Written by Sabahat Sarwar
Sindh Police stands as one of the oldest policing force in the South Asia, tracing its foundation back to 1843, during the British colonial era long before the independence of Pakistan. Originally established under British rule, the department transitioned into the leadership of Muslim officers after independence. Throughout its evolution, its mission has remained steadfast: to uphold law and order and ensure the safety and security of the people of Sindh.
Among Karachi’s many colonial-era landmarks, one structure continues to capture both the eye and the imagination. The Jackson Police Station, located near the Keamari Port. Built around in 1924, this historical police station is not just a building, it is a living monument of Karachi’s architectural and administrative heritage.
Constructed using mountain rocks mixed with soil, rather than modern cement and concrete blocks, the building stands as a remarkable example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Nearly a century later, the structure remains strong, functional and elegantly preserved, echoing the grandeur of the colonial age. Its stone walls, high arched windows, and heavy wooden doors instantly transport visitors to a bygone era. The corridors resemble the narrow passageways of ancient forts, while the aged wooden staircase still creaks with history. Inside, original elements such as the lockup cells and arm depot locally called the bunker continue to exist, preserving the authenticity of the site.
According to DSP Arshad Afridi (SDPO Keamari), the Sindh Police has taken great care to maintain this structure. The police station covers an area of over one thousand yards, and remarkably, records of FIRs dating back more than 70 years are still preserved within its archives. Additionally, the record of Station House Officers (SHOs) posted since 1935 remains intact, offering a priceless glimpse into the evolution of Karachi’s policing history.
Though the origin of the station’s name “Jackson” remains somewhat uncertain, historians believe it may have been named after a missionary Dr. Jackson or Dr. J. Jackson, the former principal of D.J. College during the British period. Regardless of its exact namesake, the Jackson Police Station continues to symbolize the enduring legacy of the Sindh Police and the city’s colonial past.
Situated near one of the most strategically sensitive areas of Karachi the Keamari industrial, port and dockside zone. The station was originally established to maintain law and order around the port. Even after more than a hundred years, it still performs that same vital duty, standing proudly with all its historic charm and architectural glory intact. As time moves forward, this majestic building continues to remind us of the resilience, heritage and proud legacy of the Sindh Police.
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