Karachi, The City of Lights.

With an area of 3,530 km² (2,193 sq mi) Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan and the 20th largest city in the world. It is also regarded as one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Upon the independence of Pakistan it was made capital of the country. These days it serves as a major sea port, financial capital, center of social and educational activities and the capital of Sindh province. Being the birth and death place of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah it is respected by every Pakistani and due to the same reason it is known as "The City of Quaid". Karachi has been ranked as Beta World City, as of 2008. People from all over Pakistan visit Karachi to get higher education and for better employment.

In the past Karachi was visited by Alexander the Great who camped here for some time and prepared a fleet for the conquest of Babylonia after conquering Indus Valley. The Greeks used various names for the city including Krokola and Morontobara. In 712 the Arab commander Muhammad-bin-Qasim, in his early twenties, entered the Indus Valley through this port and fought with the armies of Raja Dahir. Raja was defeated and Sindh along with Karachi and it's port came under the control of Arabs. The Arabs called it Debal. The present city started life as a small fishing town found by Balochis. In those days it was called Kolachi. Soon it became a center of commerce and trade links were developed with Muskat and Persian gulf. A small fort was constructed for its protection, armed with cannons imported from Muscat. The fort had two main gateways: one facing the sea, known as Kharra Darwaaza (Brackish Gate) (Kharadar)and the other facing the Lyari River known as the Meet'ha Darwaaza (Sweet Gate) (Mithadar). The location of these gates correspond to the modern areas of Kharadar (Khārā Dar) and Mithadar. In 1839 British took over the fort and afterwards in 1843 British army annexed whole of Sindh. In 1864 the first telegraph line was laid between Karachi and in 1878 the city was connected to the rest of British India via rail. At last in 1947 it became a part of Pakistan.

Karachi is locally called "The City of Lights" and the night view of the city is truly magnificient. The highest building of Pakistan, Habib Bank Plaza, is also present here. The most remarkable places and tourists attractions include Clifton, Empress market, Mohatta palace, Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam and the Chaukandi tombs.

The Mohatta Palace

Chaukandi tombs