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    The Shopaholic's Paradise: Zainab Market Karachi

    Written by: Amber Juman
    Posted on: September 12, 2016 | | 中文

    Zainab Market, Karachi

    “Visiting any shop for the first time is exciting. There's always that buzz as you push open the door; that hope, that belief that this is going to be the shop of all shops, which will bring you everything you ever wanted, at magically low prices.” – Sophie Kinsella

    I am not one of those people who would take one look at a shopping mall and fall in love with it. I don’t totally lose myself going from one shop to another and trying out a hundred dresses. I don’t spend countless hours in search of that perfect shoe or that ideal lip gloss. I am one of those people who would glance at a mall and say, “I am tired.” Yes, I am not your typical girl. But then again, I must be one in a million. For the rest of the shopaholic-filled world out there, “Welcome to Karachi!”

    Karachi is home to an array of shopping plazas, but Zainab Market, located in the heart of the city, is the ultimate shopping destination for many. It was set up in the mid ‘70s, and even with its modest outward appearance, it has garnered a reputation that few bazaars, if any, can match in the country. People flock to it from all over Karachi (and beyond).

    Zainab Market Karachi
     

    The market is located in Saddar, one of the busiest areas of Karachi. So if you plan on driving there, prepare to have your driving skills tested like never before. The traffic is such that once you enter the area, God help you in getting out. But most unfortunately, there are hardly any parking spots available for the visitors. This might be discouraging for some, but the Karachi-ites…well, let’s just say they like living dangerously. For those who are lucky enough to get a parking spot, the Abdullah Haroon Road is lined with cars waiting for their owners to come back with huge shopping bags, and even bigger smiles.

    Zainab Market Karachi
     

    The market building comprises three floors. The ground floor caters primarily to the vendors, while the basement consists of specialized shops, and the first floor mainly deals in leather products. You’ll find everything from wedding dresses and traditional jewellery to handicrafts and decoration items, all at the most reasonable prices. The variety of products is not limited as in other shops of the city; this market provides everything under one roof. So not only it is cheaper, but it also saves time for the customer.

    The market is almost like a maze, with back to back stores and hundreds of vendors all around. When you pass through, every shopkeeper will call out to you with a cry of, “Baji!” (sister). They’ll hold up clothes and artifacts, trying to lure you to their store.

    Zainab Market is a one stop shop for all your clothing needs. You can find export quality clothes of all shapes and sizes, for people of all age groups (especially little children and teenagers). From locally manufactured to imported clothes, this place has it all. The best products are the export leftovers/rejects made for major brands such as Levi’s, Nike and Polo, especially casual wear such as T-shirts and jeans. Understandably, the quality varies, and some of the leftover clothes are slightly defective, so keep your eyes open! If you’re careful, though, and if you’ve done your fair share of bargains in the past, you can get immaculate, export quality clothes for as low as one-eighth of their original price.

    Zainab Market Karachi
     

    Visiting Zainab Market is a culturally empowering experience. Just like our country is a plethora of cultures, each of the stores brings its own unique cultural flavor to the market. Every Sindhi ajrak, Punjabi ghagra and Bangali dress reveals the vibrant beauty of Pakistan. You’ll come across the most exquisite mirror work on shawls, the best Balochi frocks, the finest quality carpets, and the most sophisticated needlework. The shops also display intricately embroidered wall hangings that are handmade by craftswomen in rural areas. Wooden doors, boxes and frames are available too, which are usually made of Sheesham (Rosewood) and Deodar. A large variety of shawls like the gorgeous pashmina are also on offer. Moreover, stunning ethnic and tribal jewellery is a major attraction for the customers.

    Zainab Market Karachi
     

    What I’ll always remember from my visits to Zainab Market is the intense bargaining between the shopkeepers and customers. It is always the most hilarious yet intriguing part of my visit. The shopkeeper might start with a price of Rs. 1,500, but the customer will soon have it down to Rs. 750, if not less (only if they are experienced in the skill of bargaining). The key is to make the salesman feel as if it is he who needs you – and by the time you are leaving, everything will be priced according to your wishes. After hours of rummaging through piles of clothes, you’ll find just what you’d been looking for, and the right bargain will make every moment seem worth it.

    Zainab Market Karachi
     

    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021