The oasis-like garden in water-starved Karachi covers an area of 25 acres and was built at a cost of Rs.250 million. The entire garden constructed on the right of Silver Jubilee Gate presents a soothing view to eyes of visitors. The garden was developed with funding from Higher Education Commission (H.E.C) for science-related study. The Garden is split into 12 sections, each containing a typical species of plants.  The university has maintained it well so far with a waste water treatment plant.
The Botanical Garden - the first ever built in a Pakistani university - was inaugurated by the University Chancellor, Dr.Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan on September 12, 2008.
Around 25,000 visitors visit the sprawling Botanical Garden at Karachi University ever day. Prominent among the visitors were those from the British high commission, British Counsels, Chinese delegations as well as students from the country and academia abroad.
Some 2000 indigenous and exotic species of plants adorn the garden. Rare plants like Acacianilotica, hemispherical, Rubella sindica etc grown solely in Pakistan are planned in the sprawling garden. A Plant Conservation Laboratory attached to the garden helps study the plants, whilst green houses built therein help grow tropical temperate alpine plants, and there is also an amphitheatre for public education programs.
The idea behind the construction of the garden was to spread public awareness about plants, plant conservation as well as to promote scientific research; whereas the construction of an exhibition centre is under consideration.
AURANGZAIB,
Karachi, March 27.