Old Karachi

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Located in the heart of Saddar, Capitol Cinema was a relatively small but beautifully designed cinema that became an important part of Karachi's rich cinematic heritage.

The cinema was situated in the lane around Karim Centre, an area remembered for its lively atmosphere, local shops and the famous chaat vendor whose delicious taste was fondly remembered by generations of Karachiites.

Capitol Cinema and Paradise Cinema were both owned by the same Parsi proprietor, Mr. Mobed. Paradise Cinema stood opposite Mehboob Cloth Market, while Capital Cinema was located near Karim Centre. Because of their common ownership, the two cinemas were often regarded as the “twin cinemas” of Saddar.

Capitol Cinema was particularly admired for its comfortable seating and excellent air-conditioning, making it a favourite destination during Karachi's hot summer months. For many moviegoers, the cool, comfortable atmosphere was itself part of the cinema experience.

Like many of Karachi's historic single-screen cinemas, Capitol Cinema eventually became part of a disappearing era as the city's traditional cinema culture declined and commercial development transformed Saddar.

Today, the cinema itself is gone, but its name remains connected to memories of Old Saddar, grand movie theatres, family outings and Karachi's golden age of cinema.

A small cinema, but a memorable part of Karachi's big cinematic story.
 
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Keamari Harbour — 1900s

The aerial view reveals the scale of Karachi’s port complex more than a century ago. A Royal Navy cruiser lies anchored off the jetty, while goods sheds, railway tracks and harbour facilities can be seen across the waterfront.

The railway tracks ran directly onto the wharf, allowing cargo to move between ships, railway wagons and warehouses. In the foreground are the small stone customs buildings, some of which still survive today, although sadly in ruins.

By this period, Karachi had emerged as one of the most important ports of British India, handling enormous quantities of agricultural produce from Sindh, Punjab and the surrounding regions.
 
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The Union Jack Club in Karachi, India (Pakistan after 14th August 1947.


The building still stands and is now known as the Services Club (or Services Mess).
 

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