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Intro: Affordable DHA
When we talk about DHA commercials, the spotlight usually falls on the glitz and glamour of Bukhari or the luxury of Emaar. But where does the real work happen? Where do you go for wholesale prices, bulk printing, car repairs, or affordable office space?
The answer lies in DHA’s secondary commercial zones.
Areas like Jami Commercial (Phase 7), Phase 2 Extension, and Gold Mark (Phase 1) are the unsung heroes of Defence. For investors and small business owners, these areas offer entry prices that are often 40-50% lower than Phase 6, while still providing excellent returns.
In this guide, ApnaDHA explores the best “Value-for-Money” commercial zones in DHA Karachi.
Table of Contents
1. Jami Commercial (Phase 7) – The Industrial & Wholesale Hub
Situated right next to Korangi Road and Phase 2 Extension, Jami Commercial is one of the busiest commercial zones in terms of raw footfall.
- The Printing Hub: Jami has unofficially become the “Printing Press Capital” of DHA. From wedding cards to large-format corporate printing, this is where the machinery runs.
- Wholesale & Hardware: Due to its proximity to the main road, it is filled with hardware stores, tile showrooms, and wholesale grocery marts (like Defence Mart).
- Why Invest?
- High Rental Demand: Small 40-60 sq. yard plots mean small shops are available, which rent out very quickly to service providers.
- Connectivity: Direct access to Korangi Industrial Area makes it ideal for back-end offices.
2. Phase 2 Extension Commercial – The Corporate & Food Mix
Often confused with Phase 2, the Extension (near KPT Interchange) is a massive commercial belt with wide roads and huge potential.
- Car Showrooms: The wide service roads make it perfect for car dealerships and showrooms.
- The “Desi” Food Strip: The area around Daily Dubai and Nando’s has developed a strong food culture. It offers affordable, high-quality dining compared to the pricey cafes of Phase 6.
- Corporate Offices: Many logistics and shipping companies have their headquarters here because it is close to the Port and perfectly connects DHA to the rest of the city.
3. Gold Mark (Phase 1) – The Tech & Mobile Hub
Located at the very entrance of DHA (near Defence Library), Gold Mark 1 & 2 are shopping malls dedicated to electronics.
- The “Hafeez Center” of DHA: Residents of Defence don’t want to go all the way to Saddar for mobile repairs or laptop accessories. Gold Mark serves this massive captive audience.
- Mobile Market: It is the go-to place for buying/selling used phones and repairing gadgets.
- Investment Tip: Buying a small shop inside Gold Mark is one of the lowest entry-ticket investments in DHA commercial real estate.
4. Phase 4 Commercials – The Neighborhood Market
Phase 4 Commercials (near Nisar Shaheed Park) serve a different purpose. They are purely “Neighborhood Markets.”
- Vibe: Local grocery stores, bakeries, and vegetable shops.
- Best For: Businesses that serve the immediate residents (like pharmacies, dry cleaners, or milk shops).
- Not Recommended For: Destination businesses (people won’t travel from Phase 8 to Phase 4 just for a burger).
5. Real Estate Analysis (The Affordability Factor)
(Expert Insight by ApnaDHA)
Here is the biggest selling point of these areas: The Price. Look at how much cheaper they are compared to the “Main” phases.
| Commercial Area | Best For | Approx Shop Rent (Standard) | Approx Office Rent |
| Jami Comm (Ph 7) | Printing / Wholesale | PKR 60k – 1.2 Lac | PKR 40k – 70k |
| Ph 2 Ext | Showrooms / Offices | PKR 80k – 1.5 Lac | PKR 50k – 90k |
| Gold Mark (Ph 1) | Mobile / Electronics | PKR 40k – 80k (Shop) | N/A |
| Comparison: Bukhari (Ph 6) | Food / Retail | PKR 2.0 Lac – 3.5 Lac | PKR 1.0 Lac+ |
Verdict: You can open a business in Jami Commercial for one-third of the cost of Bukhari Commercial.
Budget tight? Browse Affordable Shops for Rent in Phase 7
6. Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Extremely affordable rents | ❌ Lower “Luxury” appeal |
| ✅ High demand for services (Printing/Repair) | ❌ Parking is chaotic in Jami & Gold Mark |
| ✅ Excellent connectivity (Main Roads) | ❌ Not suitable for high-end fashion brands |
| ✅ Great for startups with low budgets |
Phase 8 is just one part of the puzzle. How does it compare to the busy streets of Bukhari?
👉 Read our Pillar Guide: All Commercial Areas in DHA Karachi.
Looking for a premium office or clinic location in DHA? Discover Shahbaz Commercial (Phase 6). A complete guide to its corporate environment, rental rates, and investment potential in 2025.
Discover Badar Commercial in DHA Phase 5. Famous for its fabric market, trending fast-food strip, and high-ROI commercial properties. Read the 2025 investment guide by ApnaDHA.
Discover Bukhari Commercial in DHA Phase 6 – Karachi’s new lifestyle hub. Explore the best restaurants, chai dhabas, and current real estate rates for shops and offices in 2025.
Conclusion
Not every business needs a shiny glass facade in Phase 8. If you run a printing press, a hardware store, a mobile repair lab, or a logistics office, paying high rent in Phase 6 makes no sense.
Areas like Jami Commercial and Phase 2 Extension offer the perfect balance of high utility and low cost. They are the engine that keeps DHA running.
Find Your Budget Shop Today:
Search verified low-cost listings on ApnaDHA.com
For detailed Quires, please WhatsApp 03318208177
Q1: Is Jami Commercial safe for investment?
Ans: Yes, it is fully regularized DHA property. It has very high occupancy because service-based businesses (like printing) always need this space.
Q2: Which area is best for a Logistics/Shipping office?
Ans: Phase 2 Extension is the best choice due to its direct access to the main highway and proximity to the Port, avoiding deep DHA traffic.
Q3: Can I find branded clothes in Gold Mark?
Ans: No, Gold Mark is almost exclusively for Mobile Phones, Laptops, and Abayas/Ladies Clothes. It is not a branded fashion mall.
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