This time when I was in Karachi in June 2019, although it was summer and outdoor excursion was a challenge, but I was determined to explore at least two or three historical sites in Karachi and increase my knowledge about the city where I was born and raised.

I shortlisted Jahangir Kothari Parade, Mohatta Palace and Frere Hall for this purpose. Except Jahangir Kothari, all others were closed due to long Eid weekend. Will visit them during the next visit to Karachi in sha Allah.

Jahangir Kothari Parade

Jehangir Kothari Parade is located on Shahrah-e-Firdousi in Clifton and is one of the landmarks of Karachi, the largest metropolis in Pakistan. Its GPS coordinates are 24°48’46.4″N 67°01’36.5″E. Check Google map location of the Parade

The parade stands at very important location in Clifton overlooking Clifton Beach, which is without any doubt the most visited place in the Karachi by residents and tourists for leisure and picnic. 

Besides the Parade, Workship place for Muslims – Madina Masjid is present. Adjacent to these is an underground Mandir – Shreeratneswar Mahadevi Temple, which is only accessible to Hindus.

The tallest Building in Pakistan, Bahria Town Icon Tower is few meters away. On one side, Bin Qasim Park, the largest metropolitan park in Pakistan is surrounding this monument.

The place where this Parade stands was once the house of rich Parsi man, Sir Jahangir Jee Hormas Jee Kothari, in Short Jahangir Kothari. Kothari born on 9th November 1857 in Karachi and died on 1st November 1934 (aged 76) in Italy.

According to Mr. Ardeshir Cowasjee, who awarded me gold medal at the convocation at NED University, Jahangir Kothari demolished his house atop the Clifton hill and on his land thereon built the magnificent pavilion, parade and pier which still stand. This inspired another Parsi benefactor, Sir Kavasji Hormusji Katrak, who built the grand bandstand besides the pavilion.

Although the Pier and Pavillion was built by Kothari, its foundation was laid by the lady who dreamt it – Honourable Lady Lloyd and the pier is named after her. Lady Lloyd (Hon. Blanche Lascelles) was wife of George Ambrose Lloyd, 1st Baron Lloyd; Governor of Bombay from 16th December 1918 to 8th December 1923. They both married in 1911.

According to Akhtar Balouch column, Lady Lloyd liked the Clifton beach and would go there often. But as there was no proper arrangement, she couldn’t stay for longer. One day during visit to the seashore, she met Kothari and became friends. Kothari had a beautiful house on the top of hill, where now stands the parade, and they often enjoy the tea in the balcony of the bungalow.

One day during tea in the balcony Lady Lloyd was observing the people enjoying the seashore. She must have noticed the trouble of the visitor due to rocky pathway. She shared with Kothari the idea of a proper track or pier that would be a blessing for the people who visit the place for a walk by the breezy seaside and don’t have a home near the area.

Kothari agreed with the lady and constructed the pier. It costed three hundred thousand British Indian Rupees to built the pier, which he named it after his friend, Lady Lloyd instead of himself. The parade, however, has Kothari’s name engraved on the front top side.

The pier foundation was laid by Lady Lloyd on 5th January 1920 and was opened for public on 21st March 1921. Visitors can see the marble plaque on the pier that is still there and says Lady Lloyd Pier.

This is not the only contribution by Kothari to Karachi. He commissioned the Jehangir Kothari Building or Mansion on the corner of Napier and M. A. Jinnah Road in Karachi during 1934. Google Map Location of Jahangir Kothari Building. It was beautifully designed with balconies, pillars, spiral staircase and clock tower but today it is in deteriorating condition with various shops and offices.

Let’s get back to the Pier, Parade and Bandstand.

The Pavillion has ten arches, five on the larger side and one each on the shorter side.

The pavilion and the bandstand are connected by a walkway. This walking area has been reduced by the underpass construction in 2015.

There are four minarets on each corner of the compound. The main dome is rested on twelve pillars.

The stairs will lead to the top of the bandstand, which due to its altitude, has amazing views to the park and the beach. The sea breeze at this spot is matchless to the other parts.

Even after 100 years the Pier and the Parade are used by children, adults and old people to enjoy the cool breeze of the sea, to have great views of the Arabian sea and to spend a quality time with friends and family. This is what Jehangir Kothari and Lady Lloyd envisioned and wanted.

Bin Qasim Park

Bin Qasim Park (In Urdu, Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim), is largest urban park in Pakistan. I visited it along with Jehangir Kothari Parade as its on the same place and both have a common entrance. The park is opened two times a day. One time in morning from 7 am to 10 pm and then in the evening from 4 pm to 10 pm. In the afternoon the park and parade are closed for public.

The park is quite old, previously called Rupchand Bilaram Park. Roopchand (Rupchand) Bilaram Shivdasani was the first Additional Judicial Commissioner of Sindh in 1930. Roopchand was the man behind the construction of a park by the seaside at Clifton. As per the profile on Geni, Mr. Roopchand died on 17^th December 1948 at the age of 70 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Later on the garden was renamed to Muhammed Bin Qasim, a Muslim who conquered Sindh in 8th century.

There has been couple of renovations for restoring the garden into decent shape. In 2005, an extensive renovation work of the promenade pier and Ibn-e-Qasim Park was done by Mustafa Kamal, the Mayor of Karachi and Pervez Musharaf, the President of Pakistan.

The garden was recently revived by Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Wasim Akhtar, Mayor of Karachi in March 2019.

I visited this park in June 2019 and found it in great shape. Let’s see how it will be when I visit next.

From Jahangir Kothari Parade, the view of this park and Clifton Beach is stunning. I would highly recommend Karachiites and visitors to the largest city of Pakistan to visit Jehangir Kothari Parade and Bin Qasim Park.