Located along the Korangi Road (easily accessible via Sharahrah-e-Faisal) Phase II, Defence Housing Authority (DHA) is one of Karachi’s prime residential neighbourhoods. Then and now …. Phase II was established in the late 1980s, consisting of sprawling houses built on large plots until the 1990s. It was then that most houses were demolished to make way for apartment buildings , while any remaining plots were bifurcated to allow for the construction of smaller houses. Despite these changes, Phase II remains a relatively quite and clean area; its proximity to well known hospitals, schools, and recreational avenues adds to its appeal.
The market around the corner … Several commercial pockets dot Phase II; the most popular being Defence Market, which is a major attraction , not just for residents but for people living nearby, especially during Ramazan. This id due to the presence of of some of Karachi’s best known eateries – specialising in fare ranging from Chinese food to biryani – as well as tailoring and clothing shops, as bakeries and grocery stores.
Eye-catching landmarks… One of Phase II’s better known landmarks is the Masjid-e-Tooba, also known as Gol Masjid. It was constructed in 1969 using pure white marble, and the dome is believed to be the largest in the world (its diameter measures 263 feet). Above the mosque you can see the famous Honeymoon Lodge, where His Highness, Sir Ubtan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, was born in 1887.
The real estate take…. Property is classified as premium, although it is relatively cheaper compared to Phases V and VI. Commercial property options include standalone shops and retail space in low-rise buildings. Residential property options include apartments; houses built-up on plots ranging between 200 and 400 square yards are also yards are also available. Property value has increased by 15 to 20% in the last two years and rentals by 20 to 35%.
In a nutshell… While Phase II may not have fine dining and recreational avenues that other phases in DHA provide, it is an ideal neighbourhood to live in due its prime location and the amenities it offers.
By Adeel Mahfooz