Pakistan Air Force Museum, Karachi

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John (my fiancé) loves airplanes. Scrap that: he loves any man-made-metal object that flies! So we decided to visit the Pakistani Air Force Museum during our short stay in Karachi. "Love thy geek" I always say ;-) so I was glad to tag along for his sake.
The museum is pretty much what you'd expect: plenty of major fighter aircraft and machinery in the well-kept gardens, and a large hangar with numerous memorabilia (including weapons from captured India soldiers, proudly on display!), pictures of decorated Pakistani soldiers & war heroes, photos, and a historical timeline through the ages of the air force and also Pakistan's commercial & cargo airlines. The country's patriotism is also supported by a special aircraft on display: the plane used by Mohammed Ali Jinnah (founder of Pakistan), until his death in 1948.

NOTE: For general interest, 1 hour is enough to look around the indoor and outdoor displays. If you are an airplane and/or military enthusiast, you might want to spend up to half a day here.

Near the entrance you'll find a small restaurant and a mosque. In the gardens there is also a play area and small amusement park with rides to keep smaller children occupied. (rides not included in entry fee).

Warning: Ignore the call of nature if you can. The toilets are... abysmal.

Naturally, you'll also find the obligatory Souvenir Shop on your way out where you can purchase anything from cards, books, model aircraft, t-shirts, key chains and other merchandise.

There is a small entrance fee per person. (can't remember how much)
Opening Hours: 08:00am - 11:00pm. Open almost 365 days a year.

In retrospect: it was a nice way to spend our final evening in Karachi. Quite interesting indeed. But military museums make me nervous; glorifying the unfortunate need for violence in our world isn't something I feel proud of as a human being.

NOTE: (2007) Their website is down & there doesn't seem to be a new one, yet.