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| Pakistan |
Pakistan (Urdu: پاکستان) is a country in South Asia. Located along the Arabian Sea, it is surrounded by Afghanistan to the west and northwest, Iran to the southwest, India to the east, and China to the northeast. It is strategically located astride the ancient trade routes of the Khyber and Bolan passes between Asia and Europe. 2007 has been declared the 'Year of Tourism' by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), and they're working hard to tap into its huge economic potential.
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Regions |
Quick Facts |
 Azad Kashmir - Pakistan-administered portion of the disputed Kashmir region.
Balochistan - The largest and most remote province, it's lack of infrastructure can make for rough traveling. Most foreign visitors here are just passing through from Iran, stopping briefly in Quetta.
Federally Administered Tribal Areas - this area is mostly off-limits to foreigners, and is not under the control of Pakistan's governenment. Home to the legendary Khyber Pass, and the gun making city of Darra Adam Khel.
Islamabad Capital Territory - The capital area encompasses Islamabad, Rawalpindi, the Margalla Hills and the ancient ruins of Taxila.
Northern Areas - Home to some of the world's tallest mountains, it's brimming with dramatically fantastic landscapes and can easily compete with Nepal for trekking opportunities.
North-West Frontier Province - Home of the rugged Pashtuns, for some it's forbidding and mysterious... yet below the surface are some of the most hospitable people in the country.
Punjab - The most populous and agriculturally fertile region in the country, and home to many historical shrines and mosques.
Sindh - most visitors head for Karachi or the ancient ruins of Moenjodaro.
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Capital: |
Islamabad |
Government: |
Federal Republic |
Currency: |
Pakistani rupee (PKR) |
Area: |
803,940 km2 |
Population: |
162,419,946 (July 2006 est.) |
Language: |
Urdu (official) 8%, Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki 10%, Pashtu 8%, , Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, Burushaski, and other 8%
Religion Muslim 97%, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikhs and other 3% |
Calling Code: |
+92 |
Internet TLD: |
.PK |
Time Zone: |
UTC+5.0 |
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Cities |
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Pakistan has many cities and towns. Below are nine of the most notable. Other cities are listed under their specific regions.
 Islamabad - The Federal capital, a relatively new planned city with a much more laidback feel than the rest of the country's cities
Karachi - the Financial capital and the largest city of the country, it's an industrial port city and the provincial capital of Sindh
Lahore - City of the Mughals, it's a bustling and a very historical city that shouldn't be missed
Rawalpindi - Islamabad's much older and busier sister city, it's the starting point for travels to most points in the country
Faisalabad - A major city in Punjab, famous for its textile industry
Multan - The City of Saints, famous for blue pottery, ornamental glasswork, and Khussa - a type of shoes
Muzaffarabad - Capital of Azad Kashmir and the center of the 2005 earthquake
Peshawar - Capital city of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), it has a bit of an outlaw edge to it, and is the gateway to the Khyber Pass
Quetta - a large, beautiful and slightly unruly city in the southern state of Balochistan, you'll pass through here en route to or from Iran.
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Other Destinations |
Karakoram Highway - part of the historic Silk Road, it's the main artery running north to China
Mount Godwin-Austin (K2) - the World's second highest mountain peak
Ranikot Fort in Kirthar National Park - World's second largest fort
Khewra - World's largest Salt mine & Tourist complex
Shangrila Resort, Shigar Fort in Skardu Valley
Malam Jabba Ski resort in Swat Valley
Lake Saif-ul-Mulk in Kaghan Valley
Hill Resorts of Bhurban, Nathiagali & Ayubia in Murree
Kalasha Valleys in Chitral Valley
Makran Coastal highway from Karachi to Gwadar
Nur Mahal in Bahawalpur
Baltistan, Gilgit and Ziarat (World's second largest juniper forest)
Thar and Cholistan deserts
Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindukush
The Hunza Valley - supposedly the setting for James Hilton's Shangri-La, and it lives up to that reputation. The local residents are for the most part members of the Ismaili sect, a more moderate branch of Islam, and are welcoming to the relatively few tourists who make their way there. Once you reach it, the area is extremely safe for travelers. The major town is Karimabad (actually a grouping of 5-6 smaller villages), surrounded on all sides by glorious mountain peaks, foremost amongst which is Rakaposhi - watching the early morning sun catch the tip of the peak from the roof of your hotel, then gently scrolling down the mountainside as it slowly rises in the East, is a breathtaking experience. The Nagar Valley and the Hoper Glacier are situated a dizzying 40-minute drive from Karimabad, nestled below Golden Peak. Baltit Fort sits above Baltit Town, in the heart of Karimabad, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Eagle's Nest in Duikar, above Karimabad, overlooks the range of surrounding peaks - Rakaposhi, Ultar and Golden. The Hunza is approximately 100 kms. from Gilgit, and is the last major town as you enter the Karakoram Highway towards the Chinese border.
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History |
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The history of Pakistan traces back to the beginings of human life in South Asia. Pakistan is home to the Indus Valley civilization, which is amongst the oldest in the world. Prior to the 1900's the area of Pakistan was the area from which the Muslims ruled over Central and Southern Asia for over 300 years.Today Pakistan is made up of people from various races including Arabs from after the Islamic expeditions, Persians from Bukhara and Samarkand, Turks from Central Asia and the Hindus who were converted to Islam.
The official name of Pakistan was used after the partition of (British) India into the 2 states of India and Pakistan in 1947. The once Mughal Empire was divided into the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu, abeit secular India. A third war between these countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan seceding and becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. A dispute over the state of Jammu and Kashmir is ongoing. |
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