Gulistan-e-Jauhar or Gulistan-e-Johar (Urdu: گلستانِ جوہر) is a prominent neighborhood in the Karachi East district of Karachi, Pakistan. Famous for its vibrant culture, Gulistan-e-Jauhar ("Garden of Jauhar") is named after Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Movement. The neighborhood is distinguished by a myriad of apartment blocks, contributing to its dynamic urban landscape.

Gulistan-e-Johar
Neighborhood

Geography

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Gulistan-e-Jauhar is located on the eastern outskirts of Karachi, nestled between University Road and Rashid Minhas Road. It is neighbored by Safoora Goth, Scheme 33, and Malir Cantonment. The neighborhood is composed of numerous blocks, each punctuated by a plethora of apartment complexes that provide diverse living options to residents.[1]

Demographics

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Gulistan-e-Jauhar is home to a diverse population representing various ethnicities of Pakistan, including Muhajirs, Pashtuns, Balochs, Punjabis and Sindhis.[2] The area is known for its linguistic and cultural diversity, which adds to its lively ambiance.

 
Eid Gathering at Gulistan-e-Jauhar Park, Karachi

Economy

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Watercolor painting of Gulistan-e-Jauhar

The local economy of Gulistan-e-Jauhar is driven by a mix of retail, service sector businesses, and some light industry. The neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of hardware stores, mechanics, water pumps, construction suppliers to wood craftsmen, furniture stores, wedding venues, numerous restaurants, general stores, grocery shops, and roadside cafes.[3][4] Fresh fruit and vegetable vendors line the streets everyday.

During the years 2011-2013, the neighborhood suffered significant strife from violence and significant street crime in Karachi.[5][6][7] However since then the neighborhood has been undergoing significant gentrification. As with the rest of the city of Karachi, street crime still remains an issue.[8]

 
Eid Prayers at Gulistan-e-Jauhar Park

Infrastructure

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The neighborhood is characterized by a comprehensive network of roads, public transport, and utilities. Numerous apartment blocks rise from its landscape, catering to various socio-economic classes. Gulistan-e-Jauhar houses an array of educational institutions, from public and private schools to colleges and universities, including the University of Karachi and Habib University.[9]

Healthcare facilities in the neighborhood include private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, ensuring residents have ready access to essential health services. Similar to other parts of Karachi, Gulistan-e-Johar is susceptible to flooding during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.[10]

Culture and recreation

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Gulistan-e-Jauhar's cultural scene is a reflection of its diverse population. The area is teeming with restaurants, roadside tea stalls, cafes, and food stalls offering a vast selection of cuisines, from traditional Pakistani dishes to international favorites.[11] The neighborhood is particularly famous for its budding roadside food scene. It is famous for biryani, "dhabas", Farhan Biryani, and Balochi and Sindhi cuisine.[12][13]

The neighborhood features several parks and recreational areas, including the renowned Jauhar Park, serving as a focal point for outdoor activities and community events. The neighborhood's numerous apartments blocks and flats often have their own shared amenities, further enriching the recreational options for residents.[14]

Transport

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The neighborhood is centrally located and easily accessible. Gulistan-e-Jauhar is well-connected to the rest of Karachi through a network of major roads, bus routes (G-10, G-11,G-27,G-19, Gulistan, EV-3), rickshaws and ride-hailing apps. The neighborhood is also close to the busiest airport in Pakistan, Jinnah International Airport. As of early 2023, major road construction is underway for the new flyover pass on Jauhar Chowrangi.[15]

Administration

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It was previously administered as part of the Gulshan Subdivision borough,[16] which was disbanded in 2011. Some blocks of the neighborhood fall into Faisal Cantonment Board's administration.[17][18]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "District". www.kmc.gos.pk. Archived from the original on 30 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  2. ^ Rafiq, Arif (22 January 2010). "Politics, Karachi style". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  3. ^ Chacha Jee ki Thali aur Huge BBQ Platter | Mughlai Handi aur Chana Chaat | Karachi, Street Food PK, retrieved 17 May 2023
  4. ^ FAMOUS FOOD IN GULISTAN E JOHAR: KARACHI STREET FOOD, retrieved 17 May 2023
  5. ^ "Fear and loathing in Gulistan-e-Jauhar". The Express Tribune. 10 August 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  6. ^ Newspaper, the (14 January 2011). "Killers on the loose in Karachi, 19 killed". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  7. ^ "Karachi violence: After ANP worker murdered, 6 killed, 3 injured, 11 vehicles torched". The Express Tribune. 28 March 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Karachi: Employee of courier company looted in Gulistan-e-Jauhar". ARY TV NEWS website. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  9. ^ "It's show time: Habib University building to be completed by end of Feb". The Express Tribune. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  10. ^ "Sporadic rains in Karachi submerge parts of city causing prolonged power outages". Daily Times. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  11. ^ Hasan, Shazia (5 November 2021). "There's an innovative new burger in Karachi called the Weirdough Burger and it's definitely worth a try". Images. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  12. ^ Hasan, Shazia (5 November 2021). "There's an innovative new burger in Karachi called the Weirdough Burger and it's definitely worth a try". Images. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  13. ^ Qamar, Dr Rida (13 July 2022). "7 Places To Get The Best Singaporean Rice In Karachi". Brandsynario. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  14. ^ "SBCA told to stop unauthorised construction in Jauhar park". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  15. ^ "Anti-encroachment drive continues". DAWN.COM. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  16. ^ "Gulshan Town". City District Government of Karachi website. Archived from the original on 13 June 2006. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  17. ^ Saad Hasan (4 April 2012). "You've got mail: KMC suddenly sends bills to cantonment houses". The Express Tribune (newspaper). Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  18. ^ Faryal Najeeb (10 August 2010). "Fear and loathing in Gulistan-e-Jauhar". The Express Tribune (newspaper). Retrieved 22 May 2022.
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24°56′N 67°08′E / 24.933°N 67.133°E / 24.933; 67.133