A museum is a “permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment, for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment”, as defined by the International Council of Museums.

The Maritime Museum and PAF (Pakistan Air Force) Museum are a rich legacy and asset for the general public of Pakistan. These museums have a lot to tell and stock pile lot of information for a layman.

The Pakistan Maritime Museum

The Pakistan Maritime Museum is based on recent concepts of presentation and interactive education. An abundance of maritime and naval heritage has been incorporated through striking dioramas, relief structures, mural and miniature paintings, touch-sensitive kiosks, taxidermy and vintage equipment. The museum is stretched over an area of 28 acres and comprises beautifully landscaped grounds, a majestic building and an auditorium. The grounds include a large artificial lake, a complete mine sweeper and a midget submarine — anchored in the lake. Visitors can board the minesweeper and see its equipment and operational devices used for destroying mines and board the submarine and look through its periscope.

A replica of the Manora Light House has also been built on the premises, which signifies the importance of these nautical landmarks while navigating the sea. Visitors can climb up and enjoy a panoramic view of the museum`s breathtaking landscape. The light house greatly enhances the view of the lake and duplicates the atmosphere of Karachi harbour.

A large marine life gallery has been incorporated on the second floor of the museum. It provides the visitors a clear concept of the variations of coral and marine life from the sea surface to the continental shelf down to the deep sea. A specially programmed computer for accessing information on marine life has also been provided for the young and keen scholars.

Exquisite works of a number of Pakistani sculptors and artists of national and international repute have been displayed in the museum. Virtuosos such as Zahoor-ul-Akhlaque, Masood Kohari, Shahid Sajad and other prominent artists like Noor Jahan Bilgrami, Khalil Chisti, Ruby, Masood Akhtar, Ather Jamal and Shoaib have rendered lasting expression. These works depict regional maritime heritage, tributes to naval martyrs, Pakistan Navy`s Deeds of Glory, eloquent naval episodes and development of Pakistan Navy.

A mammoth Balaenoptera whale skeleton has been suspended from the ceiling in the vicinity of Marine Life Gallery providing the visitors yet another spectacular sight. This whale had washed-up on the shores of Karachi more than a decade ago and was retrieved by local fishermen. Later it was treated and preserved for display at this museum. The whale is about 45 feet in length and is occasionally found in tropical waters.

The Pakistan Maritime Museum has presently turned out to be a major centre of attraction among the tourists. Both young and old people love to visit this place. The well maintained lawns of the garden are simply amazing and breathtaking to look at.

PAF Museum, Karachi

PAF Museum, Karachi, is an Air Force museum and park situated between PAF Base Faisal and Awami Markaz on main Shahra-i-Faisal, Karachi. The museum remains open throughout the year for seven days a week. It is known for its well organised displays, rides and greenery.

The museum is pretty much what you would expect plenty of major fighter aircrafts and machinery in the well-kept gardens, and a large hangar with numerous memorabilia (including weapons from captured Indian soldiers, proudly on display!), pictures of war heroes and a historical timeline through the ages of the air force and also Pakistans commercial and cargo airlines. The country`s spirit of patriotism is also supported by a special aircraft on display the plane used by Mohammed Ali Jinnah (founder of Pakistan), until his death in 1948.

There are 28 aircrafts on display outside the park and seven in the hangar, along with photo and weapon galleries. There is also a souvenir shop where miniature jet models, key chains, shirts and other Air Force related merchandise are available. A mosque and restaurant also cater to the park.

Aircrafts displayed outside include North American T6 4200, Mushak 90, F104A, Turkish Air Force F104B, T33A, Sabre 6, F86F, An26 and An12 Afghan Air Force, Douglas A26, Shenyang FT6 and F6, Mig 21bis Afghan Air Force, Martin B57B, Mirage 5PA, Cessna Bird Dog, Aero Commander, Pazmany PL2, Helio Courier AP-AOU. In the hangar you can find some well kept planes like Tiger Moth D501, Auster Aiglet Trainer, Captured Indian Gnat F1, F104A, locally built “Al Munir”, ex AP-BCU which flew only once, Personal Viking 1B J750 of Pakistan`s Founding Father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, plus you can see several planes, parts and frame of parts lying in the dump area of the museum.

The souvenir shops on your way out at both the museums are interesting. Here you can purchase anything from cards, books, model aircraft, t-shirts, key chains and other merchandise.