Lighthouses in Pakistan: Overview
Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights that help ships find their way at sea, especially at night or during bad weather. They guide sailors safely to the shore and warn them about dangerous rocks or shallow waters.
Pakistan has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea, stretching over 1,000 kilometers. Along this coast, several lighthouses have been built to help boats and ships travel safely. These lighthouses are located in important areas like Karachi, Gwadar, Ormara, and Pasni.
In this article, we will look at the main lighthouses in Pakistan, where they are located, and why they are important for sea travel and national security.
List of Lighthouses in Pakistan – Complete Guide with Details
Lighthouses on the Sindh Coast
1- Ahsan Channel Range Rear Lighthouse Pakistan
The Ahsan Channel Range Rear Lighthouse is an active navigational aid located near Port Qasim, Pakistan’s second-largest port. This lighthouse serves as the rear light in a range system guiding vessels through the Ahsan Channel towards the port.
Specifications:
- Focal Height: 31 meters (102 feet)
- Light Characteristic: Occulting white light
- Range: 16 nautical miles
The structure consists of a 31-meter steel post with a large square gallery, mounted on a round concrete platform. The front light of this range is on a similar but shorter tower. The lighthouse is situated in the Arabian Sea, approximately 3 kilometers south of Bundle Island, and is accessible only by boat.
As of August 2022, the Ahsan Channel Rear Leading Light was reported unlit, and mariners were advised to exercise caution when navigating the area.
2-Bara Andai Lighthouse
The Bara Andai Lighthouse, also known as Bara Anda or Oyster Rocks Lighthouse, is situated on the Oyster Rocks, a group of small islands at the entrance to Karachi Harbor in Pakistan. This lighthouse played a crucial role in aiding navigation for vessels approaching the Port of Karachi.
Key Details:
- Location: Oyster Rocks, near the Port of Karachi, Pakistan
- Coordinates: Approximately 24°47′52″N latitude and 66°59′52″E longitude.
- Structure: 4.5-meter (15-foot) concrete building from which the light was displayed via a short mast.
- Light Characteristics: Flashing white and red sectors with a pattern of two flashes every 8 seconds.
- Focal Height: 35 meters (115 feet) above sea level.
- Operational Status: Deactivated in 2015.
The Oyster Rocks area has undergone significant development, including the construction of new harbor basins and breakwaters that now enclose the islands. These changes have influenced the navigational landscape, leading to the deactivation of the Bara Andai Lighthouse. The site is accessible only by boat, and its current condition is not well-documented.
3-Khuddi Island Lighthouse
The Khuddi Island Lighthouse is a prominent navigational aid located in Port Qasim, Karachi, Pakistan. Constructed in the 1970s, it serves as a landfall light for vessels approaching Port Qasim.
Key Details:
- Location: Khuddi Island, Port Qasim, Karachi, Pakistan
- Coordinates: Approximately 24°33′37″N latitude and 67°13′10″E longitude
- Structure: A 40-meter (131-foot) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a one-story keeper’s house. The lighthouse is painted with black and white horizontal bands.
- Light Characteristics: Flashing white light, four flashes every 30 seconds.
- Focal Height: 40 meters (131 feet) above sea level.
- Range: 17 nautical miles.
- Operational Status: Active.
- Accessibility: Accessible only by boat.
- Operator: Port Qasim Authority.
Photographs of the lighthouse, such as the one taken around 1972, provide visual insights into its design and setting. However, due to its location on a small island and its role as a sensitive navigational site, access to the lighthouse and its immediate surroundings is restricted.
As of April 2025, the lighthouse remains operational, maintained by the Port Qasim Authority, ensuring safe passage for maritime traffic in the region.
4-Karachi Range Rear Lighthouse
The Karachi Range Rear Lighthouse is a navigational aid located near the Port of Karachi, Pakistan. It serves as the rear light of a range system guiding vessels into the harbor.
Key Details:
- Location: Port of Karachi, Pakistan
- Coordinates: 24°47′36″N latitude and 66°59′54″E longitude
- Structure: A 20-meter (66-foot) mast on a round platform supported by tripod piles.
- Light Characteristics: Occulting white light every 7 seconds (Oc W 7s).
- Range: 14 nautical miles.
- Operational Status: Inactive since 2017.
- Operator: Karachi Port Trust.
This lighthouse was part of a range system that included a front light, which was discontinued in 2014. The front light was located at the end of the east breakwater of the Oyster Rocks harbor basin, while the rear light was situated just outside the east breakwater. Both structures are accessible only by boat.
5-Kunni Range Rear Lighthouse
The Kunni Range Rear Lighthouse is a significant navigational aid located in Port Qasim, Karachi, Pakistan. It serves as the rear light in a range system that guides vessels navigating Phitti Creek toward Port Qasim.
Key Details:
- Location: Port Qasim, Karachi, Pakistan
- Coordinates: 24°45′56″N latitude and 67°12′46″E longitude
- Structure: A 20-meter (66-foot) steel post with a large square gallery, mounted on a round concrete platform.
- Light Characteristics: Flashing white light every 4 seconds (Fl W 4s).
- Focal Height: 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level.
- Range: 6 nautical miles.
- Operational Status: Active.
- Operator: Port Qasim Authority.
The front light associated with this range is situated on a similar but shorter tower. Both structures are accessible only by boat. The site is open, but the towers are closed to the public.
6-Manora Point Lighthouse
The Manora Point Lighthouse, situated on Manora Island near Karachi, Pakistan, is a significant navigational aid with a rich history. Originally established in 1851, the lighthouse was rebuilt in 1889 to accommodate increased maritime traffic. The installation of the hyper-radiant Fresnel lens in 1908 enhanced its visibility. Adjacent to the lighthouse is St. Paul’s Church, built in 1865, adding to the site’s historical significance.
Key Details:
- Location: Manora Island, Karachi, Pakistan
- Established: 1851; current tower constructed in 1889
- Structure: 38-meter (125-foot) conical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, featuring red and white horizontal bands on the seaward side
- Light Characteristics: Flashing white light every 7.5 seconds
- Focal Height: 48 meters (157 feet) above sea level
- Range: Approximately 26 nautical miles
- Lens: Hyper-radiant Fresnel lens installed in 1908
- Operational Status: Active
- Managing Authority: Karachi Port Trust
While the lighthouse is operational and serves as a vital aid for vessels entering Karachi’s harbor, the area is part of a restricted zone due to nearby naval bases. Consequently, public access to the lighthouse tower is limited. However, visitors can view the lighthouse from the surrounding areas, and the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi features a replica of the lighthouse that the public can explore.
7- Oyster Rocks Lighthouse
The Oyster Rocks are a group of small islands located off the coast of Karachi’s Clifton neighborhood in Sindh, Pakistan. Historically, the Oyster Rocks area featured a lighthouse known as the Oyster Rocks Lighthouse, which served as a navigational aid for vessels entering Karachi’s harbor. However, this lighthouse has been inactive since 2015.
Key Details:
- Location: Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
- Coordinates: Approximately 24°48′02″N latitude and 66°59′54″E longitude
- Structure: The lighthouse was a 4.5-meter (15-foot) concrete building with a short mast, providing guidance to vessels navigating the area.
- Status: Inactive since 2015.
Current Developments:
In recent years, the Oyster Rocks area has undergone significant changes. A new harbor basin has been developed, and the construction of breakwaters has altered the region’s coastal dynamics. These developments have led to changes in the navigational aids in the area, with some structures being decommissioned or replaced.
Access and Activities:
The Oyster Rocks are accessible only by boat, and the area has become a popular spot for activities such as cliff diving, swimming, and rock climbing. However, it’s important to note that the area is part of a restricted zone due to its proximity to naval installations, and visitors should exercise caution and adhere to local regulations when planning to visit.
8- Phitti Creek Range Rear Lighthouse
The Phitti Creek Range Rear Lighthouse is an active navigational aid located in Port Qasim, Karachi, Pakistan. It guides vessels navigating Phitti Creek toward Port Qasim.
Key Details:
- Location: Port Qasim, Karachi, Pakistan
- Coordinates: 24°44′1″N latitude and 67°9′5″E longitude
- Structure: A 20-meter (66-foot) steel post with a large square gallery, mounted on a round concrete platform.
- Light Characteristics: A white light flashing every 4 seconds (Iso W 4s).
- Focal Height: 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level.
- Range: 6 nautical miles.
- Operational Status: Active.
- Operator: Port Qasim Authority.
The front light associated with this range is situated on a similar but shorter tower. Both structures are accessible only by boat. The site is open, but the towers are closed to the public.
9-Ras Muari Lighthouse
Ras Muari, commonly known as Cape Monze, is a prominent cape located approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) west of Karachi, Pakistan. It serves as a significant landmark for maritime navigation along the Arabian Sea coast.
Key Details:
- Lighthouse Construction: Built in 1914 during British rule, the Ras Muari Lighthouse stands as a testament to colonial-era engineering.
- Structure: The lighthouse features a 48-meter (157-foot) cylindrical concrete tower, adorned with black and white horizontal bands on the seaward side.
- Light Characteristics: It emits two white flashes every 10 seconds, with a focal plane of 49 meters (161 feet), ensuring visibility to vessels approaching from the southwest.
Access and Restrictions:
Situated within a high-security zone due to its proximity to military installations, including the Pakistan Marines training areas and the KANUPP nuclear power plant, public access to the Ras Muari Lighthouse is restricted. Visitors should be aware of the strict security protocols and obtain necessary permissions before planning a visit.
10- Sir Creek Lighthouse
The Sir Creek Lighthouse, situated in the Indus River Delta along Pakistan’s Sindh coast, serves as a crucial navigational aid in the region.
Key Details:
- Location: Indus River Delta, Sindh, Pakistan
- Coordinates: Approximately 23°48′7″N latitude and 68°2′22″E longitude
- Year Established: 2005
- Structure: A 46-meter (151-foot) square skeletal tower with a gallery, painted gray.
- Light Characteristics: Flashing white light every 12 seconds.
- Focal Height: 46 meters (151 feet) above sea level.
- Range: Approximately 25 nautical miles.
- Operator: Mercantile Marine Department of Pakistan.
Strategic Significance:
Sir Creek is a 96 km (60-mile) estuary that forms the boundary between Pakistan’s Sindh province and India’s Gujarat state. The lighthouse not only aids in navigation but also marks this contentious border area. The region has been a subject of dispute between India and Pakistan, primarily due to differing interpretations of the boundary line.
Access and Restrictions:
The lighthouse is located in a sensitive border area, and access is restricted. Visitors are advised to seek prior permission from relevant authorities before planning a visit.
11- Turshian Mouth Lighthouse
The Turshian Mouth Lighthouse is an active navigational aid located at the northern entrance of the Indus River Delta in Pakistan. It marks the mouth of Turshian Creek, guiding vessels into the delta’s waterways.
Key Details:
- Location: Turshian Creek, Indus River Delta, Sindh, Pakistan
- Coordinates: 24°4′37″N latitude, 67°23′58″E longitude
- Year Established: 1995
- Structure: A 45-meter (148-foot) square skeletal tower with a gallery, painted gray, accompanied by a one-story keeper’s house.
- Light Characteristics: Flashes three white lights every 20 seconds.
- Focal Height: Approximately 45 meters (148 feet) above sea level.
- Range: 20 nautical miles.
- Operator: Mercantile Marine Department of Pakistan.
Access and Restrictions:
Due to its location in a border-sensitive area, access to the lighthouse is restricted. Visitors are advised to seek prior permission from relevant authorities before planning a visit.
For a visual perspective of the lighthouse and its surroundings, satellite imagery is available through mapping services.
Lighthouses on the Balochistan Coast
1-Astola Island Lighthouse
Astola Island, also known as Jezira Haft Talar or “Island of the Seven Hills,” is Pakistan’s largest offshore island, located in the Arabian Sea approximately 25 km south of the coast near Pasni, Balochistan. In 1982, the Government of Pakistan installed a lighthouse on the island to aid maritime navigation. This lighthouse was later upgraded to a solar-powered system in 1987.
Key Details:
- Location: Astola Island, Balochistan, Pakistan
- Coordinates: Approximately 25°7′8.4″N latitude and 63°49′59.7″E longitude
- Year Established: 1982; solar-powered upgrade in 1987
- Structure: A 10-meter (33-foot) square pyramidal skeletal tower
- Light Characteristics: Flashing white light every 15 seconds
- Focal Height: Approximately 89 meters (292 feet) above sea level
- Range: 19 nautical miles
- Operator: Mercantile Marine Department, Government of Pakistan
Access and Restrictions:
Astola Island is uninhabited and can be reached by boat from Pasni in about three hours. Visitors should note that the island is a protected marine area, and access may be subject to regulations to preserve its unique ecosystem.
2-Gwadar Lighthouse
The Gwadar Lighthouse is a prominent navigational aid located in Gwadar, a port city in Balochistan, Pakistan. It serves as a crucial point for guiding maritime traffic into the Gwadar Port, enhancing the safety and efficiency of sea navigation in the region.
Key Details:
- Location: Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan
- Coordinates: Approximately 25°5′57″N latitude and 62°20′48″E longitude
- Year Established: 1970
- Structure: The lighthouse features a focal height of 84 meters (276 feet).
- Light Characteristics: It emits two white flashes every 15 seconds (Fl(2) W 15s), ensuring visibility to approaching vessels.
- Range: The light has an effective range of 19 nautical miles, providing ample warning to ships navigating the area.
Access and Restrictions:
While the lighthouse itself is operational, specific details regarding public access are limited. Visitors interested in viewing the lighthouse or learning more about its history are advised to contact local authorities or the Port of Gwadar for the most current information on accessibility and any required permissions.
3-Gwadar Range Front and Rear Lighthouse
The Gwadar Range Front Lighthouse and Gwadar Range Rear Lighthouse are two important navigational aids situated near the port city of Gwadar, Pakistan. They are part of the range system designed to guide vessels through the coastal waters, ensuring safe navigation, especially for larger ships approaching the port.
Gwadar Range Front Lighthouse
- Location: 25°6′53″N 62°19′49″E
- Established: 2000s
- Light Characteristics: Iso G 2s (Isophase Green, with a period of 2 seconds)
- Height: 32 meters
- Light Range: 12 nautical miles
- Identification: D7734.3
Gwadar Range Rear Lighthouse
- Location: 25°6′53″N 62°19′22″E
- Established: 2000s
- Light Characteristics: Fl G 3s (Flashing Green, with a period of 3 seconds)
- Height: 45 meters
- Light Range: 12 nautical miles
- Identification: D7734.35
These two lighthouses work in tandem to create a leading line for vessels to follow as they approach the harbor. The front lighthouse is positioned closer to the shore, and the rear lighthouse is positioned further inland. The different light characteristics help sailors to align their course while approaching Gwadar port.
4- Jiwani Lighthouse
The Jiwani Lighthouse is a significant maritime structure located in Jiwani, a town in Balochistan, Pakistan, near the border with Iran. Constructed during British rule, it has historically served as a guide for ships navigating the Arabian Sea.
Key Details:
- Location: Jiwani, Balochistan, Pakistan
- Coordinates: Approximately 25°1′48″N latitude and 61°48′40″E longitude
- Year Established: 1970
- Structure: The lighthouse features a focal height of 140 meters (459 feet).
- Light Characteristics: It emits a white flash every 10 seconds (Fl W 10s), with a range of 19 nautical miles.
Recent Events:
In December 2024, a bomb attack targeted Pakistan Coast Guard personnel near the Jiwani Lighthouse, resulting in one death and one injury.
5- Ormara Lighthouse
Ormara is a town and port located in the Makran coastal region of Balochistan, Pakistan, situated approximately 360 kilometers (220 miles) west of Karachi and 230 kilometers (140 miles) east of Gwadar along the Arabian Sea. The town’s name is derived from “Ormoz,” a general of Alexander the Great, who is believed to have died there during the Macedonian king’s campaign in the region.
Ormara Lighthouse:
- Establishment: The Ormara Lighthouse was established in 1970 to aid maritime navigation along this stretch of the coast.
- Location: It is positioned at the eastern end of the ridge that shelters Ormara’s harbor, with approximate coordinates of 25°11′19″N latitude and 64°41′16″E longitude.
- Structure: The lighthouse features a focal height of 227 meters (745 feet), making it a prominent feature in the area.
- Light Characteristics: It emits two white flashes every 20 seconds (Fl(2) W 20s), with a range of approximately 19 nautical miles, ensuring visibility to approaching vessels.
Access and Restrictions:
While the lighthouse itself is operational, specific details regarding public access are limited. Visitors interested in viewing the lighthouse or learning more about its history are advised to contact local authorities or the Mercantile Marine Department for the most current information on accessibility and any required permissions.
6- Pasni Lighthouse
The Pasni Lighthouse is a significant navigational aid located in Pasni, a town in the Gwadar District of Balochistan, Pakistan. Established in 1970, it serves to guide vessels safely along this stretch of the Makran coast.
Key Details:
- Location: Pasni, Gwadar District, Balochistan, Pakistan
- Coordinates: 25°12′34″N latitude and 63°28′48″E longitude
- Year Established: 1970
- Structure: The lighthouse has a focal height of 136 meters (446 feet).
- Light Characteristics: It emits three white flashes every 30 seconds (Fl(3) W 30s), with a range of approximately 17 nautical miles.
Lighthouses in Pakistan may not always be in the spotlight, but they quietly perform an important job every single day. They guide ships safely through the Arabian Sea and help protect Pakistan’s busy ports and fishing areas.
From the historic Manora Point Lighthouse in Karachi to the strategic Gwadar Lighthouse in Balochistan, each one has its own role in keeping sea traffic safe and organized. As Pakistan’s coastal trade grows, these lighthouses will continue to serve as helpful guides for both local fishermen and large cargo ships.
Protecting and maintaining these lighthouses is important not only for safety but also for preserving a part of our maritime heritage.