KARACHI ........

From Kolachi to Karachi

DECORLOOT

Let me tell you about the city in which I am living for last 32 years and has become my 2^nd loved city after Lahore. Karachi is the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh. It is the most populous city in Pakistan and fifth-most-populous city proper in the world and is Pakistan's premier industrial and financial Centre. It is the cultural, economic, philanthropic, educational, and political hub of the country, and Pakistan's most cosmopolitan city. Situated on the Arabian Sea, Karachi serves as a transport hub, and is home to Pakistan's two largest seaports, the Port of Karachi and Port Bin Qasim, as well as Pakistan's busiest airport, Jinnah International Airport. Karachi is one of Pakistan's most secular and socially liberal cities. It is also the most linguistically, ethnically, and religiously diverse city in Pakistan. Karachi collects over a third of Pakistan's tax revenue and generates approximately 42% of Pakistan's GDP. Karachi was used to be known as known as the "City of Lights" in the 1960s and 1970s for its vibrant nightlife.

Karachi is also well known for its archaeological sites which are close by at Thatta, Mohenjo-Daro and Kot Diji.  It is also often known as the Mini Pakistan and is the most famous city of Pakistan. Karachi is a busy and busy city with a population of more than 23.5 million people. Dating back to the ancient Greek time, Karachi was named Krokola under Alexander Krokola. It later changed to Debal at the time when Muhammad Bin Qasim and Arabs invaded and conquered it.  In 1729, real settlements were founded, and it was named Kolachi after the name of an old woman, Mai Kolachi (Auntie Kolachi). She was the head of a village and was known for her fair decisions. The name eventually evolved into Karachi with the growth in the multi ethnic population.

Some important elements associated with Karachi are:

1)      It is the Sixth largest city in the world by city population.

2)      Karachi is more than 4 times the size of New York City.(In terms of City Proper)

3)      There is no other city that reflects Pakistan’s economic, ethnic and regional diversity like Karachi.

4)      Karachi is located in the desert and is bordered on four sides of the Sindh plain.

5)      Karachi is vital to Pakistan’s economy, contributing 42 per cent of GDP , 70 per cent of income tax revenue and 62 per cent of sales tax revenue.

6)      Karachi port is the most crucial port of Pakistan.

7)      Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) is one of oldest stock exchange markets in Asia.

8)      Edhi Organization: Edhi is a name known to many. It holds a great value to the people of Karachi as the NGO and the largest private network of ambulances in the world.

9)      Grand Jamiah , is a mosque under construction in Bharia Town Karachi. It will be the largest mosque in the world after Mosques in Mecca and Medinah .

10)   Karachi is also the media electronic capital of Pakistan.

11)   Habib Bank Plaza in Karachi was the tallest buildings in Asia from 1963 to 1968. Now it’s been replaced by Bahria Icon Tower.

12)   Karachi is among the cheapest city to live in.

13)   Karachi is the most polluted city in Pakistan.

14)   One of Karachi’s most important landmarks is the tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. Others are the National Museum and the University of Karachi.

15)   The city is a shoppers paradise and there is just about everything for anyone-and this includes men as well. Karachi’s Lucky One Mall is the largest mall in South Asia.

16)   Karachi has something for everyone.

17)    It’s the city of beaches: Places like Turtle beach, French Beach, Churna Island, Clifton, Sandspit, Hawkesbay and Manora give you real-peaceful vibes!

18)   Food, Food & MORE Food! There is no doubt that Karachites are crazy about food! Regardless it’s 2 pm or 3 am in the morning, they are always ready to grab an anday wala burger or a continental meal, depending on their mood and pocket size. The city of Lights offers a wide range of delicious cuisines ranging from pure desi nihari to Butler’s all day Irish breakfast. Bet you are already drooling, to further tantalize your taste buds you must try Nihari Inn, Ghaffar’s Kabab House,Bar B Que Tonight, Expresso, Nursery burger and Noorani House! Karachi is famous for its special sweet called “Karachi ka Halwa”.

19)   Karachi is a national banking, transportation and communication center.

20)   Karachi is home to South Asia’s largest choreographed fountain.

21)   It is far more diverse than any other Pakistani city.

22)   Karachi is one of the youngest cities in Asia. The city was founded in 1729 on a site of a small fishing village.

23)   Home to Largest Religious Communities.

24)   Karachi has largest population of Christians, Hindus, Bahai and ancient Parsis in Pakistan.

25)   Karachi also has the largest Christ cross in Asia touching the height of 140 foot.

26)   The city’s average temperature is 31 degree C in summers and 19 degree C in winters.

27)   The rainfall in this city is low most of the year due to its proximity to the sea, Its humidity is high on the year.

28)   There is a significant shortage of fresh water pumped from within Pakistan. The presence of environmental pollution and congestion is very strong.

29)   Karachi's city limits also include several islands, including Baba and Bhit Islands, Oyster Rocks, and Manora, a former island which is now connected to the mainland by a thin 12-kilometre long shoal known as Sandspit.

30)   Up to 60% of Karachi's residents live in unplanned communities.

31)   Karachi has been the pioneer in cable networking in Pakistan.

32)   Karachi is one of Pakistan's most religiously diverse cities.

33)   Karachi has the largest number of Urdu speakers in Pakistan.

34)   Karachi is also home to numerous private universities. The Aga Khan University, founded in 1983, is Karachi's oldest private educational institution, and is one of Pakistan's most prestigious medical schools.

35)   Karachi is home to several of Pakistan's most important museums. The National Museum of Pakistan and Mohatta Palace display artwork, while the city also has several private art galleries.[218] The city is also home to the Pakistan Airforce Museum and Pakistan Maritime Museum are also located in the city. Wazir Mansion, the birthplace of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah has also been preserved as a museum open to the public.

There are many others worth mentioning things about Karachi and people of Karachi, which I will take up in my other blogs. As I think presently with whatever I have highlighted in this blog each one of you must have started packing your bags or must have started planning to visit Karachi as soon as possible and see each of these elements in reality. Hurry up as the hospitality of Karachi is waiting to welcome and treat you with open arms and with highest brotherly warmth so that you can have a thrilling visit.

VISIT KARACHI AND SEE MINI PAKISTAN

By: Decorloot