NEIGHBOURHOOD
FACILITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
PUBLIC TRANSPORT NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Residents of North Nazimabad have access to various modes of public transportation. Be it bus, rickshaw, taxi or app-based ride-hailing services. Buses happen to be the most popular among masses due to lower fares. There are several bus stops in North Nazimabad including AO Tower Bridge Belt Bus Stop near Sharah-e-Sher Shah Suri, KDA Chowrangi Bus Stop in Block B, Hyderi Bus Stop in Block G, Faiz House Bus Stop and 2K Bus Stop in Block K, Abdullah College Bus Stop in Block U, Lal Kothi Bus Stop in Block C, Aslam Market Bus Stop in Block R, Qalandarya Bus Stop in Block J & T, Zafar House Bus Stop and Niaz Manzil in Block L, Dental College Bus Stop in Block N and Green House Bus Stop on Allama Rasheed Turabi Road. It can be seen almost every block has access to public buses across the region.
Some important bus stops near North Nazimabad include Nazimabad 7 Number Bus Stop in Block 3 Nazimabad – around half a kilometre away, Karimabad Bus Stop near Federal B Area – around 2 km away and 7-C Bus Stop in Sector 15 Buffer Zone – about a kilometre away, Banaras Bus Stop in Bangash Colony – half a kilometre away, Baloch Goth Bus Stop and Qasba Colony Bus Stop on Manghopir Road – less than 1.5 km away and 2.5 km away respectively, Shadman No 2 Bus Stop in Sector 14-B North Karachi – a 3-minute drive and Nagan Chowrangi in Sector 11-E North Karachi – around 1.5 km away.
Many buses pass through these bus stops. Some popular one include G-13, G-21, G-25, G-27, 2-K, 2-D, F-16 and F-17. Busses like G-13 and G-27 are widely used among university students.
Currently, Green Metro Bus Transit project is also underway here. Although the project started out in 2016, it has faced some delays due to change in plans and governmental policies. The route is approximately 113 km long with over 90 bus stations spread across its path. The transit will start from Merewether Tower Terminal and ends at Surjani Town Terminal. As North Nazimabad is in between these routes, stops are included between route from KDA Chowrangi to Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi to facilitate the residents.
Many railway stations can be seen scattered across Karachi but most of them are non-functional. Some prominent railway reservation offices near North Nazimabad are Railway Reservation UP More Branch in Sector 11-I North Karachi – around 2.5 km away and Pakistan Railway Reservation Office on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road – at a distance of 8 km.
Jinnah International Airport is located near Airport Road, a little further away from North Nazimabad. Since the route is pretty straight forward via Rashid Minhas Road, it doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to reach the airport.
MARKETS NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
There isn’t any block in North Nazimabad that does not have access to one or more prominent markets. Some prominent markets and superstores in different blocks of North Nazimabad are as follows:
- Hydri Super Market on Shahrah-e-Humayun
- Chase Up North Nazimabad in Block F
- Qadri Market and Tasdique Market in Block A
- Sunday Motorcycle Market in Block G
- Aslam Market in Block D
- Sakhi Hassan Market in Block M
- Sunday Market in Block N
- Haidery Main Market in Block H
There are some notable markets near North Nazimabad as well. These include Karimabad Market in Block 3 Gulberg – around 2 km away, Moosa Colony Fish Market in Federal B Area – less than a kilometre, Hadi Market in Block 4 Nazimabad – about 1.5 km away and Paposh Sarafa Market in Block 5-A Nazimabad – less than 2 km away.
The ideal location of Hydri Super Market in Block B facilitates not only the residents from Block B and Block F, but also locals from neighbouring areas. The market provides access to all grocery items including some branded products. It also features a bakery where you can get some fresh baked items and delicious pastries. It has a separate floor for electronic and apparel items as well. HSM has employed several staff who maintain and aid customers for each aisle. The market is open every day from 11:30 am to 11:30 pm. In the evening, expect the place to be a bit crowded. Parking can be a hassle sometimes as main roads and service roads get packed during peak hours.
Chase Up started off as a simple garment store in 1984. People at that time were new to the idea of self-shopping service in Pakistan. With successful years, the store has managed to expand its offerings which now include footwear, housewares, cosmetics and groceries along with clothing. Its products are usually in affordable range to cater to the needs of an average consumer. Currently, Chase Up has nine operational branches where six of them are located in Karachi and three of them operate in Multan, Faisalabad and Gujranwala. It has also started their own online shopping service where customers can view products, compare prices and order with ease at the comfort of their home.
As vehicle registrations can easily be verified online, Sunday Motorcycle Market has become even popular for second hand motor bike purchases. Customers can easily find a bike under their budget through self-inspection and on spot purchases. The market does not encourage third party dealers as most sellers are owners of bikes, thus visitors can find what they need and even negotiate the price as per their budget.
Sunday Market is more like the traditional flea bazaar where vendors and sellers from across Karachi setup a shop under one roof every Sunday. Huge variety of products are available for purchase including fresh fruits and vegetables, local garments, household accessories, electronic items along with some second hand products. Prices are affordable here and you will be rewarded for good bargaining skills. Who knows, you can even find a working laptop or a computer at a throwaway price. As the market attracts crowds from all neighbouring areas, valid parking space may pose an issue from some people.
Hyderi Market is possibly the oldest and biggest shopping centre for the residents of the area. The market is a hub for local sellers where you can buy all sorts of trendy apparel, shoes and jewelleries at affordable price range. Many sellers have established their own storage area in upper floors of the market. You can find plenty of tailors and dye specialists to customise your apparel. Several food outlets provide beverages and fast food items to the visitors. Although some may find food vendors unhygienic, taste and price often forces shoppers to overlook the health benefits.
MOSQUES, CHURCHES AND TEMPLES NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
There is more than one mosque in every block of North Nazimabad Town. Some prominent mosques in the area include Masjid Al-Markaz in Block B, Aleemia Masjid in Block A, Jamia Masjid Rahmaniya and Dawoodi Bohra’s Husami Masjid in Block C, Al Ahram Masjid and Taimuria Masjid in Block G, Jamia Masjid Farooq-e-Azam in Block K, Jamia Masjid Al-Falah in Block H, Asha’at ul Islam Mosque, Tayyaba Masjid and Masjid Imambargah Bab-ul-Ilm in Block D.
Taimuria Masjid is paved with white marbles with an aesthetic exterior and interior. The mosque attracts crowds from nearby Hyderi Shopping Centre and offers a peaceful environment. A separate praying area for females is also available. Occasional hajj training sessions are organized to aid and educate people planning for pilgrimage.
Dawoodi Bohra’s Husami Masjid is a beautiful and spacious mosque which also caters to the crowd of Hyderi market and nearby residential areas. The mosque is surrounded by many shops and famous Dolmen Mall. Occasionally, food from mixed cuisine is served to worshippers who observe five times prayer.
Masjid Imambargah Bab-ul-Ilm is another spacious and aesthetic mosque located at five star Chowrangi. The mosque can’t be missed while driving due to its uniquely decorated dome and two towers. Apart from your daily prayers, the mosque offers excellent morgue services for storage and ghusl of bodies.
North Nazimabad Town has undoubtedly the most diverse community living together in harmony and peace. The following churches are located near the area: Saint Jude’s Catholic Church in D’Silva Town North Nazimabad, Philadelphia Pentecostal Church in Block Gulberg – a kilometre away, Saint Philip’s Parish in Block 13-D Gulshan-e-Iqbal – around 5 km away and Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Sector 11-E North Karachi – approximately 4 km away.
Most temples can be found in the southern part of Karachi. Baba Humayun Ram Dev in Gulshan-e-Waseem Buffer Zone is just a kilometre away from North Nazimabad Town.
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
There is a long list of educational institutions in the area. You can find scores of well-reputed and top schools in different neighbourhoods of North Nazimabad. Southern part of North Nazimabad is literally crammed with schools. There are schools on main roads and even in most streets of the southern block. The following noteworthy school are present in the area:
- Beaconhouse School System KG Branch & Primary 3 , Generations School North Campus, The City School Junior and Falconhouse Grammar School in Block B
- Usman Public School, Classic High School, Quaid-e-Azam Rangers Public School & College and City Angels Grammar School in Block A
- Little Folks Paradise School, Toronto School of Academic and Saint John’s High School in Block F
- Badri High School in Block C, North Nazimabad
- Lilies High School in Block E, North Nazimabad
- The Spirit School, Imperial High School, Al Yaqeen School and National Government Girls Secondary School in Block D
- Zaheer Public School, Wisdom House School and Mariam English High School in Block H
Beaconhouse School System has developed a strong foothold all across the country. It’s a private institution known for its unique and creative teaching techniques. Children have the option to enrol in any of the two curriculums: Karachi Board and Cambridge IGCSE. The school prepares students for O-Levels and A-Levels examinations. As General Certification of Education (GCE) is tougher than local curriculum, students have to pass mock tests to get ready for final GCE exams.
The City School is one of largest private school networks in Pakistan. Through successful franchising, The City School has managed to spread its reach across multiple cities of Pakistan. The school offers a choice between Karachi Board and Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. Most students here prefer the Cambridge based syllabus in order to become eligible for O-Levels and A-Levels examinations. A house colour divides students into four groups to compete in tournaments, creative activities and even in examinations.
Whether you are done with O-Levels or matriculation, intermediate education is the gateway to higher education institutes in Pakistan. With plenty of colleges inside North Nazimabad Town, some notable ones include Paradise Commerce College in Block B, Highbrow College and Government Premier College in Block F, Premier College of Commerce and Dr Ziauddin Intermediate College in Block H, Government Degree College for Girls in Block K & M and Pakistan Shipowners Government College in Block S. Other colleges near the area include Government Siraj-ud-Daula College on SM Taufiq Road – around 1.5 km away, Jinnah Government College in Block 5 Nazimabad – less than half a kilometre, Dehli Science & Commerce College in Block 1 Gulberg – approximately 1.5 km away, Government Dehli College on Azizabad Main Road – 2.5 km away and Government College for Men Nazimabad in Block 2 Nazimabad – about 1.5 km away. Its worth noting that many of these colleges are government institutes, which means education is usually free or extremely affordable as compared to private institutions.
North Nazimabad also takes a leads when it comes to higher education. It is home to some prominent universities of Karachi. Ziauddin University North Campus, Newports Institute of Communications & Economics, PAF KIET and Iqra University are all in Block B, North Nazimabad. Other universities in and near the area are as follows:
- Preston University in Block F, North Nazimabad
- Virtual University of Pakistan in Block D, North Nazimabad
- National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Block K
- Jinnah University for Women in Block 5 Nazimabad – a minute’s drive
- Allama Iqbal Open University in Block 14 Gulberg – around 2.5 km away
- Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences & Technology in Block 9 Gulshan-e-Iqbal – a 20-minute drive
Asian Management Institute (AMI) founded Iqra University in 1998. The university currently has multiple campuses in Karachi and a campus in Islamabad. It offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programmes in field of philosophy, business administration, fashion design, media sciences, electronic & software engineering, computer sciences and pharmacy.
Preston University is recognized by the Government of NWFP and Sindh. The university offers a range of programmes in field of business administration, computer science, applied sciences, engineering and social sciences. After undergraduate studies, students have opportunity to continue with their postgraduate diploma to achieve further specialization in similar fields. Looking forward to future modernization, a new undergraduate programme Nano Science & Technology is recently introduced.
Virtual University is known to provide an online platform for those who are unable to enrol for on-campus classes for any reason. The university offers arrays of programmes under faculty of arts, information technology, education, management and science. Students can also enrol in specialization courses in the field of finance, banking, human resource management, marketing and management.
BANKS NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Branches of almost every bank can be found near Hyderi market area on Shahrah-e-Sher Shah Suri. Some prominent banks in the area include Meezan Bank, United Bank Limited, Bank Alfalah, Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Burj Bank Limited, MCB Bank, Bank Al Habib, Sindh Bank, Summit Bank, Allied Bank Limited, Askari Bank and Soneri Bank. All of these banks have ATMs in their branches.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
North Nazimabad has access to a plethora of hospitals hence residents don’t have to travel too far for basic or emergency healthcare. You can easily reach a nearest hospital within 5 to 10 minutes. The following prominent hospital are present in the North Nazimabad:
- Dr Ziauddin Hospital and Lifeline Hospital in Block B, North Nazimabad
- Saifee Hospital in Block F near Sharah-e-Humayun, North Nazimabad
- Munawar Hospital in Block H, North Nazimabad
- Remedial Hospital in Block I next to Galaxy Banquet, North Nazimabad
- Mumtaz Hospital and Farooq-e-Azam Medical Hospital in Block K, North Nazimabad
- Ameen Medical & Dental Centre in Block N, North Nazimabad
Prominent hospitals are also located near the area, namely Geo Life Hospital in Shadman Town – a minute’s drive, Memon Medical Complex in Block 3 Gulberg – around 2.5 km away, M RAB Medical Centre in Block 2 Gulshan-e-Iqbal – approximately 4.5 km away, Patel Hospital in Block 4 Gulshan-e-Iqbal – around 8 km away, Rajput General Hospital on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road – about 7 km away and Aga Khan University Hospital and Liaquat National Hospital on National Stadium Road – around 7 km away.
Patel Hospital was founded by Mr Abdul Ghaffar Abdul Rehman also known as Mithu Patel. Mr Mithu Patel played was a known philanthropist from memon community. The hospital is well built and efficiently maintained. Special care is taken to accommodate senior or disabled patients as wheelchair access is provided across the building. The hospital also boasts a panel of highly qualified and known doctors of the city. Their emergency services are highly responsive and most patients find their healthcare treatment quite affordable.
Aga Khan Hospital is one of most recognized names in Pakistan. The name does not only carry its weight in healthcare services, but has also established a reputation in academic circle due to their excellent education programmes. The Aga Khan University Hospital has a total capacity of 560 beds distributed among private, semi-private, general and special care wards. When most hospitals fail to treat complex cases, Aga Khan is among top recommended hospitals primarily due to availability of advanced equipment and experienced doctors.
Liaquat National Hospital is a semi-government hospital named after the first prime minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan. The hospital can accommodate patients with 700 beds along with some ICU beds and ventilator units to facilitate serious cases. The emergency services are available 24/7 and patients are usually prioritized based on severity of the case. Apart from outstanding healthcare services, LNH is equally involved in education sector to train doctors in multiple specialties.
Dr Ziauddin Hospital is named after an indian academic Ziauddin Ahmad. Health TV and Ziauddin University are also owned by the hospital. Presently they operate five hospitals across Karachi with a total of 600 beds to accommodate the patients.
Moreover, a lot of private practice clinics are located across North Nazimabad. For matter of simplicity we will focus on some prominent clinics in the area, namely Al Shifa Clinic in Block B, Ghayaz Clinic and Rauf Corner in Block A, Marvi Dental Care and Burhani Clinic in Block E, Haidery Opticians, Al Habibi Child Specialist Clinic, Dr Ambreen’s Skin Care Clinic, Ayesha Optical & Eye Clinic in Block H, Imam Clinic in Block I, Hadi Homoeopathic Clinic in Block M and Dr Ejaz ul Haq in Block N.
PROPERTIES IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
SALES PRICE TREND IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
North Nazimabad covers a vast area and some residential blocks have higher demand than the others. The prices might also vary as some areas cater to high income class while others are better for middle and low income class. Presence of amenities and facilities also make a difference as areas near commercial entities such as restaurants and markets are slightly expensive as compared areas that are far from such places.
If you are looking for a property in North Nazimabad, keep an eye on Zameen.com listing for any update on rates and availability.
HOUSES FOR SALE IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
A variety of houses are available for purchase in North Nazimabad. Block F and Block B seems to have highest property value due to proximity to educational institutes, eateries and shopping centres. As property sizes are quite variable, we will focus on properties within 150 sq yd, 300 sq yd and 605 sq yd.
A 150 sq yd house in Shadman Town is on sale for around PKR 2.25 crore to PKR 2.55 crore. A 300 sq yd house is available for a price of around PKR 5.75 crore in Block H to PKR 3.5 crore in Block L.
FLATS FOR SALE IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Flats with up to 5 bedrooms are available for sale in North Nazimabad. Block B and Block F lead the list with most expensive flats in the area. A 1-bedroom flat is on sale in the range of PKR 15.5 lakh in Paposh Nagar while a similar unit can cost around PKR 35 lakh in Block N. 2-bedroom flats are listed for PKR 22 lakh in Shadman Town and PKR 1.5 crore in Block F. A 3-bedroom flat is available for purchase in between PKR 35 lakh in Shadman Town while similar flat can cost around PKR 2.5 crore in Block B.
PLOTS FOR SALES IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
A wide array of plots are listed for sale in North Nazimabad. Plots for both residential and commercial purposes are available in different sizes. For instance, a 300 sq yd plot in Shadman Town has an asking price of PKR 3 crore. Presently, the cheapest plot of 80 sq yd is on sale in Block B for PKR 7.5 lakh; whereas, in Block H, a 5000 sq yd commercial plot has an asking price of PKR 1.5 arab.
RENT PRICE TRENDS IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
HOUSES FOR RENT IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
A variety of rental houses are available in North Nazimabad. A 150 sq yd house can be rented for PKR 62 thousand per month. Monthly rent of a 300 sq yd house is around PKR 48 thousand in Shadman Town but PKR 1.5 lakh per month in Block B.
FLATS FOR RENT IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Like houses, a lot of flats are listed for rent in North Nazimabad. A 1-bedroom flat can be rented for around PKR 15 thousand in Block N. A 2-bedroom flat in Shadman Town can have a monthly rent of around PKR 12 thousand but up to PKR 48 thousand per month in Block D. Similarly, a 3-bedroom flat is available in the range of PKR 19 thousand to PKR 70 thousand per month.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Many commercial properties are listed for sale in North Nazimabad. A small shop of 2 sq yd starts out at PKR 16 lakh while a commercial hall or banquet of 1000 sq yd can cost up to PKR 55 crore.
Similarly, plenty of shop are available for rent in North Nazimabad. The cheapest shop of 16 sq yd has an asking rate of PKR 9 thousand per month while a 4000 sq yd showroom can be rented at PKR 45 lakh per month.
MOST POPULAR BLOCKS IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
From the buying trend, the most popular area for purchasing property in North Nazimabad Karachi is Block H. Block H, adjacent to Hyderi Market, is home to the famous Saima Pari Mall along with hundreds of local stores, eateries and schools. Shadman Town is next in the ranks because it is an affordable locality for middle income households.
Similarly, the most popular area for renting property in North Nazimabad Karachi is also Block-H. It is followed up by Block B and Block L. Block B is literally a school street with the famous Hyderi Super Market (HSM) present in the area. Residents can also access several banks and bakeries nearby, thus making the block ideal for families. Block L also has similar facilities to offer and therefore, property prices are more less the same.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS AND BAKERIES
MALLS NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
North Nazimabad is saturated with a number of malls where you can shop, eat and have a good time with friends and family. Even with rise of e-commerce and online shopping, we still see people flocking to these malls on weekends. Some notable shopping malls in the area are listed as follows:
- Dolmen Mall Hyderi in Block C, North Nazimabad
- Al Madni Mall in Block G, North Nazimabad
- Saima Pari Mall and Star City Mall in Block H
Dolmen Mall Hyderi is smaller than its other branches across the city such as Tariq Road and Clifton branch. The mall is built over multiple floors with an attractive exterior. Branded advertisement on its front attracts visitors from across the neighbourhood. You can find most of the famous brands here like Khaadi, Levis, Cambridge, Kurta Corner and Outfitter. It’s usually not crowded so families can enjoy their afternoon shopping while indulging in its spacious food court.
For gadget lovers, there is Sarena Mobile Mall adjacent Block N, North Nazimabad. The mall is filled with local shops that deal in purchase and sale of cell phones. You can find almost every brand even some Chinese models that aren’t too mainstream yet. You can get your phone repaired or exchanged for a different model. You can even replace your lost or damaged accessories with cheaper counterparts which are often equally reliable.
Al-Madni Mall is adjacent to main Hyderi Market and offers a lot of options in local and branded garments, shoes and accessories. It’s an old mall but has managed to stay in business due to its proximity to Hyderi Market and also due to lower prices.
RESTAURANTS AND BAKERIES NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
As more than a million people reside in North Nazimabad, the region has attracted a lot of casual and fine dining restaurants. These include both local and international names. The following restaurants are located in the neighbourhood:
- Kababjees, and Mei Kong in Block A
- Chaupal Buffet Restaurant and Alen’s Grilled & Fried Chicken in Block B
- Hussaini Chicken Corn Soup, Grill’et, Dehli Muslim Kabab House and Red Apple Fast-food in Block E
- Nando’s, Pizzahut, Burger Lab, California Pizza, Kaybees Snacks, Ginsoy Chinese Restaurant and Gul Shinwari Restaurant in Block D
- Donisl Snack & Restaurant, Pizza Point, Pizza Max, Chicago burger Factory and Sizzlerz Café & Grill in Block H
- Cremello Ice Cream and Dehli Sohail Restaurant in Block L
- Mateen Food Centre, Alpine Gelato and Mazaidar Haleem & Foods in Block M
It's quite impressive that clusters of famous restaurant chains can all be found in North Nazimabad.
Apart from a branch in North Nazimabad, Kababjees operates two more branches in Do Darya and Shaheed-e-MiIllat. Kababjees has conquered the hearts of the people with its mind blowing taste and fast service. The restaurant rarely compromises on quality of served food. They have a wide variety of food under their menu including barbeques, Chinese, Italian and fast food. If you are visiting it for first time, start out appetizer with a nachos dish filled with olives and creamy sauce. Steaks are properly cooked and seasoned here. Their menu often includes special dishes if you are looking to enlighten your taste buds.
California Pizza began its venture in Karachi in 2012. Presently, it has emerged with over 14 branches across Karachi and Lahore. They provide an easy to read menu where customers can view the ingredients before they can place an order. Apart from mouth-watering pizzas laced with extra toppings, they offer regular starter items like garlic breads, fries and salads as well.
People recognise Nando’s due to its special Portuguese chicken recipe, peri peri chicken. It’s a South African restaurant with its branches spread across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Pakistan is filled with food lovers and when you offer them something new and unique, it’s bound to be a success. Currently, Nando’s has established its outlets in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Ginsoy Chinese Restaurant has set itself apart by integration of Chinese and Pakistani recipes to come up with spicy versions of traditional Asian food. The restaurant is managed by FOOCHA Holdings who are extensively involved in introducing Pakistanis with a new concept of extreme Chinese taste.
Mazaidar Haleem & Foods offers a wide variety of desi barbeque and fast food items. It’s your typical roadside restaurant best suited for casual dining with friends and family. They are quite popular for their tinned food items. Pakistanis living abroad often purchase their tin packed food to enjoy desi cuisine. Apart from its famous haleem, the restaurant features a huge selection of menus including paya, qeema, koftai, nihari, achar gosht, qorma, karahi and kabab. Customers can choose to buy these dishes or tin packages with either chicken, beef or mutton.
Donisl Snack & Restaurant is a roadside restaurant largely popular for its juicy barbequed items on the menu. You can go for their chatni and cheese rolls, burgers, broast and kabab, or try the famous and exclusive katakat here.
It’s hard to believe that an eatery can be so popular with just one menu item i.e. a chicken corn soup. Just have a taste at Al Hussaini Chicken Corn Soup, a family owned business that attracts people from all corners of Karachi. On crowded days, people are even ready to wait hours to get a taste of their soups.
Moving on to bakeries, some top bakery chains can be found in North Nazimabad. Some well-known bakeries in the area are as follows:
- Delizia Bakery and La Farine Bakery in Block F
- Hatmi Bakers Anjarwalas and Oven Fresh Bakery in Block E
- United King and Madina Bakery in Block D
- Light Bakery and Ali Bakery in Block G
- Crown Bakery and Sawaira Sweets & Bakers in Block L
- Madras Bakery and Shalimar Bakery in Block M
United King is among the top bakeries in Karachi. Due to its quality product and services, the bakery became so popular that that word “united” was added to the name of many local bakeries to attract consumers on false pretence. It was then, United King trademarked its name and has expanded its services to serve fast food, nimko, snacks and a line of sugar free bakery items.
Then there is Delizia Bakery is famous for its cakes, cupcakes, brownies and desserts. If you are not a fan of chocolate, you can opt for its lemon cheese cake, honey cake or carrot nut cake. You can even order customized cakes for birthday parties and wedding ceremonies. You can visit their websites and order online as well.
La Farine Bakery is another bakery that has made quite a name for its taste and quality. It offers a variety of products like pizzas, cakes, pastries, pies, croissants, muffins, breads and cookies. To keep everything fresh, most products are in limited quantities.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
SPORTS FACILITIES AND FITNESS CENTRES NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Urban areas usually mean narrow streets and roads occupied with parked cars or immense vehicle traffic. Residents hardly have access to spacious ground to practice sports or even have a jog. Fortunately numerous sports grounds and complexes are present in North Nazimabad.
Sports facilities in North Nazimabad include the following:
- North Nazimabad Gymkhana (NNG) near Hashim Raza Road
- Al Nadil Burhani MSB Sports Ground in Block C
- Alliance Taekwondo Academy of Pakistan in Block N
- Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium near Cricketers Avenue
- Bakhtiari Youth Centre near Shahrah Noor Jahan
- Nazeer Hussain Young Fighter Ground in Block J
- KCCA Cricket Ground near Allama Rasheed Turabi Road
- State Bank Cricket Ground in Block A
Other notable sports facilities near the area include TMC Cricket Ground in Block 13, Gulberg – around a kilometre away, Shadab Sports Complex in Block 11, Gulberg – approximately a kilometre away, UBL Sports Complex on Rashid Minhas Road – around 5.5 km away and Sindh Sports Board Complex in Block 2 Nazimabad – about 3 km away.
North Nazimabad Gymkhana (NNG) offers versatile facilities including swimming pool, tennis court, snooker, steam bath and Jacuzzi. Jogging tracks are paved along a scenic ground surrounded by trees and well-kept bushes. A state-of-the-art gym is equipped with modern exercise machines. NNG is an exclusive club that restricts entry for non-members. Currently, the membership starts out with a security deposit of 3 lakh 50 thousand rupees. As of now, they are working on expanding their bowling alley, rest houses, a theatre hall and additional indoor games.
Karachiites have a passion for cricket and you can find scores of prominent cricket grounds in North Nazimabad alone. KCCA (Karachi City Cricket Association) cricket ground is available for club matches and net practice sessions as well as cricket tournaments. Nazeer Hussain Young Fighter Ground has a good cricket outfield, well-maintained pitch and flood lights suitable for day and night matches. Asghar Ali Shah cricket stadium was founded by a renowned orthopaedic surgeon of Pakistan and a cricket lover, Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah. It is a small stadium but has facilities like team enclosure, pavilion, VIP enclosure and even a hostel for players.
UBL (United Bank Limited) Sports Complex is built to support the UBL cricket team’s practice with professional cricket ground and an excellent pitch. The complex has two separate courts for basketball and hockey so multiple games can be played at one time.
Residents can indulge in fitness regime with access to many local gyms in almost every block of North Nazimabad. For instance Gymholic in Block F, Mr World Gym and Get Smart Gym in Block G, Murtaza Health Gym in Block E, Edge Physique Fitness Club in Block D, New Era Ladies Gym in Block I, Fitness Planet in Block M, Diamond Gym in Block C and Gold Gym in Block C
Mr World Gym was once located near the park next to Dr Ziauddin Hospital and has relocated to a newer location with better equipment and customer service. It is among the cheapest gym one could find in the area with respectable machineries and a professional guide. Gold Gym in Block C is another known option for fitness enthusiasts in the area. The gym is mostly famous because of its qualified and helpful trainers.
PARKS NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Parks located in proximity to residents means they have a chance to enjoy fresh air and sight of scenic greenery in a city filled with roads and concrete. Some prominent parks in North Nazimabad include Fateh Park in Block F, Florence Family Park in Block A, Ladies & Children Park and Khursheed Begum Park in Block H, Mufti Ramazan Family Park & Mini Zoo in Block D, Farhan Shaheed Family Park in Block I, Asghar Ali Shaheed Park, Block N Family Park and Mehdi Hasan Park in Block N.
Mufti Ramazan Family Park is considered one of the most attractive parks for families living in North Nazimabad. Children can enjoy a number of activities such as pool boating, bubble ball walking, monorail ride, bull ride, trampoline, bouncy castle and some electronic swings. Additionally, the park has a mini zoo with an aviary. The entry cost is just rupees 10 per adult although rides are separately charged.
Fateh Park is conveniently located near Ziauddin Chowrangi and attracts a lot of crowd from the neighbourhood. In the early mornings you can often team up with regular joggers and practice some yoga exercise. The park is best known for seasonal events like flower shows, children's races and circus entertainment.
SALONS AND SPAS NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
North Nazimabad is such a perfect family-friendly locality that it is natural to expect a good number of salons and beauty parlours in the area. Most of the known salons of Karachi have their branches in this area. Whether you are looking for a luxurious manicure or an affordable haircut, you can reach your favourite salon within a few minutes. Some noteworthy salons in North Nazimabad include the following:
- Zehra Abbas Salon, owned and operated by renowned artist Zehra herself, is in Block A
- Fam’s Salon is in Block B, North Nazimabad
- Monarch Men Salon, Lavish Beauty Salon, Zoza Salon & Spa and Romania Salon in Block C
- AXE men Salon in Block E
- Shazia’s Salon and Zara’s Beauty Parlour in Block L
Block H happens to have two of the most frequented parlours of the area: MahRose and Fabiolla. Fabiolla Beauty Parlour is known for its hair cutting and styling services. The parlour is neat and well-maintained and the staff is extremely friendly and courteous. More importantly, their prices are lower than high end salons in the city.
MahRose Beauty Parlour is in the beauty industry for decades. Their North Nazimabad branch is favoured by many locals for its makeup and hairstyling services. Over the years, they have expanded their list of services through extensive training and certification courses for their staff.
CINEMAS NEAR NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Cinemas have re-emerged as the main source of entertainment for the people of Karachi. Apart from your regular movies, famous local TV serials and Cricket Matches are also shown on silver screen. Some popular cinemas near North Nazimabad include 4D Cinema in Block 10 Gulshan-e-Iqbal – around 8 km away, Mega Multiplex Cinema on Rashid Minhas Road – approximately 9 km away and Nueplex Cinema in Askari 4 – about 9 km away.
4D Cinema is located inside Sindbad’s Wonderland where you do not only get to see a movie, but experience it real-time with a combination of moving seats, lightning effects and water showers. It’s an ideal location for families as kids can also enjoy a variety of rides inside the amusement park.
Nueplex Cinema is a multi-screen cinema where viewers have a choice of up to 8 screening movies at a time. It’s a fully air conditioned cinema which provides optimum cinematic experience to families. Tickets are usually sold at fixed rate and cost around rupees 700 for 2D movies and rupees 800 for 3D movies.
BANQUETS AND MARRIAGE HALLS IN NORTH NAZIMABAD, KARACHI
Sharah-e-Sher Shah Suri passes through middle of North Nazimabad and is lined with a multitude of wedding halls and banquets. This area is often known as Sakhi Hassan because of the now deconstructed Sakhi Hassan roundabout in proximity. People from all over Karachi come here in search of a perfect venue for their events.
Prominent marriage halls along and near Shahrah-e-Sher Shah Suri Road include Oasis Banquet, Caspia Banquet Hall, Sky View, Kangan Banquet, Saffron Banquet, North Marriage Garden, Crystal Banquet, Emerald Banquet, Precious Banquet, Sky Glorious, Concord Banquet, Modern Palace and Golden Garden to name the few.
NEARBY AREAS
North Nazimabad is a huge and populous town and overall, a bustling neighbourhood of Karachi. It has access to some major recreational spots such as parks, malls and food streets. Areas like Buffer Zone, Gulberg Town, Kati Pahari, Shadman Town, Paposh Nagar, Ahmedabad Colony, Nagan Chowrangi and some blocks of Federal B Area share borders with this town.
Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Block 3 Nazimabad, a prominent government hospital is a 6-minute drive from here. If you are looking to get embroidery or bead work done on your dupatta or shirt, then Paposh Nagar is the place to go. Here you can find Paposh Sarafa Bazar and Chandni Chowk Market at a 6-minute drive. At a kilometre distance you can reach Karimabad Meena Bazaar, considered the best place for mehndi. Moreover, one of major zoological gardens, Karachi Zoo in Garden East can also be accessed at a 20-minute drive from North Nazimabad Town.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
North Nazimabad has several residential blocks and most of them are rife with all kinds of facilities. Every prominent restaurant and fast food chain can be found here. Malls, markets and healthcare service, everything is accessible within a matter of minutes. Overall, it can easily be called a good place to raise a family in the city of Karachi.
However, during peak school hours in the morning and afternoon, you can expect traffic congestion in blocks that are concentrated with schools. Recent ongoing construction of Green Lane Bridge has narrowed main Sharah-e-Sher Shah Suri Road which leads to slow flow of traffic. Proximity to several malls and main markets means nearby service roads act as parking spots, which can be a nuisance for some residents.