Related Karachi Favorites Tips

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Favorite thing: During WWII, Karachi played host to approx. 30,000 Polish refugees deported from East Poland due to the conflict that gripped Europe. In our Christian cemetery, there are 58 graves of several Polish citizens. I read in the local newspaper that in 2004 Polish TV made a documentary on their lives.

Out of these refugees, and poles who fought and served in European theter, rose 30 young officers and technicians who devoted there life to the young independent nation in developing its Air Force. One of them was Wladyslaw Turowics who came to Pakistan in 1948 and headed this team. He devoted his services, knowledge, expertise and experience, and served PAF and other government agencies from 1948 to 1970.

Air Commodore Turowicz was awarded Tamgha-i-Pakistan, Sitara-i-Pakistan and Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam, retired from PAF in 1967 and was later appointed Executive Director Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission where he served till 1970.

He died on Mar 12, 1980 and was buried at the Christian Cemetery in Karachi. His family still resides here and are Pakistani nationals. His daughter married a Pakistani Air Force officer (now retired)

A small corner/display in the Pakistan Air Force museum is dedicated to this man and his team.

Fondest memory: See article linked below:

http://www.dawn.com/2004/04/09/nat26.htm

Favorite thing: Of course it's safe for an American or anybody else to visit Karachi/Pakistan. Even if you have any other color hair, even if you wear something other than shalwar kameez, like trousers/jeans, it's all right, as long as you wear something that covers you modestly.

What you read in the media covers is a propaganda warfare against Pakistan for various political interests.

What things to look out for? Take care when eating out, don't eat unhygienic food. Yes, take extra care when coming from the airport, especially if it's late hours and especially if you are coming by taxi. There can be street crimes, like in any other mega city in the world. There have been incidents of hold ups on the way from airport to home, along the Shahra-e-Faisal and even when the passengers reached their homes. Be prepared for "load shedding", no electricity, it can last for hours. People keep rechargeable fans/lights, UPS, generators, etc. Just take the normal precautionary measures you would take any place else in the world.

Favorite thing: Karachi with a population of 15+M people sprawls over a very large area. It never feels like a congested city. It has evry thing " Sktscrappers, wide roads (400 feet), bridges, underpasses, 3to 5 -star hotels, roadside eateries, beaches, parks, Universities, hospitals, shopping plazas,
archelogical sites nearby, arts and friendly people.

Fondest memory: Worth living.

Favorite thing: Hi Gori ji,

That's a very wise decesion and you'll definitely enjoy the life in Karachi, it's the city of lights and a very lively atmosphere.

Language, that's not a problem, you may learn it within a couple of months, while living with your in laws.

Religion’d not prevent you doing any job but there could be some cultural barriers, because you’ll have to look at your family, their happiness and satisfaction, if they don’t have any problem with your work, then it’s fine, here in our families in Peshawar, we ask our elders, likewise father in law or mother in law, so better to discuss it with your better half and then seek the permission of the elders, you’ll be okay.

You can find a job, depends upon your interest of work and your skills in some particular field, Karachi still in need of skilled and professional people.

Whatever you do please consult your family and their permission, or your husband, that’s my opinion, you may differ from that.

I wish you all the luck and happiness & I welcome your queries,

Imran Schah

Photos of the mountains, cities of Pakistan
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imranthetrekker

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Favorite thing: Karachi's three Major hotels Pearl Continental, Sheraton & Marriot are situated in an area called PIDC. Following places are on walking distance from these hotels and can be visited in your free time.

1- Frere Hall, Jinnah Garden
Frere hall is just opposite to Marriot Hotel. It can't viewd directly from PC but on a walking distance from there.

2- Polo Ground:
This ground is just adjacet to PC. Locals come here for Jogging, walking or just for enjoyment. It is not very crowded in weekdays except Sunday. Ground is very green, with lot of trees and a jogging track of almost 1 mile length.

3- I. I. Chundrigar Road:
At the end of Polo Ground is a multi story building called Shaheen Complex. From there towards left (west) starts I. I. Chundrigar Road. You can find offices of Money Changers (Khanahi & Kalia, Galaxy Internatinal) at the begining. There are offices of few tour operators on the corner.
Top News Presses & News Channels offices are at the begining of I.I. Chundrigar Road. This road is centre of Trade/Finance activities. It leads to Tower. Karachi's sky scrappers MCB Tower & Habib Bank Plaza are situated on this road. City Railway Station is just in front of Habib Bank Plaza.

4- Burns Road (Food Street)
Burns Road is also on the walking distance from these hotels. Or you can hire cab for Rs. 50/- max. (less than a dollar). It is the food street of Karachi.

5- National Museum-Burns Garden
It comes when you go straight from Shaheen Complex towards Burns Road.

Favorite thing: Cellular Phone Service is among the cheapest in Pakistan comparing to any country. All it takes you have dual or tri band GSM Cell Phone, (if its locked then it can be un locked for a dollar max) In case you dont have 1, you can buy a new or used hand set at very very cheap price (refer to the Karachi shopping tip)

Connection Charges for new SIM Card Aprx US$3.00 and Pre Paid Credit available in convinient denomination from Pak Rs. 10 to Rs.1000 by scratch cards (Valid for 3, 6 & 12 months) Advance tax is decucted @ 9% Aprox at the time of loading each credit.

International Calls to USA UK Australia Most Part of Europe are mere 4 cents a minute. Some European Networks do charge Additional for calls made to Cellular Phones.

Local Calls are Rs.2.00 per minute +15% = Under 4 cents (with options of 30 seconds billing) to any network, any where in Pakistan Cellular or Land Line

All Incoming Calls and Short Text Messages are Free of Charges,
No Roaming Charges within the Country.
Converting/Switching Service Provider is also possible without changing the number

Fondest memory: List of All Service Provider is Given Below, Frenchises are every where with isntant connection, just need a copy of ID / Passport. Listed at Number 1 is highly recomended because subsidiary of Pakistan Telecom Company Limited and better rates and services. I use the same.

1. www.ufone.com/prepay.aspx >>>Lowest call rates,cheapest SMS to anywhere in the world
2. www.mobilinkgsm.com >>>select JAZZ for Pre Paid Tarrif (Most Expensive)
3. www.waridtel.com >>>Select ZEM for Prepaid
4. www.telenor.com.pk >>>Select TALK SHAWK for Pre Paid Information
5. www.paktel.com/gsm/prepaid/

Favorite thing: Stayed at Hotel Midway House near the airport, courtesy of Pakistan International Airlines.

It was Sunday the next day and so I could not send my postcard of Karachi until I reached United States and finally mailed out from Boston.

Still have that postcard.

Favorite thing: When we stepped out of the airport hotel, we were thinking of getting a taxi into Karachi for a quick look.

Immediately, we were swarmed by beggars. A lady carrying a baby started to tug my shirt. A young girl wanted to sell cigarettes or something. We quickly headed back into the safety of the hotel and waited until time to get our transport back to the airport.

Hence the short story.