Kunri (Urdu: کنری), (Sindhi: ڪنري) is a small town located in the Sindh province in the southern part of Pakistan.[1] It is about 300 miles (480 km) from Karachi, one of the largest cities in Pakistan. It has a population of about 100,000, composed of mostly Muslims; however, there is a large Christian, Kashmiri, and Hindu minority. The large population of Christians and Hindus, unique to Pakistan, came about because many people decided not move to India during the 1947 Partition of India. The Kashiri population arrived in 1960 after there was a large migration due to the sever winter suffered.
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Kunri's economy is mostly based on agriculture. Apart from this, the region produces different types of crops, including red chilies, cotton, sunflower, sugar cane, and mangoes. By far, the most popular crop in Kunri is the red chili, which sustains the financial structure of the town. There are few small and one big (and solvent) cooking oil plant located in Kunri, most of which only provide employment to needy people in the city.
Air-conditioned coaches have been running from Kunri to Karachi for years, which makes travel much easier than from other small towns. Recently, the transportation system has been improved even further. Apart from this, Kunri is known as the biggest red chili market in Pakistan.
It has a conservative culture, unlike the metropolitan cities of Pakistan. Jeeps are widely used instead of cars in this area. Some Hindu and even Christian women wear ghagra and the bangles from shoulders to wrists, as is the cultural and historical dress. It is uncommon for women of Kunri to work outside their homes; most of their work is handicraft. There is also a notable Christian colony, Josephabad. [2]
Transportation consists mostly of rickshaws, three-wheeled motorcycles, and bicycles. There are also cars and buses that enable the citizens of Kunri to travel as far as Karachi. Some transportation is a problem in the city; the only road joining Kunri to Mirpurkhas is in bad condition and requires constant repair. However, it must be noted that the transportation system is continually being improved. "Kaykra" desert runner trucks are used to travel in the desert area near Kunri, while Shahzad Ashraf Goods transpoart Company is working for transportation of Goods, including crops. These various efforts are improving the transportation of goods between cities.
Kunri is relatively cold in winter, around 3-12 Celsius. In summer the temperature is very hot, reaching up to 46 Celsius, and dust storms are frequent. The average rainfall is about 100 millimeters.