Golden Bird of Asia – Karachi

The phrase “Golden Bird” has been used several times in history at various occasions. Centuries back, this phrase was used to describe South Asia in other parts of the world. In today’s modern world, the city of Karachi is known as “Golden Bird of Asia” due to numerous reasons. It is the seventh largest cosmopolitan city of the world and largest city of Pakistan.

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The city which generates (GDP) revenue of $114billion every year is famous with many other names too. For Instance, “The City of Lights”, “Heartbeat of Pakistan” and local people metaphorically refers Karachi as a “Blood in the body” for Pakistan. This Mega Cosmopolitan City generated (GDP) $164 billion just in 2019.

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When we talk about the history of this Mega city, there are some misconceptions that the city came into existence only two centuries ago but its history is much deeper and vast. Bin-Qasim Port in Karachi, reminds us about Muhammad Bin Qasim, when he entered Sub-Continent back in 711 through Debal (Today’s Karachi). Historians, remember this place because of “Chaukhandi Tombs” which is just 29km South from Landhi in Karachi, built in 15^th century. Many people respect this city because of the Shrine of “Abdullah Shah Ghazi” built twelve centuries ago located in Clifton near Sea View.

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When we do more research, it adds furthermore in our knowledge. Alexander The Great, crossed this path in 326-324B.C. through Malir (Today’s Gizri in Karachi). Karachi came under the control of British Empire on 3^rd February 1839. At that time, population of the city was just 8000-14000. Karachi became Capital of Sindh in 1840 and this city remained under British control till independence of Pakistan in 1947.

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Today’s Karachi is touching the peak of its time. The city has population of 16,094,000 with area of 3780km^2. This city carries the status of having two largest sea ports of Pakistan i.e. Karachi Port and Bin Qasim Port. Apart from that, this city is considered as the best place for business. 90% Head Offices of all the multinational companies are located in Karachi. There is a saying that industries play major role in generating revenue for any region. All the largest Industries of Pakistan dealing in textile, cement, steel, heavy machinery, chemicals and food products are located in Karachi.

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When we talk about media in Pakistan, Karachi is considered as hub of media. Television industry along with all major News Channels are located in this mega city. This city produces around 370 drama serials yearly. Pakistan’s biggest drama and film production house “Six Sigma Plus” is located in Karachi owned by famous Pakistani Actor/Producer Humayon Saeed and his partner Shehzad Nasib.

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Apart from that, many radio FM stations are located in Karachi and some famous radio stations include FM City 89, FM 101, Apna Karachi 107 etc. This city also is considered as hub of fashion industry. Fashion Week is also celebrated in Karachi since last few years regularly. Last but not the least, print media is also playing its role with variety of Magazines and Daily Newspapers, as print media is oldest and most authentic source of information since ages.

ACCORDING TO AUTHOR RAZIAH TAHERI FROM IRAN

When we talk about visiting Karachi, the first thing which comes in the mind of any tourist is to reside in a hotel which is manageable, affordable and comfortable at the same time. In my opinion, the best hotels to stay in Karachi include Pearl Continental, Marriott Hotel, Beach Luxury Hotel, Hotel Mehran and Embassy Inn.

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There are many other hotels which you can select according to your taste and affordability range. Some of tourists also prefer to stay in Guest Houses near Sea Side with their family which is also available in affordable prices. For that you just have to make a booking in advance. Best time period to visit is from November to February due to ideal weather conditions.

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There are countless eye-catching places which a person can visit in Karachi but it depends according to the taste of a tourist which place he wants to visit first. If you are a historian, you should visit Behria Town, Mohata Palace, Chaukhandi Tombs, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, Frere Hall, Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam and PAF Museum.

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If you are adventurous water lover, you should visit Churna Island, which is just two hours drive from Karachi where you can swim, dive and explore countless sea creatures like turtles, fishes and others.

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Apart from that you can explore places like Do Darya and other attractive places in Clifton near sea side along with luxurious Clubs and restaurants in surrounding.

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Karachi is famous in my region because of the spices and spicy food. As a tourist, I would love to taste variety of Pakistani food like Chicken Qorma, Nargisi Kofta, Haleem, Pulao, Nehari, Shami kebab, Seekh Kebab along with Karachi’s famous “Biryani”.

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Famous food streets of Karachi include Bans Road food Street, Muhammad Ali Society Food Street, Board Basin restaurants along with Fresco Bakery for high tea. If you want to visit any specific restaurants than you should visit Kabab-Ji, Lal Qila, Café Flo, Dua Restaurant and BBQ Tonight. Moreover, all international branded restaurants are also available in almost every part of the city.

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This city has something to offer everyone, richest of rich and poorest of the poor. If you are a rich person you can visit various shopping malls in the city with luxurious restaurants.

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If you are a poor person, you can enjoy complete meal of beef burger with egg along with with milk shake just in 1 Dollar (160rs) if you remove milkshake from your meal you can get it in just 0.33 dollar (50rs) which is cheapest meal offer in any cosmopolitan city of the world. Apart from that you can visit countless small restaurants, shopping centers and public places.

Small Tea restaurants remain open 21 hours a day almost in every corner of the city. Some restaurants like “Café Piyala” and “Cant Restaurant” remains open round the clock with extremely low rates to make sure that lower class man can easily afford it.

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As far as shopping is concerned, there are many places which you can visit. Variety of Shopping Malls, branded outlets, Tariq Road Market, Hyderi Market, Sadder Market, Banaras, Liaqat Abad market and much more.

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If you are visiting Karachi for the first time, your tour will remain incomplete if you miss to visit “The Bombay Store” and “Bombay Dry Fruits” where you can find variety of Arabian Dates (including Ajwa and Amber) along with countless imported chocolates, beverages and a lot more.  

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All in all, it can be concluded that Karachi is the Golden Bird of Asia which is becoming more and more precious decade after decade and this 7th largest cosmopolitan city of the world should be explored at least once by everyone.

NOTE: We are thankful to the following for our research

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/every-year-370-out-of-372-pakistani-dramas-are-made-in-karachi-shaan-shahid.379351/

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/pakistan/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-karachi-pakistan/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g295414-Karachi_Sindh_Province.htmlhttps://akhbarnama.com/tour-churna-island-for-scuba-diving-snorkeling-deep-sea-diving-6891.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karachi