Gulistan-e-Johar | |
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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-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]
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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]