Karachi is the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh. It is the most populous and most cosmopolitan city in Pakistan.
Situated on the Arabian Sea, Karachi serves as a transport hub, and is home to two of Pakistan’s two largest seaports, the Port of Karachi and Port Bin Qasim, as well as the busiest airport in Pakistan.
Karachi has an arid climate dominated by a long “Summer Season” while moderated by oceanic influence from the Arabian Sea. The winter climate is dry and lasts between December and February. It is dry and pleasant relative to the warm hot season, which starts in March and lasts until monsoons arrive in June. Proximity to the sea maintains humidity levels at near-constant levels year-round.
Industry contributes a large portion of Karachi’s economy, with the city home to several of Pakistan’s largest companies dealing in textiles, cement, steel, heavy machinery, chemicals, and food products. The city is home to approximately 30 percent of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, and produces approximately 42 percent of Pakistan’s value added in large scale manufacturing. At least 4500 industrial units form Karachi’s formal industrial economy.
Karachi has the largest number of Urdu speakers in Pakistan. The other languages spoken accordingly are Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, Saraiki etc. Karachi is the most linguistically, ethnically, and religiously diverse city in Pakistan. The city is a melting pot of ethno-linguistic groups from throughout Pakistan, as well as migrants from other parts of Asia. The city’s inhabitants are referred to by the demonym Karachiite.
Karachi is a tourist destination for domestic and international tourists.
Architecturally distinctive, even eccentric, buildings have sprung up throughout Karachi. Notable example of contemporary architecture include the Pakistan State Oil Headquarters building. The city has examples of modern Islamic architecture, including the Aga Khan University hospital, Masjid e Tooba, Faran Mosque, Bait-ul Mukarram Mosque, Quaid’s Mausoleum, and the Textile Institute of Pakistan. One of the unique cultural elements of Karachi is that the residences, which are two- or three-story townhouses, are built with the front yard protected by a high brick wall. Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar Road features a range of extremely tall buildings. The most prominent examples include the Habib Bank Plaza, PRC Towers and the MCB Tower which is the tallest skyscraper in Pakistan.
Karachi is home to several of Pakistan’s most important museums. The National Museum of Pakistan and Mohatta Palace display artwork, while the city also has several private art galleries. The city is also home to the Pakistan Airforce Museum and Pakistan Maritime Museum. Wazir Mansion, the birthplace of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah has also been preserved as a museum open to the public.
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