 PAKISTAN
(Video courtesy of Adnan Malik)
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a sovereign country located in South Asia and the Greater Middle East. It has a 1,046 kilometer coastline along the Arabian Sea in the south, and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast.
Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world and is the second most populous country with a Muslim majority. Its territory was a part of the pre-partitioned British India and has a long history of settlement and civilisation including the Indus Valley Civilisation. Most of it was conquered in the 1st millennium BCE by Persians and Greeks. Later arrivals include the Arabs, Afghans, Turks, Baloch and Mongols. The territory was incorporated into the British India in the nineteenth century. Since its independence, the country has experienced both periods of significant military and economic growth, and periods of instability, with the secession of East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh).
The name "Pakistan" means "Land of the Pure" in Urdu, Sindhi, and Persian. It was coined in 1934 as "Pakstan" by Choudhary Rahmat Ali, who published it in the pamphlet Now or Never. The name represented, according to Ali, the "thirty million Muslims of PAKSTAN, who live in the five Northern Units of (British) India—Punjab, N.W.F.P. (Afghan Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan." The nation was founded officially as the Dominion of Pakistan in 1947, and was renamed the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1956.
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Intro and History
Pakistan displays some of Asia's most magnificent landscapes as it stretches from the Arabian Sea, its southern border, to some of the world's most spectacular mountain ranges in the north. Pakistan is also home to sites that date back to word's earliest settlements rivaling those of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Waves of conquerors and migrants including Harappan, Indo-Aryan, Persian, Grecian, Saka, Parthian, Kushan, White Hun, Afghan, Arab, Turkics, and Mughal settled in Pakistan throughout the centuries, influencing the locals and being absorbed among them. The modern state of Pakistan was established on 14 August 1947, but the country has an extensive history that overlaps with the histories of Ancient India, Afghanistan and Iran. The region is a crossroad of historic trade routes, including the Silk Road.
Pakistan was formed on 14 August 1947 with two Muslim-majority wings in the eastern and northwestern regions of the British India, separated from the rest of the country with a Hindu majority, and comprising the provinces of Balochistan, East Bengal, the North-West Frontier Province, West Punjab and Sindh.
Geography and Landscape
Pakistan covers 803,940 square kilometers (310,403 square miles), approximately the combined land areas of France and the United Kingdom, with its eastern regions located on the Indian tectonic plate and the western and northern regions on the Iranian plateau and Eurasian landplate. Apart from the 1,046 kilometre (650 mi) Arabian Sea coastline, Pakistan's land borders total 6,774 kilometres—2,430 kilometres (1,509 mi) with Afghanistan to the northwest, 523 kilometres (325 mi) with China to the northeast, 2,912 kilometres (1,809 mi) with India to the east and 909 kilometres (565 mi) with Iran to the southwest.[29]
The different types of natural features range from the sandy beaches, lagoons, and mangrove swamps of the southern coast to preserved beautiful moist temperate forests and the icy peaks of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountains in the north. There are an estimated 108 peaks above 7,000 metres (23,000 ft) high that are covered in snow and glaciers. Five of the mountains in Pakistan (including K2 and Nanga Parbat) are over 8,000 metres (26,000 ft). Indian-controlled Kashmir to the Northern Areas of Pakistan and running the length of the country is the Indus River with its many tributaries. The northern parts of Pakistan attract a large number of foreign tourists. To the west of the Indus are the dry, hilly deserts of Balochistan; to the east are the rolling sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The Tharparkar desert in the southern province of Sindh, is the only fertile desert in the world. Most areas of Punjab and parts of Sindh are fertile plains where agriculture is of great importance.
Climate
Although the country is in the monsoon region, it is arid; except for the southern slopes of the Himalayas and the sub-Mountainous tract which have rainfall from 76 to 127 cm. Balochistan is the driest part of the country with an average rainfall of 21 cm. On the southern ranges of the Himalayas, 127 cm. of precipitation takes place, while under the lee of these mountains (Gilgit and Baltistan) rainfall is hardly 16 cm. Rainfall also occurs from western cyclonic disturbances originating in the Mediterranean.
The contribution of these western disturbances to rainfall over the plains is about 4 cm. A large part of the precipitation in the northern mountain system is in the form of snow which feeds the rivers. The all-pervasive aridity over most of Pakistan, the predominant influence on the life and habitat of the people, coupled with the climatic rhythm, characteristic of a monsoon climate, are conducive to homogeneity of the land.
Provinces
Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world and is the second most populous country with a Muslim majority. The name Pakistan means “The Land of the Pure”, a name coined in 1934 by Choudhary Rahmat Ali, one of the earliest proponents of the creation of Pakistan as an independent state.
The nation is comprised of four semi-autonomous provinces, namely, Sindh, Punjab, NWFP and Balochistan, each having contrasting landscape, weather, and ethnicities. It also governs part of Kashmir which is currently split between Pakistan and India. (More info on each Province)
Languages
Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan while English is the official language, used in the Constitution and widely used by corporate businesses, the educated urban elite, and most universities. Punjabi is spoken by over 60 million people, but has no official recognition in the country.
Demographics
The demographics of religion in Pakistan were significantly influenced in 1947 by the movement of Muslims to Pakistan, and Hindus and Sikhs to India. Census data indicates that 96% of the population is Muslims, (nearly 77% are Sunni Muslims and 20% are Shi'a Muslims according to CIA estimates). The remainder comprises Christians, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs, Parsis, Ahmadis, Buddhists, and Animists (mainly the Kalasha of Chitral). Pakistan is the second most populous Muslim-majority country and also has the one of the largest Shi'a populations of any country. As of 2006, an estimated 2.5 million refugees — approximately 81.5% being ethnic Pashtuns — remain in Pakistan as a result of the wars in Afghanistan.
Sightseeing In Pakistan
Being a large country with a variety of cultures and flavours, Pakistan offers numerous sightseeing places and spots to discover, enjoy and get abundance of information of old cultures, religions, civilizations and societies.
Here is a list of some of the must see places throughout Pakistan, no matter where you are staying you are likely to find a place to discover.
1: The Lahore Fort & Badshahi Mosque - Lahore Punjab
The Lahore Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1566 and is locally known as Shahi Qila. . It is located in the northwestern corner of Lahore, adjacent to the Walled City. Some of the famous spots within the fort are: Sheesh Mahal, Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha pavilion, and Moti Masjid. The fort is 1400 feet long and 1115 feet wide.
To the west of the Lahore Fort across the Alamgiri Gate is the grand red sandstone Badshahi Mosque, built in 1673-74 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is, one of the finest specimens of Mughal architecture. With its imposing gateway, lofty minarets, large domes and a huge courtyard, the Badshahi Mosque is believed to be one of the largest mosques in the world.
2: Shalimar Garden- Lahore
Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, About 5 kms east of Lahore lies the famous Shalimar Gardens complex, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The garden reflects the Mughal-Persian style of architecture that reached its crescendo during the Mughul era. There are three lakes, about 450 fountains and a marble pavilion over which water flows down to create a waterfall. Small earthen lamps placed in the niches created a magical effect by their interplay with the cascading flow.
3: Lahore Zoo
Founded in 1872, Lahore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the sub-continent. Amongst the various sections, the lion house is probably the oldest original structure remaining, with seven dens in the rear and two grottoes for exercising the animals. There are two aviaries for peafowl and a round aviary for the songbirds. The Lahore zoo also has a collection of very old trees, some of which are estimated to be nearly four centuries old. There are huge grassy lawns for visitors to picnic and children's parks with recreational facilities.
4: Lahore Museum
The Lahore Museum opposite the old University Hall is the oldest and largest museum of Pakistan. Inaugurated in 1894 by the British, the museum has 17 galleries that cover the history and culture of Pakistan and its neighboring countries. The display includes a valuable collection of miniature paintings, exquisite Gandhara sculptures and wooden carvings from the Mughal and Sikh periods.
5: Mazar-e-Quaid- Karachi
The mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, The Mazar-e-Quaid has become an icon of Karachi throughout the world. The mausoleum is situated at the heart of the city, completed in 1960s. It is made of beautiful white marble with curved Moorish arches and copper grills resets on an elevated 54 square meters platform. The cool inner sanctum reflects the green of a four-tiered crystal chandelier gifted by the peoples of China. Around mausoleum there is a park fitted with strong beamed spot lights which at nights project light on white mausoleum. It is a nice, calm and relaxing place.
6: The National Museum of Pakistan- Karachi
The National Museum of exhibits a range of valuables from Indus Valley remains to Gandhara sculptures, pieces of Islamic art, priceless Mughal miniatures, old coins and manuscripts. The Museum also has a small gallery on the ethnological profile of the country.
7: The Cathedral of holy Trinity- Karachi
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity was built in 1855. It is the oldest and largest Protestant church of Sindh province. The Gothic St. Patrick's Cathedral, constructed in 1877, is the first Catholic Church of Sindh.
8: Mausoleum of Hazrat Baha-ud-Din Zakaria- Multan
Standing at the north-eastern fringe of the ancient fort of Multan, is the eternal abode of Baha-ud-Din Zakaria Al-Qureshi, one of the greatest saints of the Suhrawardiya Silsila. He was born in 1170 AD. The prime attraction of the Fort area is the Mausoleum generally known as Bahawal Haq (the ornament of the Faith). The dome of the Mausoleum is visible from miles and dominates the skyline of Multan.
9: Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-i-Alam- Multan
The tomb of Shah Rukn-i-Alam grandson of Shaikh Bahauddin Zakaria, which was built between 1320 and 1324, is an unmatched pre-Moghul masterpiece. The Mausoleum of Rukn-i-Alam is the glory of Multan. The tomb is located on the southwest side of the Fort premises. Besides its religious importance, the mausoleum is also of considerable archaeological value as its dome is reputed to be the second largest in the world after 'Gol Gumbad' of Bijapur (India). The mausoleum is built entirely of red brick, bounded with beams of Shisham wood, which have now turned black after so many centuries.
10: The Khyber Pass- Peshawar
The Khyber Pass is a 53-kilometer (33-miles) passage through the Hindu Kush mountain range. It connects the northern frontier of Pakistan with Afghanistan. The Khyber Pass is one of the most famous mountain passes in the World. It is the best land route between India and Pakistan and has had a long and often violent history. Conquering armies have used the Khyber as an entry point for their invasions. It was also been a major trade route for centuries.
Beaches in Karachi
Clifton Beach is the most popular beach in Karachi is always a buzzing with various activities to keep the visitors to the beach busy. The activities include beachside camelback rides, horseback rides, snake charmers, amusement parks, restaurants, or just a plain old dip in the sea.
Old and the young alike can have fun at this lovely beach.
Hawks Bay, a must see beach in Pakistan is a wonderfully sunny and sandy beach. The water is clean and if you need a tan, it is the beach to go to. The huts allow total privacy and the view is magnificent. It is a non rocky area portion of the coast and it is the breeding ground for green turtles. Visitors here enjoy swimming and camel riding.
Sand Spit, quite near the beach of Hawks Bay this is a wonderful and amazing place to spend your evening! A completely unpolluted and positively beautiful beach, here you can find the turtles everywhere.
Paradise Point, almost at the limit of the Sindh province, is a fascinating place to spend the evenings. It is a fairly rocky region, so no swimming can be done there, never the less it has a lot of other things to be done there. The fact that the water is very clear and you can see to the bottom of the rocky pools there is just one of them. Because it is so rocky it can also be dangerous so be careful if you are heading down there.
The French Beach, located half way between Hawks Bay and Paradise Point, is in fact a small fishing village known to the locals as Haji Abdullah Goth. Surrounded by a boundary wall, it has some 20 huts constructed by villagers for hire. There are no facilities of running water or electricity. But the visitors to this beach can just carry with them whatever is required for them as none could miss out this beach. French Beach is a fabulously beautiful beach where the water is clean and the air is crisp. There are gorgeous rocks embedded in the ocean. The waves splashing against them are quite a lovely sight.
Here's a list of some of the most important and world renowned archeological sites in Pakistan;
1: Banbhore- Sindh
Banbhore is located about 64 kms east of Karachi. Some recent archaeological excavations have revealed a well planned city buried in time. Some scholars identify Banbhore with Debal, the port of city where the Arab General Mohammed Bin Qasim landed in 712 AD. A little museum at the site traces the history of the port. It has a good display of pottery of various types.
2: Butkara Stupa- NWFP
Butkara Stupa is one of the most important Buddhist shrines in Swat. It is located near the Swat Museum. The stupa dates back to second century B.C, was possibly built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to house some of the ashes of Buddha. In subsequent Centuries, it was enlarged five times by encasing the existing structure in a new shell. Italian excavators working in 1955 exposed the successive layers of the stupa, each layer illustrating a stage in the evolution of building techniques. The stupa was decorated with stone and plaster carvings of the life of the Buddha and the whole was gilded and painted and topped by a stack of stone umbrellas.
3: Rohtas Fort- Punjab
Rohtas Fort is 109 km from Rawalpindi. Built over ten years from 1540 by Sher Shah Suri, the fort is one of the most imposing historical monuments in Punjab. It is situated on the edge of the Kahan Gorge. A 5km perimeter wall, with massive battlements, bastions and gates encircles the fort.
4: Chaukundi Tombs- Sindh
17 miles from Karachi the Chaukandi tombs appears as clusters of unusual graves in the shape of stepped rectangles. Built between the 15th and 19th centuries by Balochis and Burpats the tombs are of various sizes and designs but fall into two basic types. The stone of these graves are exquisitely carved in relief with intricate motifs. The small rosette is a frequent motif that may have some forgotten connection with pre-islamic sun-worship, as may the sunflowers wheels and chrysanthemums, which also suggest the sun.
5: Dir- NWFP
Spread over 4000 sq. miles the discovery of remains of Dir civilization gives a new dimension to the study of Buddhist Civilization. It is discovered that dir remained the main battlefield for many intruders. Many old weapons were discovered during such an exploration. The inhabitants mainly adopted Agriculture as their main business. They enjoyed rich affluence and fruits of farming.
6: Harappa
Harappa was a major center of the Indus Valley Civilization. 35-km southwest of Sahiwal (about 250 km from Lahore) Harappa was the first of Indus Valley Civilization sites to be discovered.
7: Jamal Ghari- NWFP
The extensive ruins of Jamal Ghari are situated on the western offshoot of Pajja hills at a distance of 20 km. There is a beautiful monastery and a main stupa which is round in shape and is surrounded by chapels closely packed together, According to Sir John Marshall, a famous archeologist, the stupa of jamalghari is the oldest stupa in Gandhara.
8: Kot Diji- Sindh
Kot Diji is situated between Ranipur and Khairpur on the highway from Hyderabad, at the east bank of the Indus close to Rohri. The discovery of Kot Diji provides the evidence that there is a civilization before Harappa and Moenjodaro. Archaeologists say that the discovery of this pre-historic site has furnished information of high significance since it pushed back the pre-historics of Pakistan by at least another 300 years from about 2,500 B.C. to 2,800 B.C. Evidence of new cultural elements of pre-Harappan and pre-Moenjodaro time has been found at Kot Diji. Excavations have proved that the Indus Valley Civilizations borrowed or developed some of the basic cultural elements of the Kot Dijians.
9: Mehergarh- Bolachastan
Mehrgarh is a 9000 year old site of settlement. It is located at the foot of the Balochistan hills on the Katchi plain southeast of Quetta, situated strategically near the Bolan Pass. Neolithic Mehergarh consists of four mounds. Supported by the Pakistan Department of Archeology, French archeologists have been carrying out extensive excavations there for some years. These excavations, studies and research have led to pushing back these settlements to some 9000 years. Thus, the chronology of civilization in Pakistan, established through the study of Moenjodaro and Harappa, has been pushed back by over 4000 years. The habitation of the site has been divided into seven periods, the first being the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period that dates to circa 7000 B.C. or even earlier. The site was abandoned between 2000 and 2500 B.C.
10: Moenjodaro- Sindh
Moenjodaro (Mound of the Dead), discovered in 1922, is situated on the West Bank of the river Indus. It has one of the earliest and the most developed urban civilizations of ancient world. It forms a part of the Indus River civilization of Harappa and was discovered in 1921. Moenjo daro looks like a planned, organized and master architecture of urban settlement. Beneath the citadel, parallel streets, some 30 feet wide, stretched away and are crossed by other straight streets, which divide the town into a great oblong block, each 400 yards in length, and 200 to 300 yards in width.
11: Taxila
Taxila is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. For sometime, it has been the center of Buddhism, the world famous Gandhara sculpture and the center of learning and culture.
12: Takht-i-Bahi- NWFP
Takht-i-Bahi is the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery, situated on the top of a 152-meter high hill. It is located about 80 kms from Peshawar and 16 kms northwest of the city of Mardan. The monastry of Takht-i-Bahi was first mentioned by General Court, the French officer of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1836. Takht-i-Bahi is the most impressive and complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan.
13: Uch Sharif-Punjab
In Bhawalpur District at the confluence of the Sutlej and the Chenab is the historic town of Uch sharif. Some historians believe that Uch was there even before the advent of Bikramajit when Jains and Buddhist ruled over the sub-continent.
14: Thatta- Sindh
Thatta is a town in Sind Province, ninety-eight kms east of Karachi. The Makli Hill near Thatta is the world largest graveyard spread over 15.5 sq. kms, having millions of graves. Here in eternal sleep lie kings, queens, Scholars, Philosophers and soldiers of a by-gone era-an era renowned for its culture and learning.
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