PAKISTAN Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a sovereign country in South Asia. It sits at the crossroads of the strategically important regions of South Asia, Central Asia and Western Asia. It has a 1,046-kilometre (650 mi) coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west and north, Iran to the southwest and China in the far northeast. It is separated from Tajikistan by Afghanistan's narrow Wakhan Corridor in the north, and it shares a marine border with Oman. Flag of Pakistan Capital: Islamabad Largest City: Karachi National Language: Urdu Regional Languages: Punjabi,Balochi,Pashto,Sindhi,Saraiki,Hindko and Brahui Area: 796,096 sq.km. Population :177,100,000 (2011 estimate)
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a sovereign country in South Asia. It sits at
the crossroads of the strategically important regions of South Asia, Central Asia and Western
Asia. It has a 1,046-kilometre (650 mi) coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman inthe south and is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west and north, Iran to the
southwest and China in the far northeast. It is separated from Tajikistan by Afghanistan's
narrow Wakhan Corridor in the north, and it shares a marine border with Oman.
Flag of Pakistan
Capital: Islamabad
Largest City: Karachi
National Language: Urdu
Regional Languages: Punjabi,Balochi,Pashto,Sindhi,Saraiki,Hindko and Brahui
Islamabad is a rather modern and clean city, especially in comparison to other cities in Pakistan. It is
well-organized, with the city being divided into different sectors and zones. Islamabad was divided into
eight zones: the diplomatic enclave, the commercial district, the educational sector, the industrial area
and so on, each with its own shopping area and park.
Climate
It offers a healthy climate, pollution free atmosphere, plenty of water and lush green area. It is a
modern and carefully planned city with wide tree-lined streets, large houses elegant public buildings and
well-organized bazaars/markets/shopping centers.
The average humidity level is 55% with an average rainfall of 1150 millimeters each year. The city is
quite moderate in case of its weather. The maximum average temperature is 29C and goes down to
average minimum of around 14C.
Culture
Islamabad is home to many migrants from other regions of Pakistan and has a cultural and religious
diversity of considerable antiquity. Due to its location on the Pothohar Plateau, remnants of ancient
cultures and civilisations such as Aryan, Soanian, and Indus Valley civilisation can still be found in the
region. A 15th century Gakhar fort,Pharwala Fort, is located near Islamabad which was built on theremains of a 10th century Hindu fort. Rawat Fort in the region was built by the Gakhars in 16th century
where the grave of the Gakhar chief, Sultan Sarang Khan, is located
Sports
Islamabad has a multi-Sports Complex opposite Aabpara. The complex includes Liaquat Gymnasium for
indoor games, Mushaf Squash Complex and Jinnah Stadium for outdoor games, which is a venue for
regular national and international events. 2004 SAF Games were held in the stadium. Major sports in the
city include Football, Cricket, Squash, Hockey, Table Tennis and Boxing. Water sporting facilities are
The Shah Faisal Masjid in Islamabad, Pakistan, is among one of the largest mosques in the world. It is
renowned for both its size and its architecture covering an area of 5,000 square meters with a capacityof 300,000 worshippers. Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay's designed it.
began in 1976 by National Construction of Pakistan, led by Azim Borujerdi, and was funded by the
government of Saudi Arabia, at a cost of over 130 million Saudi riyals (approximately $120 million USD
Although most parts of the Royal Fort were constructed around 1566 A.D. by the Mughal Emperor,
Akbar the Great, there is evidence that a mud fort was in existence here in 1021 A.D. as well, when
Mahmood of Ghazna invaded this area. Akbar demolished the old mud fort and constructed most of the
modern Fort, as we see it today, on the old foundations.
Shalimar Bagh
Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Shalamar Bagh is one of the most beautiful sites inPakistan. Its gardens and refreshing fountains attract a large number of visitors. The site consists of
three levels of garden terraces which were watered by a canal; which also waters the exquisite
marble terrace. It has a total of 410 fountains at all levels and a large variety of fruit trees.
The Capital and the largest city of the Khyber Pakhtoon Khuwan (K.P.K), Peshawar, has enjoyedtremendous historical, Military and political importance because of the Khyber Pass which has been a
vintage point as a gateway for invaders of the sub-continent.
Climate
Its climate and weather conditions are regraded as the Pakistan's healthiest climate. With average
temperatures of 30-35 C, Peshawar is one the popular tourist attraction site around the year.
Culture
Peshawar specialty is the Chappli Kabab (a spicy beef burger mixed with tomato, corn flour, green chiliesand eggs) served on naan (unleaved bread) which acts as edible plate.Qehwa Khana, a traditional
teashop, is totally heaven for the weary travelers for providing relief. One definitely comes across the
Qehwa Khana on longer routes or inside the Peshawar city.The style, the decor, the hookas (smoking
pipes), and brass samovars with colorful China teapots and small bowls of matching colors would be
same at all Qehwa Khana. The tea is served steaming hot, without milk, as it is not the usual black type
but has leaves of bottle green color which gives it its name green tea.
The Khyber Pass is the mountain pass that links Pakistan and Afghanistan at an altitude of 1,070 m or
3,510 feet .Throughout history it has been an important trade route between Central Asia and SouthAsia and a strategic military location. The summit of the Khyber Pass is 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) inside
Pakistan at Landi Kotal and it cuts through the northeastern part of the White Mountainsor Koh-e-Safaid
- extension of the Hindu Kush range. For centuries, it has been a trade route between south and north
Asia.Every stone in the Khyber has been soaked in blood." Rudyard Kipling called it "a sword cut through
the mountains."
Islamia College
Situated in Peshawar, Islamia College was established in 1913 by Nawab Sir Sahabzada Abdul
Qayyum and Sir George Roos Kepel. The idea of Abdul Qayyum, an educationist-cum-politician, was
to build an educational institute that imparts modern education to the Muslims. Later on, the
students of Islamia College played an important role in the movement of independence for
Quetta, derived from kwatta meaning fort in Pushtu, the fruit garden of Pakistan and the capital of
Baluchistan is the legendary stronghold of the western frontier. It sits at 1,680 metres (5,500 feet) above
sea level.
Climate
Quetta has a semi-arid climate with a significant variation between summer and winter temperatures.
Summer starts in late May and goes on until early September with average temperatures ranging from
24 –26 °C.The highest temperature in Quetta is 42 °C which was recorded on 10 July 1998.[7] Autumn
starts in late September and continues until mid-November with average temperatures in the 12 –18 °C
range. Winter starts in late November and ends in late March, with average temperatures near 4 –5
°C.The lowest temperature in Quetta is −18.3 C which was recorded on 8 January 1970. Spring starts inearly April and ends in late May, with average temperatures close to 15 °C . Unlike more easterly parts
of Pakistan, Quetta does not have a monsoon season of heavy rainfall
Culture
Quetta tribesman is strong and silent in their bearing, they are known for their friendliness and
hospitality. To make a visitor comfortable is part of their tradition. The main bazaar on Jinnah Road is
full of Pathan traders wearing huge turbans, Baluchi hawkers with red embroidered caps, and full-
skirted nomad women carrying bundles of imported cloth for sale.It is always crowded and colorful.
stones, dried fruit and nuts are the best buys in the bazaar.The Kandahari Bazaar on Iqbal Road, which
crosses Jinnah Road at right angles, and the Liaquat Bazaar on Liaquat Road, are also good hunting
grounds for Baluchi souvenirs.
Historical Places and Monuments
Quaid-e-Azam Residency
Situated in Ziarat, a hill station in Balochistan province, the Residency was where Pakistan's founderQuaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent the last days of his life. The ailing Jinnah was
recommended a rest and Ziarat was the best choice for its fragrance and fresh mountain air. There,
the Residency, a wooden structure, provided the founder with the perfect retreat.
