NEIGHBOURHOOD
FACILITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Public Transport in DHA Karachi
Most people commute via their own transportation or through ride-hailing services of Uber and Careem. Being an upscale community, you will not find many bus stops in DHA. There are a few buses that pass through DHA Karachi, namely W30, X10, X8, W21, Z2, Gulistan Coach and Aiwan Coach.
Markets in DHA Karachi
DHA has a plethora of shops and supermarkets, where people can buy household items and groceries Tesco supermarket & pharmacy, Waseem mart, Springs store, M&M’s superstore and Nice supermarket are popular superstores in the area. There is also a popular marketplace, by the name of Khadda market. It is located in the heart of DHA, comprising various shopping centres, mobile shops, eateries, branded cosmetic shops, beauty salons and health & fitness centres.
Living in this posh locality, you will find many people passionate about healthier alternatives. Such health enthusiasts gather at Farmer’s market, every Sunday, at Haque Academy in DHA, Phase 8. The Farmer’s Market offers locally produced, organic fresh vegetables, fruits, farm eggs, milk, honey and even home-made organic sherbets. There are butcher shops, maintaining high standards of hygiene, namely Meat One and Zabeeha. You can also buy different kinds of fish from Sea Fiesta Seafood and The Fisher Butcher. People also shop to their heart’s content at a popular Sunday Bazaar. It is held on 26th Street, every Sunday from morning till evening, offering a wide range of clothes, bags, books and household items at pocket-friendly rates.
Mosques in DHA Karachi
Masjid e Tooba, also known as Gol Masjid, is often claimed to be the largest single-domed mosque in the world. It is built on Islamic architecture, having a spacious lawn in front. It has a capacity of 5000 namazis in its prayer hall. Other notable mosques in DHA Karachi are Sultan Masjid, Creek Vista Masjid, Sakina Masjid, Masjid-e-Arafat, Masjid-e-Ali, Ayesha Masjid, Masjid-e-Usman Ghani and Jamia Masjid Bait-ul-Salaam, There is a Hindu temple by the name of Samadha Dham, located in DHA, Phase 5. Salvation Army Church and The famous Parsi Fire Temple are only a 20-minute drive away from DHA.
Schools, Colleges AND Universities in DHA Karachi
DHA, Karachi has many top-rated schools of the country, namely, Mrs. Haque’s Nursery, The City School, Nursery, DHA Montessori, Kidsville Daycare & Montessori, Kidz Zone Play School, Sunrise Kindergarten and Little Fox Kindergarten.
There are notable schools, imparting quality education, dotted across DHA Defence. The CAS School is near Saba Avenue, DHA Model School in Khayaban-e-Hilal while DA Public School is in Khayaban-e-Shaheen. The City School, Education Bay, Beaconhouse School (Defence Campus) is in Saba Avenue and DHA Iqra Model School and Froebel Education Centre is in Phase 8. Haque Academy, Lahore Grammar School is in Khayaban-e-Roomi. Washington International School, L’ecole for Advanced studies, British Overseas School, Karachi British School and The Space Institute are various other reputable schools in DHA.
There are also many institutes of higher learning in DHA, offering intermediate degrees like DA Degree College for Women - Phase 8, Defence Authority Degree College, Nixor College and D.A. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed College. Those interested in pursuing law can get the LLB degree from Themis School of Law, which is located in Bukhari Commercial Area, DHA Phase 6.
There are renowned universities in DHA, offering internationally recognized degrees. Greenwich University is in DHA, Phase 6, DHA Suffa University is in Phase 7 and Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine is in DHA, Phase 4. Defence Central Library, in Phase 2 Extension provides access to HEC’s digital library and an exclusive children’s section fully equipped with books for kids of all ages.
Banks in DHA Karachi
One can find a number of banks operating in DHA. The head office of Habib Bank Ltd is in Khayaban-e-Hafiz, DHA Phase 6, with its branches located in Bukhari commercial area, Badar commercial area and Ittehad commercial area. Faysal Bank has many branches dotted across DHA. JS Bank, NIB, Summit Bank, Soneri Bank, Al Baraka Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Meezan Bank, Sindh Bank, Habib Metro Bank, MCB and Silk Bank also have their branches in DHA.
Electricity Backup
As the future belongs to renewable energy sources, a few residential schemes have developed plans to go green. DHA City, Karachi (DCK) is one of them. It has planned a 12 MW Solar Energy Park to be established on 64 acres of land, which, according to its website, will be “the first sustainable and green city of the country.”
Clinics and Hospitals in DHA Karachi
One can find unparalleled healthcare facilities in the area, providing round-the-clock emergency care, diagnostic services and consultation services. PNS Shifa Hospital is a 700-bed facility, while Bayview Hospital in DHA, Phase 8 is a renowned hospital that provides medical services and surgical care. Blue Dot is a modern healthcare facility, located in DHA, Phase 6. Qualified doctors at DHA Medical Centre and Defence Health Care Clinic provide medical services. They also have a 24/7 emergency unit, and an operating theatre. Al Baseer Eye Hospital has top ophthalmologists of the country and it provides eye-care treatment, free of cost, to the less-privileged. Defence Pet Hospital is a popular veterinary service, dealing with pet exams, puppy/kitten vaccines and also performs surgical procedures as well. For those people interested in treating their ailments through Chinese medicine and acupuncture therapy, can head to Pu-Sheng Chinese Medical Center, located on Badar Commercial Area, DHA.
PROPERTIES IN DHA KARACHI
Sale Price Trends in DHA Karachi
Houses for Sale in DHA Karachi
DHA, Defence ranks second, as per the buying trends for properties in Karachi. One can find 120 sq yd, 150 sq yd, 240 sq yd, 500 sq yd, 1000 sq yd and 1200 sq yd houses up for sale. 120 sq yd houses come in single and double units. The double units comprise 3-4 bedrooms with attached washrooms, a drawing room, dining area, TV lounge and two furnished kitchens. The price range for 120 sq yd houses is in between PKR 3.2 crore and PKR 6.25 crore. The 300 sq yd fully furnished houses in DHA, Karachi are also a good investment choice for home-buyers. The double unit houses are most popular, consisting of 5 bedrooms with attached bathrooms. It also has a specially designed children’s room, drawing room, living area, kitchen and a balcony as well. The asking price for 300 sq yd houses is in between PKR 4.75 crore and PKR 75 crore. There are 500 sq yd houses also up for sale in DHA, offering 5 bedrooms with attached washrooms, a drawing/dining area, TV lounge, and a servant’s quarter as well. The price range for 500 sq yd houses start from PKR 4.95 crore and can go as high as PKR 25 crore.
Plots for Sale in DHA Karachi
There are 120 sq yd, 200 sq yd, 300 sq yd, 500 sq yd, 1000 sq yd and 2000 sq yd plots up for sale. The price range for 120 sq yd plots in DHA is in between PKR 13 lakh and PKR 20 crore. For 500 sq yd plots, the prices tend to increase from PKR 5 crore and can go as high as PKR 70 crore.
Flats for Sale in DHA Karachi
DHA Defence, Karachi has 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments up for sale. For better investment yields, people invest in 1-bed apartments. They have prices in between PKR 42 lakh and PKR 3.1 crore. Most of these flats are available near Seaview and Dolmen Mall. There are 2-bed flats also up for sale having a price range in between PKR 35 lakh and PKR 9 crore. Moreover, the prices for 3-bed flats start from PKR 65 lakh and can go as high as PKR 7.5 crore.
Rent Price Trends in DHA Karachi
Houses for Rent in DHA Karachi
When it comes to finding the rental trends in Karachi, DHA tops the list. There are higher rents for furnished bungalows. For a 120 sq yd house on rent, the prices vary in between PKR 85 thousand and PKR 2.5 lakh per month. When it comes to 300 sq yd houses on rent, the lowest rental cost is PKR 70 thousand per month. It can go as high as PKR 4 lakh per month. For 500 sq yd ready-to-move-in houses, the rental price is in between PKR 55 thousand and PKR 35 lakh per month.
Flats for Rent in DHA Karachi
DHA Defence, Karachi has 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments up for rent. The prices for 1-bed apartments is in between PKR 10 thousand and PKR 60 thousand per month. Most of these flats are available near Sea View and Dolmen Mall. There are 2-bed flats also available on rent, with a starting price of PKR 20 thousand. It can go as high as PKR 3.2 lakh per month. Moreover, the prices for 3-bed flats is in between PKR 25 thousand and PKR 6.75 lakh per month.
Commercial Properties
In every phase of Defence Housing Authority, there are designated commercial areas. In Phase 1, there is Commercial Area B and Industrial Commercial Area. In Phase 2, there is Commercial Area A and Sunset Boulevard Commercial Area. Phase 4 has Sunset Commercial Area and 9th & 10th Commercial Street. Phase 5 comprises Badar Commercial Area, Stadium Commercial Area, Tauheed Commercial Area and Zamzama Commercial Area. Phase 2 Ext. and Phase 5 Ext. have Commercial Area and Saba Commercial Area, respectively. Phase 6 has a long list, comprising Bukhari Commercial Area, Ittehad Commercial Area, Nishat Commercial Area, Muslim Commercial Area, Nishat Commercial Area, Rahat Commercial Area and Shahbaz Commercial Area. In Phase 7, there is Sehar Commercial Area and Jami Commercial Area. Phase 8 comprises Zulfiqar & Al Murtaza Commercial Area and Peninsula Commercial Area. A number of buildings, offices and shops are up for sale in DHA. There are 5 marla, 10 marla and 1 kanal commercial plots available on sale. As it is the most prestigious business address in town, many companies also look for rental options in DHA. You can find fully furnished offices and shops available for rent.
Most Popular Phases in DHA Karachi
DHA Phase 8 is the most popular phase for buying property in DHA Karachi. People are investing in plots in DHA Phase 8, as it is the biggest and largest sector of DHA. It comprises 45% of the entire covered area of DHA. It has six sectors - A to E. Some of them are fully developed. There are some facilities that have been introduced in Phase 8, such as E-tagging, ICT plan based on fibre optics and a state-of-the-art graveyard. The graveyard will have digital web cameras for live streaming of the grave and it will also be well-equipped with computerized internet system for remote connectivity so that even if you are not in town, you can still offer fateha for the deceased.
When exploring options for renting houses, DHA Phase 6 is the most popular sector, according to Zameen’s data. It is home to tennis clubs, squash courts, rifle clubs, parks, places of worship, educational institutions, commercial areas, sports complex and clubs, shopping centres and a graveyard.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS AND BAKERIES
Malls in DHA Karachi
DHA is a shopper’s paradise. Name a brand and you have it at The Forum Shopping Mall. A large number of clothing, jewellery and cosmetic brands are available at Zamzama Street. It also has cafes and restaurants where people hang out. Zamzama Mall is located within this street. Inhabitants have access to many high-rise shopping malls near DHA. Dolmen Mall, Clifton, is only a 15-minute drive away. It is one of the biggest shopping complexes in Karachi. It has a huge Carrefour hypermarket, large food court, Sindbad amusement park for kids and many high-end shops.
Restaurants and Bakeries in DHA Karachi
When it comes to delectable food and upscale restaurants, people head to DHA. The most famous is Do Darya, which is a giant food street, comprising famous restaurants like Afridi Inn, Charcoal, Ambala and Kolachi. Set up along the city’s coastline, it not only offers great-tasting food but scenic views of the Arabian sea. Other popular restaurants in DHA, presenting an assortment of cuisines are Okra, Ginsoy, Rakaposhi, Pompeii, Chairman Mao, Thai Seafood, Gun Smoke, Arizona Grill, Cafeela and Thyme Restaurants. There are various popular cafes as well, like Café Flo, Café Aylanto and N’eco’s Natural Café. One can also find cigar lounges and various sheesha bars in DHA. People from all over the city head to popular bakeries and chocolate shops in DHA to grab their favourite cookie, indulge in the finest of chocolates and get the mouth-melting patties. Exceptional desserts, gourmet chocolate cakes and pastries and other bakery items are available at Hobnob, Shoko Latte, Sugaries, Vintage, Pie in the sky, Pistachio Chocolatier, Lals Patisserie and Red Riding Hood Bakery.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
Sports Facilities and Fitness Centres in DHA Karachi
For the young energetic souls, there are cricket and football grounds in DHA. Southend Club Cricket Stadium is famous, as 17 first-class cricket matches have been held here. There is DHA Sports Club having a cricket ground, swimming pool, squash complex and Moin Khan Cricket Academy. The cricket ground of DHA Sports Club consists of five turf pitches. It hosts Corporate T-20 Ramadan Tournament every year. Schools can also book the ground for net practices and also for holding tournaments. The Squash Complex has three squash courts and a spectator’s gallery that can accommodate around 300 people. There is a fully covered state-of-the-art swimming pool, which provides professional training to swimmers and divers.
Catering to the health and fitness needs of the residents, there are scores of modern gymnasiums both for men and women alike. Lifestyle Gym, Kore Fitness, Studio X, Fitness Innovation Studio, Health Act and Core are popular health clubs in DHA. Those people interested in keeping an exercise routine can be seen taking a stroll at Zamzama Park early in the morning, while some people pick up the pace and follow the aerobic exercise regime.
Parks and Clubs in DHA Karachi
One can see fitness enthusiasts flex their muscles at the jogging tracks of nearby parks, early in the morning. Notable parks of the area are Nisar Shaheed Park, AK Khan Park and Zamzama Park. Annual flower show, organized by the Horticultural Society of Pakistan, takes place every year, at DHA Seaview Park, which is a major attraction for plant-lovers. An AK Khan Tissue Culture Lab has also been established in DHA, Phase 2, where a large number of flowers and plants are produced on a large scale, by implementing the latest tissue-culture technique.
People play golf at DA Country & Golf Club and enjoy water-sports activities, para-sailing, surfing and water skiing at DA Marina Club. There are tennis/badminton, basketball and squash courts present in DHA, Creek Club. DHA also has an amusement park for children named Chunky Monkey, where kids enjoy exciting rides.
Salons and Spas in DHA Karachi
DHA, Karachi has a number of beauty salons, where you can meet all your styling needs. Sabs, Zara’s, Toni & Guy, Shamain, Natasha, Mona J, Depilex and Furqan’s Salons are the top beauty salons in the area. Many Pakistani brides and renowned TV actors & actresses get their makeup done from these beauty clinics. While it is a norm to see women being conscious of their looks, men are also getting critical about their physical appearance. This has been well taken care of at the men’s salons in DHA. Genesis, Get Smart Salon, Dappers Salon, Gillan Salon, Clippers, N-Gents salons, The Gentlemen’s Lounge and The Men’s Salon by Peng offer high-end grooming services in the area.
BEACHES NEAR DHA KARACHI
People residing in DHA have access to the Clifton Beach, more popularly known as Sea View, which can be reached in 15 minutes. The Sea View provides many entertainment options for both children and adults alike. Inhabitants can enjoy the cool breeze while walking alongside the seashore. After enjoying the time spent at the beach, people go to famous food outlets like Mcdonalds, Mr Burger and Xander’s which are located nearby.
SOCIETY EVENTS
DHA, Karachi has a number of events taking place throughout the year. From stand-up comedy, open mic events, to book launches, art exhibitions, handicrafts exhibitions, food festivals and community events, there are a variety of events taking place here. It provides a safe haven for artists and free-thinkers. Those wanting to hone their artistic skills and learn new ways of creative expressions are welcomed at The Grid Club. While comedy nights, book launches and debates are held at T2F. Taansen Academy of Performing Arts holds music classes for music-lovers.
NEARBY AREAS
There are popular attractions near DHA. Savors Restaurant offers exquisite dinner on a floating boat, while at Devil’s point in Clifton, boys dare each other and race their bike. W30 bus and Super Hasan Zai Coach can take you to Mohatta Palace. Once the residence of Fatima Jinnah, it is now a museum, located in Clifton. Timings to visit are 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Living in DHA, Karachi has its own perks and privileges but there are a few downsides too. Residents are concerned about the growing needs of water supply in the area, which is being taken care of by the administration. CBC has approved of four Reverse Osmosis plants to be built. It will help provide 100 more tankers every day, resolving the water crisis soon. As DHA is a prime location, congestion on roads is another factor to consider, which gets intensified whenever there is a VIP movement going on. Apart from these minor hitches, DHA provides all the facilities for a luxurious lifestyle.
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