Transport in Karachi

Road

Main article: List of streets in Karachi

Karachi has many roads, about 15,500 kilometres long, with many cars and buses using them each day.

The city has special roads called Signal-Free Corridors. These are express roads where cars can drive long distances without stopping at traffic lights. Some important roads include Karsaz Road, Rashid Minhas Road, University Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and Sher Shah Suri Road.

There is also the Lyari Expressway, a toll road along the Lyari River, meant to help with traffic. North of Karachi is the Karachi Northern Bypass, and a Malir Expressway is being built along the Malir River.

Karachi is the end point of the M-9 motorway, which connects to cities like Hyderabad, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad. It is also the end point of the N-5 National Highway to Thatta and the N-25 National Highway to Quetta. The N-10 National Highway goes to Gwadar.

Rail

Karachi is connected to the rest of the country by Pakistan Railways. The main stations are Karachi City Station and Karachi Cantonment Railway Station. There is also an international rail link called the Thar Express, which goes to India.

The railway also carries goods from Karachi port to places in northern Pakistan. The Main Line-1 Railway, which connects Karachi to Peshawar, is being upgraded. This will let trains travel faster.

Public transport

Metrobus

The government is building the Karachi Metrobus, a bus system with six lines. Two lines are already working, and another is being built.

People's Bus Service

In 2022, a new bus service started with many buses on different routes. The buses have air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, and seats for people who need help. There are red buses for everyone, pink buses just for women, and white electric buses.

Karachi Circular Railway

Karachi Circular Railway is a train system that used to run from 1969 to 1999. It stopped, but in November 2020, it started working again, just a little. Plans are to make it a modern train system by 2025. It will connect the city centre to many parts of Karachi.

Tramway service

Karachi had a tramway service that started in 1884 but closed in 1975. There are plans to start it again, and Turkey has offered to help.

Air

Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport is the busiest airport in Pakistan. It handles many passengers each year. The current terminal was built in 1992 and has sections for international and domestic flights. The airport is a main place for Pakistan International Airlines and other airlines to fly from. It has flights to many places in Asia, the Gulf States, Europe, and North America.

Sea

The biggest ports in Pakistan are the Port of Karachi and the nearby Port Qasim. The Port of Karachi is the oldest port in Pakistan. Port Qasim is east of Karachi on the Indus River. These ports handle most of Pakistan’s trade. They have modern tools for moving goods. The ports are part of the Maritime Silk Road.

Civic administration

Main articles: Politics of Karachi, List of mayors of Karachi, List of Union Councils of Karachi, and Commissioner of Karachi

City government

Main article: Government of Karachi

Karachi has a complex local government system. The city is divided into six District Municipal Corporations: Karachi East, Karachi West, Karachi Central, Karachi South, Malir, and Korangi. Each district has smaller areas called Union Committees, with representatives chosen by people.

The city also has six areas called cantonments, managed by the Pakistani military. Important services like water and planning are controlled by the Government of Sindh.

Historical background

In 1846, leaders in Karachi formed a group to handle health problems. Over time, this group grew into different city organizations. In 1976, Karachi became a larger city corporation. In the early 1900s, the city got new roads and parks. In 1948, Karachi became part of Pakistan as a special area, then joined the province of West Pakistan in 1959.

Union councils (2001–11)

In 2001, Karachi was organized into five districts with many smaller areas called union councils. Each union council had elected members to help make decisions. This system changed in 2011.

District Municipal Corporations (2011–present)

In 2011, Karachi returned to using its original districts. Now there are six District Municipal Corporations, each handling local services like water, roads, and lighting. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation helps with big city projects and services.

City planning

The Karachi Development Authority and other planning groups help develop areas around Karachi. These groups are controlled by the government, not the city's local leaders. Each district manages its own building rules, while some areas are planned by the military.

Municipal services

Karachi’s water is managed by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board. It provides about 640 million gallons daily. Most water comes from the Indus River and Hub Dam. It reaches the city through canals and pipes. About 80% of homes have piped water, but many areas use private tankers. A new water project, K-IV, is being built to bring more water from Keenjhar Lake.

Most homes in Karachi are connected to sewers operated by the same board. However, much of the sewage isn’t treated before entering waterways. Some areas, like Orangi, built their own sewer systems with community help. Waste collection is a challenge, with many residents using private services instead of city pickup.

Electricity in Karachi mainly comes from oil, gas, coal, and nuclear plants, with some wind power nearby. While most areas get steady power, some face daily outages, especially in summer. Some areas without proper electricity use illegal connections.

Education

Main article: Education in Karachi

Karachi has many schools and universities. Children can start school in grade one and continue through grade twelve. After that, they can go to university for higher education. Both public and private schools are available in Karachi.

The city is home to some important universities. The University of Karachi is the largest, with many students. Other well-known schools include the Aga Khan University and Hamdard University, which offer subjects like medicine, engineering, and arts. Karachi also has special schools for business and computer science.

Healthcare

Main articles: List of hospitals in Karachi and Environment of Karachi

Karachi is an important city for medical care and research. It has many hospitals, both public and private, along with medical schools. Some well-known hospitals are Lady Dufferin Hospital, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Civil Hospital, and Aga Khan University Hospital.

In 2017, the city began a system to warn people about very hot weather, helping everyone stay safe. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021, vaccines were given at the main hospitals.

Entertainment, tourism and culture

Main article: Culture of Karachi

See also: Culture of Pakistan, Muhajir culture, and Sindhi culture

Shopping malls

Main article: Cinema in Karachi

Karachi has some of the biggest shopping places in Pakistan and South Asia. The city’s largest mall is Lucky One Mall, with many stores. Another popular spot is Dolmen Mall in Clifton. A new huge mall called ‘Mall of Karachi’ will open soon at the base of Bahria Icon Tower.

Museums and galleries

Karachi has many interesting places to visit. The National Museum of Pakistan shows a famous statue from the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Mohatta Palace, a beautiful old house, is open for visitors. Other important museums include the Pakistan Airforce Museum, the Pakistan Maritime Museum, and the MagnifiScience Centre. You can also visit Wazir Mansion and Quaid-e-Azam House, both preserved for people to see.

Theatre and cinema

Karachi has many places for watching plays and movies. The National Academy of Performing Arts teaches young people about music and theatre. Some popular cinemas in Karachi include Bambino Cinema, Capri Cinema, and Cinepax Cinema. Karachi holds the Kara Film Festival each year.

Music

Karachi has a lively music scene. The All Pakistan Music Conference holds an annual music festival. The National Arts Council hosts musical events and mushaira, where poets share their work.

Social issues

Karachi is a very big city that grows quickly. This causes many challenges. There have been crime problems, but work to make the city safer has helped in recent years.

The city also has pollution problems, like dirty air and water. Poor roads and crowded streets make life hard for many people. When it rains, flooding can fill streets and homes with water, making travel difficult and sometimes unsafe.

Architecture

See also: Pakistani architecture and List of tallest buildings in Karachi

Karachi has many buildings with different designs. In areas like Saddar and Clifton, you can find old buildings from the early 1900s. Famous old buildings include Frere Hall, Empress Market, and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The city also has modern buildings, such as the Pakistan State Oil Headquarters and big mosques like the Grand Jamia Mosque. Many tall skyscrapers are being built, especially in Clifton.

Sports

Main article: List of sports venues in Karachi

Cricket

Cricket has been played in Pakistan since before 1947. The first international cricket match in Karachi was on November 22, 1935, between the team from Sindh and an Australian team. About 5,000 people watched that match. Karachi is where a special type of cricket ball called "tape ball" was invented. It is safer and cheaper than regular cricket balls.

The first big cricket match at the National Stadium was between Pakistan and India on February 26, 1955. Since then, Pakistan’s national cricket team has won many important matches called Test matches there. The first One Day International match was against the West Indies on November 21, 1980.

The National Stadium hosted matches during the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

A new cricket stadium called Rafi Cricket Stadium is being built in Bahria Town. When it is finished, it will be the largest cricket stadium in Pakistan.

Football

The area of Lyari in Karachi is important for football in Pakistan. Many players from Lyari have helped the national football team, especially in the 1960s. Famous players from that time include Abdul Ghafoor and Muhammad Umer. Two big football stadiums, the Kakri Ground and the People’s Football Stadium, are in Karachi. In 2005, Karachi hosted the SAFF Championship and the Super Football League in 2007.

Other sports

Karachi has a special place in sports history. Some people say that in 1877, the first rules for badminton were tried out in Karachi.

Karachi has hosted the National Games of Pakistan seven times, most recently in 2007.

Golf is becoming more popular in Karachi, with several clubs in the city. Karachi also has places for field hockey, boxing, squash, and polo, as well as marinas and boating clubs. The National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex is a venue for first-class cricket and other sports.

Professional teams of Karachi

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Karachi

Karachi has been home to many famous people. They come from many different backgrounds and have done important work in many areas. The city is still a place where people from around the world come together.

Twin towns and sister cities

Main article: List of twin towns and sister cities in Pakistan

Karachi has friendly connections with cities around the world. These include:

• Mashhad, Iran
• Qom, Iran
• Tianjin, China
• Ürümqi, China