Frere Hall, Karachi Insider Tips

Frere Hall

Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and its Frere Hall attracts tourists and locals who want to enjoy the culture and beauty of this unique area.

Liaquat Library

The ground floor of Frere Hall houses a fine public library named Liaquat National Library (after Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan, first Pakistani Prime Minister). It is one of the largest libraries of Karachi, contains over seventy thousand books, including rare and hand written manuscripts, newspapers, dictionaries, atlases and technical books.

Open Now

This Museum features 1800s architecture and a rich history for both British and Pakistan history. Just next to Frere Hall is the house owned by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, he never lived there and his sister Fatima Jinnah lived there. The house is a museum and bears many artifacts of Jinnah.

Take Pictures

The gardens around the building are remarkable. And the building is just as photographable. Raised in memory of Sir Bartle Frere (Commissioner of Sind 1851-1859, this Venetian Gothic style building was designed by Colonel Clair Wilkins whose proposal was selected from 12 entries, in what was perhaps the first recorded architectural design competition for a public building in Sind. The gardens around the building were added in 1887-88 by Mr. Benjamin Flinch. Originally the statues of Queen Victoria and King Edward (both of which have now been removed), adorned the garden.

Sadequain

If you can not go to Sistine Chappell to see Michelangelo’s painting on the ceiling, you can always go to Frere Hall to see what Sadequain did.  While painting, the Holy Sinner passed away. It was debated amongst his students and others that maybe his students can finish this off. However sense prevailed, and it was decided that this was his master piece, and it should be left as it is.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Karachi is dotted with institutions built by and for Goans. St. Patrick’s Church,was built in 1845. It was Sindh’s first Catholic church. Today it is flanked by St Patrick’s High School(Convent of Jesus & Mary school for girls) . Both these limestone structures are fine examples of Gothic architecture and lie in a quieter part of Karachi.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Karachi.