Karachi: The City of Lights

The tale of Pakistan’s biggest city, Karachi, did not just start with the establishment of the nation in 1947. Rather this present-day metropolis initially started out as a small, coastal fishing village in the 17th century. The settlement expanded rapidly and was named Kolachi in 1729.

The population of the city increased manifold due to the influx of Muslim immigrants who traveled to what was then the capital city of Pakistan when it became a separate country in 1947. Although the state capital is now Islamabad, Karachi remains Pakistan’s largest city.

Let’s explore some of the famous spots of this vast city.

The mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-E-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, is a landmark and is the center of the expansive metropolis.

A loaded coolie makes their way into the station.

One of the first ports of entry and exit for goods and passengers to and from the city.

Camels are often decked up for visitors and tourists to ride on.

An itinerant chaat seller eyes customers on the beach.

Nightlife.

Karachi's unofficial first mall and hub for all things food related. Aromatic herbs, fragrant spices, subtle and sharp flavors, a variety of sweet, spicy, savory and everything in between is available in abundance at Empress Market.

Fresh produce arrives in Karachi from all parts of the country to be sold in markets all over the city.

Chilies from Kunri, Sindh, on sale in a Karachi market.

Freshly ground masalas (spices) can be found in specialist spice markets like Jodia Bazaar in Karachi.

Karachiites adore all things barbecued. Here chicken kebabs can be seen being grilled on live coals.

Seekh kebab of minced beef being grilled.

Be it on the streets or in homes, biryani is arguably one of Karachi's finest rice dishes.

Officially Pakistan's national dish, spiced meat is slow cooked overnight till tender and topped with fresh ginger and chilies.

The all-in-one meal for those on the go.

Freshly fried potato samosas on display on the streets of Karachi.

One of the most popular food streets in Karachi is Burns Road, where a vendor is frying spicy fish fillets for waiting customers.