History & Evolution
Karachi was a small fishing village in the early Nineteenth Century, when a group of traders settled in the tiny fishing village of Kalachi-jo-Goth to set up a port city. There was nothing much at the city until the Mirs of Talpur seized it from the Khan of Kalat in 1795 and built a mud fort on Manora Head. Soon a small town grew up at the region by 1818.

In 1839, the Britishers arrived on the port and annexed it to the empire along with the entire province of Sindh. From then on, Karachi suddenly turned from a sleepy city to an important port city serving the state of Punjab and the entire British colony. With the opening of the Suez Canal the city developed into a full-fledged harbor by 1873.

By 1876, Karachi was a developed city with railroads, temples, churches, mosques, paved streets, courts and many commercial centers as well as a magnificent harbor built by the British. When the capital of then India was shifted to Delhi in 1911, Karachi became closer to being a Gateway to India. But in 1936, the city was declared the capital of the newly formed Sindh province.

After the Britishers left, Karachi became the Capital of independent of Pakistan in 1947. However in 1958, the capital of Pakistan was shifted to Rawalpindi and eventually to Islamabad in 1960. From 1980’s to 90’s, Karachi saw an influx of refugees from the Afghan and other areas causing decline in city’s infrastructure and political scene. But from last couple of years, Karachi emerged as an important financial and industrial center for the country and handles most of the overseas trade of Pakistan and the Central Asia. Today it accounts for a large percentage of country’s GDP.

Site-Seeing
Karachi, the commercial nerve of Pakistan, also has some richly rewarding regions of the world to visit. More importantly, its history and culture is mystifying and impressive. But it’s the liveliness of the city due to activities like yachting, golf playing, fishing and famous horse racing which keep luring travellers throughout the year.

Further the exotic beaches, shopping, nightlife and dining, makes Karachi a tourist delight.

Mazar-e-Quaid (National Mausoleum):
An iconic symbol of Karachi throughout the world, the tomb was made in the memory of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Situated at the heart of the city, the mausoleum was completed in 1960s. Besides Jinnah, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah (Jinnah's sister) and Liaqat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan are also buried in the tomb.

Mazar-e-Quaid is made up of white marble with curved arches and copper grills, which rest on an elevated 54 m2 platform. The white mausoleum is surrounded a park fitted with strong beamed spotlights which at night project light on the tomb. The glowing tomb thus, can be seen from miles at night.

The Mazar is now officially recognized as the National Mausoleum of the country where, many official and military ceremonies take place.

Location: Kashmir Road

Masjid-e-Tooba (Gol Masjid):
This splendid piece of modern architecture was built in 1969 and is placed within the Defense Housing Authority complex. The mosque is said to be largest single-dome mosque in the world accommodating some 5,000 worshippers at a time and having 70 m minaret towering above.

Built with pure white marble, the dome is 72 m in diameter and is balanced on a low surrounding wall with no central pillars, therefore making it a major tourist attraction in Karachi. Its acoustics are such that a person speaking inside at one end of the dome can be heard on the other end.

Location: Korangi Road

National Museum of Pakistan:
The museum is rich in collection of artifacts and remains of Pakistan’s ancient history. Besides having a small gallery on the ethnological profile of the country, the museum Exhibits range of Indus Valley remains, Gandhara sculptures, pieces of Islamic art, priceless Mughal miniatures, old coins and manuscripts.

Location: Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road

Merewether Memorial Tower:
Named after Sir William L. Merewether (who served as 'Commissioner-in-Sindh' from 1868 to 1877), Merewether Tower was built during 1884-92.

Location: Junction of I.I. Chundrigar & M.A. Jinnah Road

Empress Market:
Built in 1889, this central shopping center of Karachi is named after Queen Victoria. Home to countless big and small markets, the place deals with variety of commodities from everyday household items to electronic goods.

The market is built in Indo-Gothic style consisting of four galleries, an atrium and a grand 140 ft high clock tower. It is not just a market but is a symbol of Karachi’s glory from the days of the British rule. It is situated in heart of the city where you can get great bargains.

Location: Saddar