Murad inaugurates restored Empress Market in Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday inaugurated the second phase of the restored Empress Market, describing the project as part of a broader effort to preserve Karachi’s architectural heritage and revive the city’s historic identity.

The ceremony for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation project was attended by government officials, members of the business community and citizens. Murad Ali Shah was accompanied by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the restoration of Empress Market was not simply the refurbishment of a historic building, but an effort to revive what he called Karachi’s cultural soul. He said the protection of heritage sites was important for reinforcing the city’s identity and for creating public spaces for residents, tourists and future generations.

He said the reopening would also create fresh opportunities for visitors, history enthusiasts, photographers, entrepreneurs and tourists to engage with Karachi’s historic character.

“This is more than the reopening of a market,” he said. “It is the unveiling of new opportunities for visitors, history enthusiasts, photographers, entrepreneurs and tourists to experience the authentic and timeless character of Karachi. Our commitment is to restore the city’s historic gems and reconnect people with their rich cultural legacy.”

Restoration work and facilities

According to the details shared at the inauguration, the rehabilitation work covers the restoration of all sections of the market, improvements to pedestrian areas, better parking arrangements, conservation of heritage features and the full revival of the landmark clock tower.

The chief minister said the clock tower had been made functional again after a gap of 25 years. He also said several other heritage markets and historic buildings were currently being rehabilitated and would soon be restored to their original form.

KMC statement

In a statement issued later, the KMC said the revamped Empress Market was expected to emerge as a lively destination where trade, culture and history come together. The civic body said the site was likely to attract both local visitors and international tourists.

Empress Market is one of Karachi’s best-known historic landmarks, and the latest phase of restoration forms part of the city administration’s stated effort to reconnect the public with the city’s built heritage while improving the surrounding public space.