A Testament To Pakistan’s Regal Past

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Akbar, Akbari Serai, Jehangir, Jehangir’s Tomb, Ladli Begum Asif Khan, Mughal buildings in Lahore, Nur Jehan, Royal Pathway, Shahdara, Shahdara Bagh

Connected to Lahore’s city centre via Ring Road, Shahdara – or the Royal Pathway – is a suburban neighbourhood located on the northern banks of River Ravi. During the Mughal rule, it served as the entrance to Lahore.

Emperor Jehangir’s tomb is built with red sandstone

The resting place of the royals… Historical landmarks continue to stand tall in Shahdara, the most well-known of which is Emperor Jehangir’s Tomb. Its exterior is adorned with mosaic, red sandstone and decorative marble. You can enter it through impressive stone gateways that are embellished with frescoes and ghalib kari , which lead into a square enclosure, the iconic Akbari Serai (Palace of Akbar). To its west is the red sandstone mausoleum of Empress Nur Jehan with a cenotaph of Ladli Begum, her daughter. The tomb of Asif Khan, Noor Jehan’s brother, is also located there; it is an octagonal brick structure layered with and blue tiles.

Akbari Serai is located within Shahdara Bagh

Even more attractions… In addition to the aforementioned structures, Shahdara is also home to Kamran ki Baradari, a summer pavilion built by Kamran Mirza, son of Emperor Babur; it has two-storeys and 12 columns with arched balconies. Remember, a sight-seeing trip to Shahdara is never quite complete without partaking signature Mughlai dishes such as malai tikkas, murgh cholas, pulao and haleem at one of the many eateries there.

The Shahdara Bagh Junction is a crucial connecting point

A touch of modernity… Over the years, modern utilities and amenities have made life convenient for residents. These include quality educational institutes, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, sports complexes and plenty of green spaces. Furthermore, the construction of two railway stations – Shahdara Bagh and Shahdara Town – ensures improved connectivity to the rest of Punjab.

The real estate take… Primarily a residential area, property options in Shahdara are limited to small houses, constructed decades ago. Commercial property options include standalone shops and makeshift pavement stalls. Due to its distance from the main city, demand and prices of property have remained relatively stable over the years.

In a nutshell… Despite the hints of modernity in the form of well-developed road networks and infrastructural developments, Shahdara remains one of the most prominent reminders of Pakistan’s regal, historic past. n

– Moneeza Burney

First published in the DAWN National Weekend Advertiser on August 14, 2016.

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A Testament To Diversity

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Holi, MA Jinnah Road, Mama Parsi Girls High School, Nauroze, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the shrine of Baba Alam Shah Bukhari

Mama Parsi Girls High School

A small stretch of M.A. Jinnah Road, extending between Yakub Khan Road and Preedy Street, is definitely worth exploring. It is home to several landmarks that epitomise Karachi’s rich cultural diversity – all the more relevant given that Nauroze (Parsi New Year) will be celebrated tomorrow, and three days later, on March 23, Pakistan Day and Holi.

The shrine of Baba Alam Shah Bukhari

Diverse landmarks… This strip is home to several striking landmarks that will surely catch your eye. These include Mama Parsi Girls High School, named after a Parsi philanthropist, Seth Khan Bahadur Ardeshir H. Mama, and established by Jamshed Nusserwanji Mehta, a friend of Mr Jinnah and the first mayor of Karachi. Nearby are two Hindu temples (Ramchandra and Shri Swaminarayan Mandir), the shrine of Baba Alam Shah Bukhari, a revered Sufi saint, as well as an Eid Gah and imambargah.

The Ramchandra Temple

Hunt for bargains… If you stop at Gul Plaza, you will find kitchenware, homeware, furniture and toys at wholesale prices. Jama Cloth Centre and Mehboob Cloth Market is where you can source a wide variety of ready-to-wear clothing and fabric; these old-fashioned bazaars, despite the prevailing mall culture, remain the go-to places for many people looking for quality clothing at affordable prices.

The best Pakistani food… In between shopping – and sightseeing – indulge at two of Karachi’s legendary eateries: Al-Hajj Bundoo Khan and Sabri Nihari. For a quick snack, stop at Dilpasand Sweets, or one of the many roadside cafés there.

The real estate take… Commercial property options include standalone shops as well as retail and office space, and are in high demand. The area is completely built-up and vacant plots are not available. Property prices and rentals increase annually by an estimated seven and 10% respectively.

In a nutshell… With historic landmarks that stand as a testament to Karachi’s rich cultural heritage, not to mention some of the city’s best shopping and dining avenues, a trip to this part of M.A. Jinnah Road is an absolute must. n

– Sadia Kamran

Photos: Tahir Jamal/White Star

Karachi’s Marble Market

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black, buying marble in Karachi, Ceramic tiles, Fatima Zehra Park, gold, granite, Indus gold, Karachi’s Marble Market, Mangophir Road, marble, Marble Market, motiffed tiles, onyx, porcelain tiles, Sir Syed Girls College, Syed Atif Barelvi Road, tervera, tippi, Usmania College, verona

Marble handicrafts

If you drive down Syed Atif Barelvi Road, past Sir Syed Girls College and Usmania College and turn left on to Mangophir Road, you will be assaulted by dust, fumes and noise from grinding and polishing machines. This is Karachi’s Marble Market – packed with shops selling onyx, marble and granite that line the kitchens, driveways and homes of both the well heeled and the middle income residents of the city.

Marble Market – packed with shops selling onyx, granite and marble

Commercial transformation… Old residents of the area say that the Market was initially a cottage industry with dealers selling marble out of their homes. Over the years, these homes were transformed into shops and hence the market emerged. Large slabs of uncut stone including Indus gold, black and gold, verona, tervera, tippi and countless other varieties of marble and granite now lie outside the shops, waiting to be cut and polished.

Motiffed marble tiles

Marble, motifs and greenery… Besides marble, the Market also houses shops that stock ceramic and porcelain tiles and stunning tile motifs, sold at a fraction of the price than in the more up market shops on 26th Street in Defence; you can also find hardware shops dealing in kitchen and bathroom accessories such as sinks and faucets, as well those selling marble handicrafts. For a quick bite, stop at one of the many eateries there, followed by a stroll at the lush green Fatima Zehra Park.

The verdant Fatima Zehra Park

The real estate take… Marble Market is completely built-up and vacant plots are therefore no longer available. Commercial property options are restricted to standalone shops; property is in high demand. Property prices and rentals increase are among the highest in Karachi and increase by seven to 10% every year

Symbols Of Independence

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Allama Iqbal, Arif Masood, Fatima Jinnah, Independence Day, Islamabad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Liaquat Ali Khan, Lok Virsa Museum, Mahatma Gandhi, Mr Jinnah, Pakistan Monument, Sector G-7, Shakarparian Hills, The Heritage Library, Virsa Café

Mr Jinnah’s words are inscribed on the Pakistan Monument

Every year on Independence Day (August 14), the Pakistani flag is hoisted at the Pakistan Monument, which stands in the centre of one of Islamabad’s largest parks (also known as the Pakistan Monument), overlooking the picturesque Shakarparian Hills.

An important landmark… The Monument was designed by Arif Masood and completed in 2007. Made of granite, it is shaped like a flower with four large petals (representing the four provinces of Pakistan) and three smaller ones (which represent the three territories). If you are lucky enough to view it from above, the monument will appear as a crescent and star that characterises the Pakistani flag. Several inscriptions adorn the Monument, the most prominent one of which are   Mr Jinnah’s words: “Unity, faith and discipline.”

Waxworks at the Lok Virsa Museum

Out and about… Located nearby is the Lok Virsa Museum which provides a compelling glimpse into Pakistan’s history via with several impressive exhibits. The most noteworthy of these are perhaps the waxworks of prominent people that led the Independence Movement (including Mr Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Liaquat Ali Khan, Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi).

Investing In Penthouses

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balconies, high ceilings, high dust impact, investing in a penthouse, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, large covered areas, large windows, luxury homes, Penthouses, privacy, reduced noise pollution, roof gardens, top floor, Uzma Nawaz

Until the early noughties, penthouses were primarily limited to Karachi. However, over the last five years, their construction has increased in Islamabad, and recently in Lahore, due to an increasing annual demand of five to eight percent. No wonder then, penthouses are gaining traction among investors and homeowners alike.

Home Office Essentials

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backup generator, coffee table, DHA, farah rizwan, fibreglass screens, floor to ceiling storage shelves, furniture options, glass blocks, home offices, LDA, natural light, open floor plan, smart couch

Working from home is emerging as a popular trend in Pakistan. Consequently, an increasing number of people are opting for home offices.

If you are looking to set up a home office, factor in the following to ensure aesthetics and efficiency:

Before establishing a home office, you will require legal permission from local authorities (e.g. DHA or LDA), because commercial activity within residential areas is often prohibited.

History, Education And Shopping

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Alhamra Arts Council, Ali Zafar, AR Chughtai, Bhai Ram Singh, ICI building, Jamil Baloch, Jamil Naqsh, Lahore Museum, Lord Mayo, Mall Road Lahore, Mayo School of Arts, Mughal architecture, Naqi Market, National College of Arts (NCA), Nayyar Ali Dada, Nayyara Noor, Old and New Anarkali Bazaars, Panorama Centre, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam Lahore, Syed Wajeeh-ul-Hassan Naqvi, Tollinton Market

The NCA Building was built in 1880 with red-stone bricks

Mall Road, also known as Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam is one of Lahore’s primary thoroughfares. Several colonial buildings line the road, and one of them is the National College of Arts (NCA), one of Pakistan’s leading art schools. 

From a school to a college… The NCA was established in 1875 as the Mayo School of Arts in memory of Lord Mayo, the British Viceroy to India. In 1958, it was upgraded to the National College of Arts and Fine Art. Since then, several departments, including architecture, ceramics design, multimedia arts, film and television have been added. Well known alumni include architects, musicians, painters and sculptors such as Jamil Baloch, AR Chughtai, Nayyar
Ali Dada, Jamil Naqsh, Nayyara Noor and Ali Zafar. 

Adaptive Reuse

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adaptive reuse, antique wooden doors, ceiling designs, double glazed windows, eco-friendly element, false ceilings, farah rizwan, global architectural trend, heat proofing, marble floor tiles, renovating, skylights, solar panels

Adaptive reuse is a global architectural trend that is gaining traction in Pakistan. It is a process that involves renovating an existing structure in order to utilise it for an entirely new function. Although globally adaptive reuse is most commonly employed to convert heritage buildings, in Pakistan it is primarily implemented in order to convert houses into commercial enterprises, such as offices, restaurants, salons and schools. One of the biggest advantages of adaptive reuse is that it is more economical and requires less time than tearing down a building and constructing a new one. 

Greenery And Wildlife

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Islamabad Highway, Korang River, Korang Shopping Centre, Korang Town, Korang Town Market, Lohi Bhair Wildlife Park, Muhammad Waqas Ali Saif, Rawalpindi, Taha Shopping Mall

The Korang River as it passes through the Lohi Bhair Wildlife Park

The last decade has witnessed Korang Town’s evolution from a quaint residential area into one of the most well developed and green neighbourhoods in the twin cities.

Korang Town is one of Rawalpindi’s greenest neighbourhoods

A picturesque neighbourhood… Located on the picturesque banks of the Korang River and far from the bustle of city life, Korang Town, with its tree-lined roads and houses with terraced gardens, offers the perfect mix of peaceful living, while allowing residents easy access to Rawalpindi’s city centre via the Islamabad Highway. If you stroll around the neighbourhood, you will find several play areas for children, as well as paved walking and jogging tracks to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Peacocks enjoying their natural habitat

Hyderabad’s Top Commercial Properties

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Alpeno Jilato, Autobhan Road, Canton, Gravity, Hyderabad, Lamosh, Latifabad Unit-8 Market, Market Road, Mirchi 360, Royal Taj, Shahi Bazaar, Syed Wajeeh-ul-Hassan Naqvi, Thandi Sarak

Investment in Hyderabad’s commercial areas increased by approximately 25% last year and real estate experts concur that this growth is expected to increase further this year.

Here is a look at four commercial areas that are attracting investment across Pakistan: