Khairpur

Khairpur is a city in the south of Sindh province in Pakistan and serves as the capital of Khairpur District. The town lies on the western bank of the Indus River, about 320 kilometres south of the provincial capital Karachi, and is connected by national highways and a railway line linking it to major regional centres.

The area around Khairpur has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological finds indicating human settlement dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The city grew into a prominent administrative centre during the British colonial period, when it was designated the capital of the princely state of Khairpur. The state ruled the surrounding region from the early eighteenth century until the mid-twentieth century, when it acceded to Pakistan in 1947. Its former princely residence, the Pir Qabsa Mosque and the week market are notable historic landmarks that reflect the town’s diverse heritage.

Today, Khairpur’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with fertile plains producing wheat, rice, sugarcane and citrus fruit. The city also hosts a number of small and medium‑sized textile, leather‑processing and food‑packing industries that contribute to local employment. The main railway junction facilitates trade of agricultural produce to larger markets, while the proximity to the Indus River supports irrigation and fishing activities.

Khairpur has a mixed population, predominantly Sindhi, with Urdu and English used in administration and education. The town has a number of schools, colleges and a medical centre that serve the district’s residents. Cultural life in Khairpur reflects the broader Sindhi traditions, including music, dance and cuisine, while also incorporating the influences of neighboring Baloch and Punjabi communities. The city continues to be an important administrative hub for the district, balancing its historic legacy with modern development.