The city remained a small fishing village until the British seized control of the offshore and strategically located at Manora Island. Thereafter, authorities of the British Raj embarked on a large-scale modernisation of the city in the 19th century with the intention of establishing a major and modern port which could serve as a gateway to Punjab, the western parts of British Raj, and Afghanistan.
The city remained a small fishing village until the British took control of the offshore area, strategically situated on Manora Island. Subsequently, authorities of the British Raj initiated extensive modernization efforts in the 19th century to establish a major and modern port serving Punjab, the western regions of the British Raj, and Afghanistan.