Karachi

Karachi is the largest city and former capital of Pakistan on the Arabian Sea near the Indus River delta. The capital of Sindh Province, it is Pakistan's chief seaport and industrial center. From a medium-size city of less than 500,000 population in 1947, it grew to well over five million in 1981 and is now estimated to be over 10 million. The area of Karachi division is about 3,366 sq. km.

History

The city was formed in 1725 on what was just a barren piece of land, washed on three sides by the Arabian Sea. A few fishermen lived in small huts there beside a creek. Nearby was a pool of water known as Kalachi-jo-Kun. "Kalachi" referred to fishing and a "kun" was a deep ditch. As more people settled there, they created a village called Kalachi-jo-Ghote.

Karachi is locally called the City of Lights for its lively atmosphere. It is also called the City of the Quaid, as it was the birthplace and home of Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Quaid-e-Azam), the founder of Pakistan after the Partition of India in 1947. Residents and those born in the city are called "Karachiites".

Geography

The harbour is on the southwest, protected by rocks and an island. Through the city proper flow the Malir River and the Lyari River. The summers are hot and the winters mild, with moderate humidity and the greatest rainfall during a monsoon season.

Transportation

The Karachi-Peshawar highway links the city with the interior of Pakistan, while the Karachi-O'Mara highway extends along the coast. The Karachi to Zahedan highway connects it with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. Karachi is the terminus of Pakistan's long-haul railway system, which mainly serves to transport goods between Karachi and the interior. There is a circular commuter railway that also services the port. Karachi Airport, known as Jinnah Airport, is the largest in the country.

Economy

Karachi remains the financial capital of Pakistan, both in terms of production and financial institutions. Most Pakistani banks and corporations are headquartered here, as is the Karachi Stock Exchange. Multinationals also tend to put their Pakistani offices here.