Habib Bank Plaza, Karachi (must see)

Habib Bank Plaza (HBL Plaza) is one of Karachi's most recognizable skyscrapers and a defining landmark in Pakistan's financial district. Construction began in 1963, and the tower officially commenced full banking operations on September 4, 1971, to mark the 25th anniversary of Habib Bank Limited (HBL). Designed by the American architectural firm Leo A. Daly, it stands 101 meters (331 feet) tall with 22 stories.

It remained Pakistan's tallest building until the completion of MCB Tower in 2005 and, following its structural topping-out, was also the tallest building in South Asia from 1963 to 1972, reflecting the country's rapid economic growth during the mid-20th century. The tower was constructed with a reinforced concrete frame in a modernist style. Its most distinctive feature is its circular, cylindrical footprint, often compared by locals to a stack of coins because of its banking association. Vertical exterior fins provide structural sun-shading while giving the building its recognizable appearance. The tower houses HBL's corporate offices and core banking facilities. It is also known for its rooftop viewing lobby, where Pakistan's Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has traditionally conducted official moon-sighting sessions to determine the beginning of Ramadan and Eid. Although the interior is generally closed to visitors without special permission, the tower remains an important architectural landmark.

Beyond its architectural significance, Habib Bank Plaza represents an important chapter in Pakistan's economic development. It became closely associated with the expansion of the banking industry and the modernization of Karachi's commercial center. Today, it continues to function as an active office tower while remaining one of the city's most recognizable skyline landmarks and a lasting symbol of Pakistan's financial heritage.