Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
State Logo
Motto Ittehad, Tanzim, Yaqeen - e- Muhkam
(Unity, Faith Dicipline)
Pakistan's Flag
Pakistan is the sixth most popolous country in the world and has the second largest muslim population in the world after Indonesia. The country is listed among the "Next Eleven" Economies. Pakistan is a founding member of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Developing Eight Countries D - 8) & Economic Cooperation Organization. Pakistan is also the member of United Nation Organization (UNO), Common Wealth of Nation, World Trade Organization (WTO), G - 33 Developing Countries, Group of 77 Developing Nation, Major Non NATO Ally & a Nuclear State.
Map of Pakistan
Portrait of Quid - e - Azam
Great Leader and Founder of Pakistan Quid - e - Azam Mr. Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
First Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Nawab Liaqat Ali Khan
Chaudhry Rehmat Ali (seated first from left) and a group of other young activists with Sir Muhammad Iqbal during Iqbal's visit to England in 1932.
The name Pakistan means Land of (the) Pure in Urdu and Persian (Farsi). It was coined in 1934 as Pakistan by Choudhary Rahmat Ali, a Pakistan movement activist, who published it in his pamphlet Now or Never. The name is a portmanteau representing the "thirty million Muslims of PAKISTAN, who live in the five Northern Units of British Raj – Punjab, Afghania (now known as North West Frontier Provience), Kashmir, Sindh and Balochistan.”
Major-General Sahibzada Sayyid Iskander Ali Mirza (Last Governor General & 1st President of Pakistan)
Karachi First Capital of Pakistan
National Anthem of Pakistan
In 1954 the National Anthem was Approved.
Music Sheet of Pakistani National Anthem
Music sheet of Pakistani National Anthem was composed by Ahmed Ghulam Chagla with the lyrics written by Abu - al - Asar Hafeez Jullundhri.
03 Jan 1948 First Coin was Minted.
Nishan - e - Pakistan - Highest Civil Award
Nishan - e - Haider - Highest Military Award.
Quid Residency Ziarat
Ziarat is the Coldest Place of Pakistan
Jacobabad - Aerial View
Jacobabad is the Hottest Place of Pakistan
Mother of the Nation (Mader - e - Millat) Miss Fatima
Chaghi - Nuclear Site of Pakistan
On May 28, 1998 Pakistan Becomes World 07th and 1st Islamic Nuclear State After Conducting 5 Successful Nuclear Tests. Also Chaghi is Pakistan least Populous District.
Logo of Pakistan Television Networks
The 1st Television Station was established on 26 November, 1964. On 20 December, 1970 Pakistan Television Started its Colour Transmissions.
(L to R) Qaiser Ansari, Capt. Lodhi and Shukriya Khanum.
Shukriya Khanum was first Pakistani woman to Obtain Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
Clockwise from top Faisal Mosque, Serena Hotel, Parliament House, Pakistan Monument, Night view of Islamabad city and Prime Minister's Secretariat.
Administrative Division of Pakistan
Clockwise from Top Hanna Lake, Gawadar Port, Sajji, A Beautiful mosque in Qutta, Snowfall in Winter & Quetta International Airport
Balochistan
Balochistan is the largest province by geographical area of Pakistan, constituting approximately 43% of the total area of Pakistan. At the 1998 census, Balochistan had a population of roughly 6.5 million. Covering a sizable portion of the country, it is Pakistan's largest province, as well as its poorest and least populated.
Its neighbouring regions are Iran to the west, Afghanistan and the North – West Frontier Province to the north, Punjab and Sindh provinces to the east. To the south is the Arabian Sea. The main languages in the province are Balochi, Brahui, Pashto and Sindhi. The capital, is Quetta. The Baloch and PAshtun people constitute the two major ethnic groups; a mixed ethnic stock, mainly of Sindhi origin, forms the third major group. Balochistan is rich in mineral resources; it is the second major supplier, after Sindh province, of natural gas.
Balochistan has a population of around 12 million inhabitants, which makes up approximately 5% of the Pakistani population. According to the 2008 Pakistan Statistical Year Book, households whose primary language is Balochi represent 54.8% of Balochistan's population; 29.6% of households speak Pashto; 5.6% speak Sindhi; 2.5% speak Punjabi; 2.4% speak Saraiki; 1.0% speak Urdu; and 4.1% speak some other language at home. Balochi-speaking people are concentrated in the sparsely populated west, east, south and southeast; Brahui speakers dominate in the centre of the province, while the Pashtuns are the majority in the north. The Kalat and Mastung areas speak Brahui. Quetta, the capital of the province, is largely populated with Pashtuns, with a significant Baloch presence. In the Lasbela District, the majority of the population speaks Sindhi, Balochi, or Lasi. Sindhi is also widely spoken in the Nasirabad District and the cities of Sibu and Dera Murad Jamali. A large number of Balochs moved to Quetta after it became the capital of Balochistan in 1970. Near the Kalat region and other parts of the province there are significant numbers of Baloch Brahui speakers. Along the coast various Makrani Balochi speakers predominate. Afghani refugees can also be found in the province, including Pashtuns and Tajiks. Many Sindhi farmers have moved to the more arable lands in the east.
Clockwise from Top Bila Balasar, Shopping Mall, Chief Fast Food, Bab - e - Khyber & Islamia College Peshawar
NWFP
The North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) (other informal names include Sarhad, Frontier Afghania, Pakhtunkhwa, Pashtunistan and Pakhtunistan) is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. The majority of the population of the NWFP are Pashtuns, locally referred to as Pakhtuns, and other smaller ethnic groups.
The North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) is one of the most legendary places on earth. The Frontier, as it is and was popularly known, of all Pakistan's Provinces, is arguably the most diverse ethnically, the most varied in terrain and sports a vigorous cultural spectrum.
The Frontier conjures up a world of valour and war, of rugged men and mountains, of tribesmen shaped in a heroic, hospitable mould. Gateway to the Subcontinent, since times immemorial, it has witnessed migration-waves of peoples,campaigns of conquerors, flow of innumerable caravans of commerce, influx of intellectuals, artists, poets and saints from the north into its fertile valleys and onwards to the plains of the Punjab, Sindh and beyond the Indus to South Asia.
NWFP borders Afghanistan to the northwest, the Gilgit – Baltistan to the northeast, Azad Kashmir to the east, FATA to the west and south, and Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory to the southeast.
The principal language is Pashto (locally referred to as Pakhto) and the provincial capital is Peshawar (locally referred to asPekhawar). The Government of Pakistan led by the Pakistan People Party and Awami National Party, to accommodate a demand by the Awami National Party, proposed the province’s name be changed to Pakhtunkhwa.
Pashto is the most pervasive language while Hindko is the second most commonly spoken indigenous language. Pashto is predominant in western and southern NWFP and is the main language in most cities and towns including Peshawar. With an estimated 3.5 million ethnic Pashtuns, Karachi hosts one of the largest Pashtun populations in the world.
Hindkowans are most common in eastern NWFP, the Hazara Division, and especially in the cities of Abbottabad, MAnsehra, and HAripur. Saraiki and Balochi -speakers live in the southeast of the province mainly in Dera Ismail Khan District. Bilingualism and trilingualism is common with Pashto and Urdu being the primary other languages spoken.
In most rural areas of the centre and south various Pashtun tribes can be found including the Yusufzai, Tanoli, Daavi, Khattak, Gharghasht, Marwat, Afridi, Shinwari, Orakzai, Bangash, Mahsud, Mohmand, Wazir, and Gandapur as well as numerous other smaller tribes.
Further north, the prominent Pashtun tribes are, Swati, Kakar, Tareen, JAdoon and Mashwani. There are various non-Pashtun tribes including Awan, Gujjar. The Awan are believed to be of Arabic origin and are recognisably different from the rest of Pashtun and non-Pushtun majority.
Languages spoken in NWFP
The mountainous extreme north includes the Chitrali, and Kohistan districts that are home to diverse Dardic ethnic groups such as the Khowar, Kohistani, Shina, Torwali, Kalasha and Kalami.
In addition, Afghan refugees, although predominantly Pashtun (including the Ghilzai and Durrani tribes), include hundreds of thousands of Persian –speaking Tajiks and Hazaras as well as other smaller groups found throughout the province.
Nearly all of the inhabitants of the NWFP are Muslim with a Sunni majority and significant minority of Shias and Ismailis. Many of the Kalasha of Southern Chitral still retain their ancient Animist / Shamanist religion.
Clockwise from top Kim's Gun, Badshahi Mosque, Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, Lahore Museum, Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort and Minar-e-Pakistan
PUNJAB
The Punjab is a province of Pakistan. It is the country's most populous region with about 56% of Pakistan's total population. The Punjab is home to the Punjabis and various other groups. Neighbouring areas are Sindh to the south, Balochistan and the North – West Frontier Province to the west, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad to the north, and the India to the east. The main languages are the Punjabi, Irdu, Saraiki, Mewati, Potowari and Pushto. The provincial capital is Lahore. The name Punjab literally translates from the Persian words Pañj, meaning Five, and Āb meaning Water. Thus Punjab can be translated as (the) Five Waters - and hence the Land of the Five Rivers, referring to the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and the Beas. These five rivers are all the tributaries of the Indus River. The province was founded in its current form in May 1972.
Demographics and society
The biradari, which literally means brotherhood is an important unit of Punjabi society, and includes people claiming descent from a common ancestor. The biradaris collectively form larger units known as quoms or tribes. Historically, these quoms were endogamous, but latterly, especially in the large cities, there is considerable intermarriage between members of different quoms, and differences are getting blurred. Important quoms within Punjab include the Gondal, Arain, Paracha, Aheer, Awan, Dogar, Gakhars, Gujjars, Jat, Kamboh, Khattar, Mughal, Rajputs, Shaikhs (other name of Pakistani Punjabi Khatris), and the Syeds. Other smaller tribes are the Khateek, Maliar, Rawns, Pashtuns, Baloch, Rehmanis ( Muslim Labana) and the Maliks.
In addition to the Punjabis, the province is also home to other smaller ethnic groups in the province include the Siraiki, Hindkowan, Kashmiris, Sindhis and Muhajirs. Three decades of bloodshed in neighbouring Afghanistan have also brought a large number of Afghan refugees (Tajik, Pashtun, Hazara and Turkmen) to the province.
As per the census of Pakistan 1998, linguistic distribution of the Punjab province is: Punjabi (75.23%), Saraiki (17.36%), Urdu (4.51%), Pashto (1.16%), Balochi (0.66%), Sindhi (0.13%) others (0.95%). The population of Punjab (Pakistan) is estimated to be between 97.21% Muslim with a Sunni majority and Shia minority. The largest non-Muslim minority is Christians, who make up 2.31% of the poulation. Other minorites include Ahmedi, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and Bahai.
The dialects spoken in different regions of the land have a common vocabulary and a shared heritage. The shared heritage also extends to a common faith, Islam. The people of Punjab have also a shared spiritual experience, which has been disseminated byTassawwaf and can be witnessed on the occasion of the remembrance-fairs held on the Urs of Sufi Saints.
From top Jinnah Tomb, Mohatta Palace, Teen Talwar, Habib Bank Plaza, Oyster Rocks, Financial District, Cantt. Station
SINDH
Sindh is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhis. Different cultural and ethnic groups also reside in Sindh including Urdu –speaking Muslim refugees who migrated to Pakistan from India upon independence as well as the people migrated from other provinces after independence. The neighbouring regions of Sindh are Balochistan to the west and north, Punjab to the north, Gujrat and Rajasthan to the southeast and east, and the Arabiab Sea to the south. The main language is Sindhi. The name is derived from Sanskrit, and was known to the Assyrians (as early as the seventh century BCE) as Sinda, to the Greeks as Sinthus, to the Romans as Sindus, to the Persians as Abisind, to the Arabs as Al-Sind, and to the Chinese as Sintow. To the Javanese the Sindhis have long been known as the Santri.
Demographics and society
The 1998 Census of Pakistan indicated a population of 30.4 million, the current population in 2009 is 51,337,129 million using a compound growth in the range of 2% to 2.8% since then. With just under half being urban dwellers, mainly found in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah District, Umerkot and Larkana. Sindhi is the sole official language of Sindh since the 19th century. According to the 2008 Pakistan Statistical Year Book, Sindhi-speaking households make up 59.7% of Sindh's population; Urdu -speaking households make up 21.1%; Punjabi 7.0%;Pashto 4.2%; Balochi 2.1%; Saraiki 1.0% and other languages 4.9%. Other languages include Gujrati, Memoni, Kutchi (both dialects of Sindhi), Khowar, Thari, Persian / Dari, and Brahui.
Sindh's population is mainly Muslims (91.32%), and Sindh is also home to nearly all (93%) of Pakistan's Hindus forming 7.5% of the province's population. A large number of the Sindhi Hindus migrated to India at the time of the independence. Smaller groups of Christians (0.97%), Ahmadi (0.14%); Parsi or Zoroastrians, Armenian, Sikh and a Jewish community can also be found in the province.
The Sindhis as a whole are composed of original descendants of an ancient population known as Sammat, various sub-groups related to the Seraiki or Baloch origin are found in interior Sindh. Sindhis of Balochi origin make up about 60% of the total population of Sindh, while Urdu-speaking Muhajirs make up more than 20% of the total population of the province. Also found in the province is a small group claiming descent from early Muslim settlers including Arabs, and Persian.
Muzaffarabad
Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Azad Jammu and Kashmir or Azad Kashmir for short (literally, "Free Kashmir"), is the southernmost political entity within the Pakistani-controlled part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It borders the present-day Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir to the east (separated from it by the Line of Control), the North – West Frontier Province of Pakistan to the west, the Gilgit – Baltistan to the north, and the Punjab Province of Pakistan to the south. With its capital at Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir covers an area of 13,297 square kilometres (5,134 sq mi) and has an estimated population of about four million.
Azad Kashmir's financial matters, i.e., budget and tax affairs, are dealt with by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council, rather than by Pakistan's Central Board of Revenue. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council is a supreme body consisting of 11 members, six from the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and five from the government of Pakistan. Its chairman/chief executive is the president of Pakistan. Other members of the council are the president and the prime minister of Azad Kashmir and a few other AJK ministers.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is predominantly Muslim. The majority of the population is culturally, linguistically, and ethnically related to the people of northern Punjab.
A large majority of Kashmiris have relatives who live in England. Mirpur in particular retains strong links with the UK.
Urdu is the official language of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, due to the area's diverse cultural blend, many languages are spoken by different populations, including Pahari, Kashmiri, Gojri, Punjabi and Pashto.
Broad View Of Gilgit Valley
Gilgit - Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan is a territory in Northern Pakistan. The territory, which does not constitute a province of Pakistan, was formerly known as the Northern Areas. It is the northernmost political entity within the Pakistani-controlled part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It borders Afghanistan to the north, China to the northeast, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to the south. The territory became a single administrative unit in 1970 under the name "Northern Areas" and was formed by the amalgamation of the Gilgit Agency, the Baltistan District of the Ladakh Wazarat, and the states of Hunza and Nagar. With its administrative center at the town of Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan covers an area of 72,971 km² (28,174 mi²) and has an estimated population approaching 1,000,000. Pakistan considers the territory as separate from Kashmir whereas India considers the territory as a part of the larger disputed territory of Kashmir that has been in dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947.
The population consists of many diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious groups, due in part to the many isolated valleys separated by some of the world's highest mountains. The majority of population of this area is Shia unlike rest of Pakistan which is majority Sunni. Urdu is the linua franca of the region, understood by most male inhabitants. The Shina language (with several dialects) is the language of 40% of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, throughout Diamer, and in some parts of Ghizer. The Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and part of Tibetan language group, is spoken by the entire population of Baltistan. Minor languages spoken in the region include Wakhi, spoken in upper Hunza, and in some villages in Ghizer, while Khowar is the major language of Ghizer. Burushaski is an isolated language spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar is also spoken), in some parts of Gilgit and in some villages of Punyal. Another interesting language is Domaaki, spoken by the musician clans in the region. A small minority of people also speak Pashto.
At the last census (1998), the population of Gilgit-Baltistan was 870,347. Approximately 14% of the population was urban.
K - 2 Pakistan
K - 2 World's 2nd largest mountain. There are an estimated 108 peaks above 7,000 meters (23,000 ft) high that are covered in snow and glaciers. Five of the mountains in Pakistan (including K2 & Nanga Perbat) are over 8,000 meters (26,000 ft).
Islamabad - Lahore Motorway
There are also several smaller airports which have flights to and from the Gulf because of the large Pakistan Diaspora working in the region. There are 91 airports with paved runways of which 14 have runways longer than 3,047 meters. The remaining 48 airports have unpaved runways including one airport with a runway longer than 3,047 meters. Pakistan also has eighteen heliports.
The Shaulat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Cenre in Lahore
Govt College University Lahore
Education in Pakistan is divided into five levels: primary (grades one through five); middle (grades six through eight); high (grades nine and ten, leading to the Secondary School Certificate); intermediate (grades eleven and twelve, leading to a Higher Secondary School Certificate); and university programmes leading to graduate and advanced degrees.
Pakistan also has a parallel secondary school education system in private schools, which is based upon the curriculum set and administered by the Cambridge International Examination, in place of government exams. Some students choose to take the O level and Alevel exams through the British Council.
The programmes are generally two to three years in length. The minimum qualifications to enter female vocational institutions, is the completion of grade 5. All academic education institutions are the responsibility of the provincial governments. The federal government mostly assists in curriculum development, accreditation and some financing of research.
English medium education is to be extended, on a phased basis, to all schools across the country. Through various educational reforms, by the year 2015, the ministry of education expects to attain 100% enrolment levels amongst primary school aged children, and a literacy rate of 86% amongst people aged over 10.
Pakistan also has madrassahs that provide free education and also offer free boarding and lodging to students who come mainly from the poorer strata of society. After criticism over terrorists using them for recruiting purposes, efforts have been made to regulate them
Arts & Culture Values - Henna Design
Three mountain ranges, namely Karakorum-Hindukash-Himalaya, meet at that point
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Sports
Field Hockey is the National Game of Pakistan.
- Pakistan is the most successful team, having won the FIH Hockey World Cup four times (1971, 1978, 1982 & 1994).
- The Hockey World Cup was first conceived by Pakistan 's Air Marshal Nur Khan. He proposed his idea to the FIH under the name of Patrick Rowley, the first editor of World Hockey magazine. Their idea was approved on October 26, 1969, and adopted by the FIH Council at a meeting in Brussels on April 12, 1970 and Pakistan had honor of winning 1st Hockey World Cup.
- Pakistan is three time (1960, 1968 & 1984) gold medalist in Olympic Field hockey.
- Pakistan is seven time (1958, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982 & 1990) gold medalist in Asian Games.
- Pakistan is also winner of 3 times (1982, 1985 & 1989) Asia Cup.
Polo is also Pakistan National Game, mainly played in Gilgit Baltistan Area
Pakistan were runners-up in the inaugural 2007 ICC World T20 held in South Africa and are the champions of 2009 ICC World T20 held in England.
The national cricket team has won the Cricket World Cup once (in 1992), were runners-up once (in 1999), and co-hosted the games twice (in 1987 and 1996).
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National Symbols
Allama Iqbal
National Poet, Philosopher & the Thinker of Pakistan Mr. Dr. allama Mohammed iqbal
Pakistan's National Hero
National Hero Mr. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan (A. Q. Khan) Founder of Pakistani Nuclear Bomb mostly known as Islamic Bomb. Due to him Pakistan become the 1st Islami & World 7th Nuclear State.
National Flower of Pakistan - Jasmine
National Bird of Pakistan - Chukar (Red Legged Partridge)
National Game of Pakistan - Field Hockey
National Tree of Pakistan - Deodare (Hila;ayan Cedar)
National Animal of Pakistan
The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is a Goat Antelope found in sparse woodland in the Western Himalayas.
Markhor stand 65 to 115 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh from 40 to 110 kilograms. Females are tan in colour with a white underbelly and a pattern of black and white on the legs. Males have a lighter tan colour with the same white underbelly and pattern on the legs, as well as a black face and a large amount of long shaggy white fur on their neck and chest which can grow to knee-length. Both sexes have corkscrew-shaped horns which can grow up to 160 cm / 64 inches long in males, and up to 25 cm / 10 inches in females.
Shalwar Kameez - National Dress of Pakistan
National Mosque
The Shah Faisal Masjid in Islamabad, Pakistan, is among one of the largest mosques in the world. It is a state National Mosque. It is a popular masjid in the Islamic world, and is renowned for both its size and its architecture covering an area of 5,000 square meters with a capacity of 300,000 worshippers.
National Monument
National Monument in Islamabad, Pakistan is a National Monument representing the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan. After a competition among many renowned architects, Arif Masood’s plan was selected for the final design. The blooming flower shape of the monument represents Pakistan's progress as a rapidly developing country. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces (Balochistan, North West Frontier Province, Punjab and Sindh), while the three smaller petals represent the Nothern Areas, Kashmir and the Federally Administrated Tribal Area. The Monument has been designed to reflect the culture and civilization of the country and depicts the story of the Pakistan Movement, dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves for future generations.
Public Monument of Pakistan Minar - e - Pakistan, Lahore, where the Pakistan Resolution was passed on 23rd March 1940
Indus River - National River of Pakistan
The Indus River is the longest river and the third largest river, in terms of annual flow, in Pakistan and theIndia Subcontinent. It is often considered the life line of Pakistan. The Europeans used the name "India" for the entire subcontinent based on the appellation of this river. Originating in the Tibetan Plateau in the vicinity of Lake Mansarovar, the river runs a course through Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir and Nothern Areas, flowing through the North in a southerly direction along the entire length of the country, to merge into the Arabian Sea near Pakistan's port city Karachi. The total length of the river is 3,180 kilometres (1,976 miles). The river has a total drainage area exceeding 1,165,000 square kilometres (450,000 square miles). The river's estimated annual flow stands at around 207 cubic kilometres. Beginning at the heights of the world with Glaciers, the river feeds the ecosystem of temperate forests, plains and arid countryside. Together with the rivers Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Jhelum, Beas and the extinct Sarasvati River, the Indus forms the Sapta Sindhu ("Seven Rivers") delta in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It has 20 major tributaries.
Biryani - National Food of Pakistan
Sugarcane Juice - National Juice of Pakistan
Khatak Dance - Nationa Dance of Pakistan
Mango - National Fruit of Pakistan
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Military
The armed forces of Pakistan are an all-volunteer force and the sixth largest in the world. The three main services are the Army, Navy and the Air Force, supported by a number of paramilitary forces which carry out internal security roles and border patrols. The National Command Authority is responsible for exercising employment and development control of all strategic nuclear forces and organizations.
The Pakistan military first saw combat in the First Kashmir War, gaining control of what is now Azad Kashmir. In 1961, the army repelled a major Afghan incursion on Pakistan's western border. Pakistan and India would be at war again in 1965 and in 1971. In 1973. During the Soviet – Afghan War, Pakistan shot down several intruding pro-Soviet Afghan aircraft and provided covert support to the Afghan mujahideen through the Inter Services Intelligence agency. In 1999, Pakistan was involved in the Kargil conflict with India. Currently, the military is engaged in an armed conflict with extremist Islamic militants in the north-west of the country.
The Pakistani armed forces contributed to United Nation peacekeeping efforts, with more than 10,700 personnel deployed in 2009, and are presently the largest contributor. In the past, Pakistani personnel have volunteered to serve alongside Arab forces in conflicts with Israel.
Pakistan's military employs armaments that include atomic weapons, mobile vehicle ballistic missile systems, laser communication systems, armored cars and tanks, and multi-role fighter/bomber jets.
Since 2004, Pakistani armed forces are engaged in fighting against Pakistani Taliban groups. Ever since the militant groups have been retaliating by suicide bombings in Pakistani cities, killing more than 3,000 civilians and armed personnels only in 2009.
JF 17 - Thunder
A Mushak at IDEAS 2008
PAF Karakoram-8 Trainer
Uqab is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed and manufactured by Xpert Engineering, a Pakistani defence research and development organisation.
There are two versions of Uqab, a tactical version with flying range of 150 km and a strategic version with range up to 350 km.
PNS Hamza
Al-Khalid MBT being demonstrated during a military equipment exhibition in Pakistan
Al-Zarrar MBT in service with the Pakistan Army
Ghauri II Balestic Missile
Shaheen II Baletic Missile
Babur Cruise Missile
Raad Air to Surface Cruise Missile
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Food
A variety of dishes cooked under the BBQ method
A variety of Pakistani dinner cuisines - Starting from the left, Gobi Aloo, Seekh Kehbab, and Beef Karahi
Peshwari Naans made freshly at a tandoor (open oven)
Seekh Kababs - one of the famous Pakistani food specialities
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Tourism
Despite having an image problem, hyped particularly in the West, and once alleged as one of the most dangerous countries in the world by the British magazine "The Economist", tourism is still a growing industry in Pakistan because of its diverse cultures, peoples and landscapes. The variety of attractions ranges from the ruins of ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo – Daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill-stations, that attract those interested in field and winter sports. Pakistan also has several mountain peaks of height over 8,000 metres (26,250 ft), that attract adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially to K2. Starting in April to September, domestic and international tourists visit these areas helping tourism become a source of income for the local people.
In Balochistan there are many caves for cavers and tourists to visit especially the Juniper Shaft Cave, the Murghagull Gharra cave, Mughall saa cave, and naturally decorated cave. Pakistan is a member country through Hayatullah Khan Durrani to the Union International de Spéléologie (UIS).
The northern parts of Pakistan are home to several historical fortresses, towers and other architecture including the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the latter being home to the Kalash, a small pre-Islamic Animist community. Punjab is also the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River. The historic city of Lahore is considered Pakistan's cultural centre and has many examples of Mughal architecture such as the BAdshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens , Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) also helps promote tourism in the country. However, tourism is still limited because of the lack of proper infrastructure and the worsening security situation in the country. The recent militancy in Pakistan's scenic sites, including Swat in NWFP province, have dealt a massive blow to the tourism industry. Many of the troubles in these tourist destinations are also blamed on the frail travel network, tourism regulatory framework, low prioritization of the tourism industry by the government, low effectiveness of marketing and a constricted tourism perception. After these areas were being cleared off the militant groups in late 2009, the government of Pakistan with the financial support from the USAID have started a campaign to reintroduce tourism in Swat valley. Pakistan receives 500,000 tourists annually, and almost half of them head to northern Pakistan.
Kaghan Valley Kaghan
Kalam Valley Swat
Khyber Pass
Lake Saiful Malook During June
Nagar Valley - Autmn
Satpara Lake
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Pakistan Book of World Record
Abdus Salam
Dr. Abdus Salam (January 29, 1926 Jhang Punjab Pakistan - November 21, 1996 Oxford England) was a Pakistani theoretical Physicist and Nobel Laureate in Physics for his work in Electro Weak Theory. Salam, Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg shared the prize for this discovery. Salam holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani Nobel Laureate, and was the first Muslim Nobel Leaureate in science. The validity of the theory was ascertained through experiments carried out at the Super Proton Synchroton facility at CERN in Geneva, particularly, through the discovery of the W and Z Bosons.
Largest Volunteer Ambulance Organization
Abdul Sattar Edhi (Pakistan) began his ambulance service in 1948, ferrying injured people to Hospital. Today his radio linked network includes 500 ambulances all over Pakistan and attracts funds of US$ 5 million a year.
Hassan Raza
The youngest Test player ever is Hasan Raza (Pakistan) who made his debut, aged 14 years 227 days, against Zimbabwe at Faisalabad, Pakistan on 24 October 1996.
Born 11 March 1982 in Karachi, like other Pakistani cricketers Raza was given test match experience very early. The right-handed batsmen has played for Pakistan Customs, Habib Bank Limited, Karachi Cricket Association, and Pakistan.
Jahangir Khan
Jahangir Khan (born December 10, 1963, in Karachi, pakistan) is a former World No. 1 professional Squash player from Pakistan, who is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the game. During his career he won the World Open six times and the British Open a record ten times. Between 1981 and 1986, he was unbeaten in competitive play for five years. During that time he won 555 matches consecutively. This was not only the longest winning streak in squash history, but also one of the longest unbeaten runs by any athlete in top-level professional sports. He retired as a player in 1993, and has served as President of the World Squash Federation since 2002.
Jansher Khan
Jan Sher Khan(born 15 June 1969, in Peshawar, Pakistan) is a former World No. 1 professional Squash player from Pakistan, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest squash players of all time. During his career he won the World Open a record eight times, and the British Open six times. He also has beaten Australian Chris Dittmar a staggering 17 times in the finals for much of Chris career he was ranked No. 2 in the world, but finally managed to push Jansher Khan of the top most in the last week of his career.
Naseem Hameed
Naseem Hameed – Asian Fastest Athlete
Saeed Anwar
Saeed Anwar (born. September 6, 1968) in Karachi, Pakistan, is a former Pakistani Cricketer who was an opening batsman. He is most notable for scoring 194 runs against India in Chennai, the highest in any One Day International. He was an opener for Pakistan and generally opened with Aamer Sohail.
On May 21, 1997 in Chennai, he scored 194 against India in an ODI match. This is the Second highest individual score by any batsman in the world and his record stands, almost a decade after he achieved it.
Sahibzada Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi
Shahid Afridi (born 1 March 1980 in Khyber Agency to Pashtun parents of the Afridi tribe in Kohat), popularly known as Shahid Afridi or by his nickname Boom Boom Afridi, is a Pakistani Cricketer currently playing for the Pakistan National Team. He made his ODI debut on October 2, 1996 against Kenya in Nairobi and his Test debut on October 22, 1998 againt Australia at Karachi. He is known for his aggressive batting style, and currently holds the highest career strike rate in the history of international cricket and the world record of Fastest Century. In a recent survey, Afridi was named as the most popular cricketer in Pakistan.
Shoaib Akhtar (born 13 August, 1975 in Rawalpindi, Punjab)
He is a Pakistani Cricketer, widely recognized as the fastest bowler in the world, earning him the nameRawalpindi Express. He set a world record by clocking 100mph twice. His ability to bowl fast yorkers, well disguised slow balls, swinging deliveries, and sharp bouncers made him lethal even on dead pitches.
Sohail Abbas
Sohail Abbas (born June 9, 1977 in Karachi) is a field hockey defender and penalty corner specialist from. He is the holder of the world record for the most goals scored in international competition.
Heaviest Weight Lifted with Ears
The heaviest weight lifted using only the ear is 61.7 kg (136 lb) by Zafar Gill (Pakistan), who lifted gym weights hanging from a clamp attached to his right ear during the event Vienna Recordia, in Vienna, Austria, on September 30, 2007.
Mohammed Mahmood Alam
MM Alam little dragon is known for his actions during the Indo Pakistan War of 1965 when he was posted at Sargodha. During this war he was involved in various dogfights. He is officially credited with downing five Hunters of the Indian Air Force in Air to Air Combats, in less than a minute.
PAF F - 86E 54026
PAF F-86E 54026 was the plane flown by Sqn. Ldr. M. M. Alam on fatefull 7 september 1965. the plane was later shown with 9 kills makings confirmed and several damaged Indian Aircrafts. On 7 September 1965 he shot down five IAF Hunters with in less than a minute and a total of seven Indian fighters in the same day which makes him the topmost scoring pilot from war.
Namira Salim
Namira Salim 1st Pakistani on space and 1st asian sky diver who dive on everest
Tarbela Dam
Tarbela is considered as the largest earth-filled dam on one of the world's most important rivers - the Indus
Baltoro Glacier
The Baltoro Glacier, Northern Pakistan, is one of the longest glaciers outside of the polar regions
Shandur - The Highest Polo Ground on Earth
The Other Pakistani World Records are:
- Pakistan broke the world record Friday by unfurling world's largest flag made ever by Shell Pakistan at the National Cricket Stadium. The national flag 510-ft into 340ft has broken the current record of the 505ft into 255-ft American Super flag. The flag was unfurled amidst a large crowd.
- Sultan Mohammad Khan Golden Sultan has to his credit the world record of jumping over 22 cars in 1987 during the national horse and cattle show in Lahore , where he covered 249 feet distance, leaving behind USA ’s Ever Achieved Koddosely who had covered 246 feet while jumping over cars. Sultan is aiming to improve his own record of motorcar reverse jumping, when he had made while jumping over 15 cars and during the process he had covered 150 feet distance in a show held on January 13,1995 at Faisalabad .
- Ataullah Khan Essa Khailwiis a well known folk singer and poet of Pakistan . He has the world record for the highest number of audio albums ever released by a singer. He is traditionally considered a Seraiki artist but mostly he has also recorded albums in the Punjabi language. The reason behind his astonishing success is that he sings only for the poor, desperate and afflicted. His voice has a healing effect and is considered one of the best folk singers Pakistan has ever produced. He has dominated the folk music scene of Pakistan for over thirty years. He gathers thousands in his audiences whenever and wherever he performs.
- The widest gauge in standard use is 1.676 m (5 ft 6 in). This wide gauge is used in Spain, Portugal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Argentina, and Chile. The narrower standard gauge, 1.435 m (4.698 ft), is more common in much of America and Europe.
- The most men's squash world championship team titles won is six, by Australia, in 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1989, and 1991; and Pakistan, in 1977, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, and 1993.
- Since the World Open was inaugurated in 1975, Jansher Khan has clinched the title eight times, with his relative Jahangir coming close behind winning six titles. But Jahangir has also claimed three International Squash Rackets Federation world individual titles, taking his tally of World titles to a record-breaking total of nine. In 1982 Jahangir astonished everyone by winning the International Squash Players Association Championship without losing a single point! Jansher played in his first World Open in 1987 in Birmingham, England, beating Jahangir in the semi-final. Jansher has only once failed to make it to the final in the 10 World Opens he has played.
- The famous Khan family have dominated the sport of squash for over 50 years. The champion family originates from a village called Nawakille in Pakistan. Jansher (born in 1960 and whose name means "Lion-Hearted") succeeded his relatives - Peshawar, Hashim, Azam, Roshan, Moibullah (Senior), and Jahangir, all of them champion squash stars. Since 1950, the family has won 29 British Opens.
- Jansher Khan has beaten Australian Chris Dittmar a staggering 17 times in the finals! For much of Chris' career he was ranked No.2 in the world, but finally managed to push Jansher off the top spot in the last week of his career.
- The most wickets taken over a one-day international cricket career is 440 by Pakistan's Wasim Akram in 319 matches between 1985 and 2001. Wasim took the wickets at an average of 24.04 runs. Born in 1966 Lahore, Wasim Akram started playing cricket, like many Pakistanis, on the streets. He made his international debut at the age of 18 after an invitation to join the national team's training camp as they prepared for a match against New Zealand. Wasim's ability to move the ball in the air combined with his pace and accuracy has earned him a reputation as one of the world's best fast bowlers. In February 2000, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
- A football made from artificial leather PV-PVC and hand-sewn by staff at Ihsan Sports of Hajipura, Sialkot, Pakistan, had a diameter of 4m (13ft 1in) when measured on 30 June 2002.
The super-sized soccer ball – an exact replica of the company's standard football – was made from 32 separate panels that were laminated, printed then hand-stitched together. It was unveiled at the Al Faysaliah shopping mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by members of the Disabled Children's Society. "I was amazed at the size of the football," said one spectator, "and I imagine it would be really hard to actually play with." - An appendix removed from a 55-year-old Pakistani man on June 11, 2003, at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, measured 23.5 cm (9.2 in) in length. The operation was carried out by Dr. Riaz Ahmed Khokhar. The appendix is a long, thin, worm-like pouch sticking out of the join between the large and small intestines. Doctors are still not sure of its purpose – or even if it has a purpose – and although it contains immune-system cells, if it's surgically removed, health doesn't suffer.
- The smallest published Quran Majeed book measures 1.7 cm x 1.28 cm x 0.72 cm (0.66 in x 0.50 in x 0.28 in). It is published in an unabridged, bound version, in fine print Arabic and is 571 pages long. Dr Muhammad Karim Beebani at October 15, 2004 in Pakistan.
- The largest victory margin is 233 runs by Pakistan against Bangladesh (320 for the loss of three wickets to 87 all out), at Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 2, 2000.
- The largest flaming candle image took place at the Serena Hotel in Faisalabad, Pakistan when 48 people lit 8,154 candles to create the Sandoz logo on December 31, 2003.
- National Hockey Stadium (aka Gadaffi Hockey Stadium) is a purpose build field hockey stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. It is the biggest field hockey stadium in world.. The stadium holds 45,000 spectators.
- The length of the kurta is 30 times more than that of a standard medium-sized kurta and stands at a staggering height of 101 feet. The cuff opening alone is 15-feet wide whereas the length of each sleeve is almost 57ft. The entire kurta weighs 800kg with each of its four buttons weighing 10kg each. The material used is 800 yards long while 450metres of thread has been used. It took a team of 50 hard-working professional tailors a period of 30 days to put together the kurta. The kurta will be the first of its kind to be certified by Guinness.
- The first ever formation aerobatics on bombers were performed at Peshawar during an air display on 27 October 1964 - at which Air Marshal Omar Dani, C-in-C of the Indonesian Air Force, was the Chief Guest. The 4 B-57s were led by Wing Commander Nazir Latif with Squadron Leader Altaf Sheikh and Flight Lieutenants Abdul Basit and Shams as team members. The team executed loops, rolls and wing overs, the first two manoeuvres being unheard of in such a heavy class of aircraft as the B-57, which was not really designed to perform aerobatics even singly. Their precise but apparently effortless station-keeping throughout the demonstration effectively concealed the intense concentration, and physical exertion that all four pilots went through.
- 2nd February 1958 was a significant day in the history of aviation as well as that of the Pakistan Air Force. On that day, for the first time a formation of 16 fighters (F-86 Sabres) performed a loop during an air display at Masroor Air Base at Karachi. The team was led by the renowned fighter pilot and wartime leader of the Air Force, Wing Commander M Z Masud, who was later awarded Hilal-e-Jurat in the 1965 War.
The Team: Wing Commander M Z Masud
Squadron Leader Nazir Latif
Squadron Leader S U Khan
Squadron Leader Ghulam Haider
Squadron Leader S M Ahmad
Squadron Leader Aftab Ahmad
Squadron Leader M Sadruddin
Flight Lieutenant Sajjad Haider
Flight Lieutenant A U Ahmad
Flight Lieutenant Hamed Anwar
Flight Lieutenant Muniruddin Ahmad
Flight Lieutenant M Arshad
Flight Lieutenant Jamal A Khan
Flight Lieutenant A M K Lodhie
Flight Lieutenant Wiqar Azim
Flight Lieutenant M L Middlecoat
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Some Useful Information’s about Pakistan
- Nur ul Amin is the only Vice President of Pakistan
- 30th September 1947 Pakistan Enters UNO Membership
- 01st July 1948 First Postage Stamp was issued
- In year 1960 the Decimal System was adopted
- Total Area of Pakistan is 8,80,940 km² (36th in World Ranking)
- Total Land Area of Pakistan is 8,55,657
- Total Water Area of Pakistan is 25,283
- Land Boundaries of Pakistan are 6,975km (Afghanistan 2,643 km, India 2,910km, China 510km & Iran 912km)
- Population of Pakistan (2010 estimate) 169,019,000 (06th in World Ranking)
- Population Density is 210.2/km2 (55th in World Ranking)
- Population Growth Rate of Pakistan is 1.947% (2009 est.)
- Pakistan's GDP is US$167 billions, which makes it the 48th-largest economy in the world or 27th largest by purchasing power adjusted exchange rates.
- Per Capita Income is 1,022 US$ (142 in World Ranking)
- GDP growth was steady during the mid 2000s at a rate of 7%; however, slowed down during the Economic Crisis of 2008 to 4.7%.
- The religious breakdown of the country is as follows:
Islam 162,258,240 (96%) (nearly 70% are Sunni Muslims and 20% are Shia Muslims).
Hinduism 3,126,852 (1.85%)
Christianity 2,704,304 (1.6%)
Sikhs Around 16,902 (0.001%)
The remaining are Parsi, Ahmadi, Buddhists, Jews, Bahais, and Animist (mainly the Kalasha of Chitral).
River Length
Indus: 2,896km
Jhelum: 825km
Chenab: 1242km
Ravi: 901km
Sutlej: 1551km
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TODAY's PAKISTAN
World' 5th Largest Democracy
World's 6th Largest Nation
Worlds third Largest English Speaking Nation
The roof of the world, Four out of 14 highest peaks are in Pakistan
Some of the longest glaciers outside polar region are in Pakistan
The largest Salt Deposites - Khewra Mines
One of the largest reserves of Natural Gas
One of the largest bird sanctuary in the world - Haleji Lake
World Class Recognition in Textile, IT, Engineering services
World's Highest Raliway Station - Kan Mehtarzai, Quetta
Road on the top of the world - Karakoram Highway (26,000 Feet)
Land of Majestic Mughal Empire
Land of the oldest Civilization - Indus Valley
Land of the oldest City of the World - Mohenjodaro
Land of the mightiest Rivers in the World - Indus, Ravi,Jehlum,Chenab,Satluj, Kabul
PAKISTAN TECHNOLOGY POWER
Over 50 Foreign Companies have plant to set up R&D facilities in Pakistan in the past five years. These includes GE, Bell Labs, Du Pont, Daimler Chrysler, Eli Lilly, Intel, Monsanto , Texas instruments, Caterpillar, Cummins, GM, Microsoft and IBM.
Pakistan 's telecom infrastructure between Karachi , Lahore and New York , provides one of the largest bandwidth capacity in the World.
With more than 100 universities, 150 research institutions and 200 higher education institutes, Pakistan produces 100,000 engineering graduates and another 100,000 technically trained graduates qualify out in paksitan anually.
Besides, another 0.5 million other graduates qualify out in Paksitan annually.
The Pakistan Institute of Technology (GIIT) and NED University of Engineering and Technology is among the top 10 universities from which many of the world's biggest consulting firms, hire most.
Five of the world's major Automobile makers are obtaining components from pakistni Companies
New emerging Industries areas include, Mechatronics, Bio Technology, Clinical Research and Pharmaceuticals
Carrier Air conditioning Co, the american giant for Air Conditioning equipement is to set-up research and Development Center in pakistan
Paksitan revenues from IT will reach 5 Billion Dollor in teh Year 2010.
Atlas Honda with 0.75 M Motorcycles a year is now one of the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Pakistan is the 5th largest tractor manufacturer in the WorldPakistan is teh 9th largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the World
Suzuki, Which makes many cars in Pakistan has decided to make Pakistan its manufacturing, Export and Research hub outside Japan .
Hyundai Pakistan is set to become the global small car hub for the Korean giant and will produce latest cars in Pakistan .
By 2010 Pakistan is set to supply half a million cars to Hyundai Korea and Suzuki.
PAKISTAN TRADE
Pakistan is one of the world's largest exporter of textiles and related products such ar yarn and cotton.
Garment exports are expected to increase from the current level of 1.5 Billion Dollor to 8 Billion Dollor by 2010.
Pakistan is one of the world's largest jewellery and precious gems exporter in the world, Its exports were worth 0.75 Billion Dollor in 2004
About 4 out of 10 precious stones sold anywhere in the world, Pass thru Pakistan .
Mobile phones are growing by about 1.0 Million a month. Long distance rates are down by two-thirds in five years and by 80% for data transmission.
Many US and European Giants Chains sources $ 0.5 Billion worth of goods from Pakistan- Quarter of their apparel. It is expected to increase to $ 2 Billion in the next 2 years.
The country's foreign Exchange reserves stand at an all-time high of $120 Billion.
PAKISTAN SELF-RELIANCE
Pakistan is among seven countries that launch their own satellites.
Pakistan 's PAKSAT is among teh world's largest domestic satellite communication systems.
Pakistan is among only few countries that have ADVANCED SPACE PROGRAM. All of its satellites were indegenously manufactured.
Pakistan is only country which intents to put its national in Space.
Pakistan is among the few countries in thw world have built its own Nuclear Power Station by its own indigenous technology.
Paksitan is among few countries in the world that have built its own Training Aircaft (MASHAQ) by its own indigenous technology.
Paksitan has started the production of F-17 Thunder Fighter Aircrafts in Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra.
PAKISTANI's IN USA
Statistics shows that
18% of doctors in USA .
6% of scientists in USA
12% of NASA Scientists
15% of Microsoft Employees
13% of IBM employees
9% of INTEL Scientists
12% of XEROX employees
Of the 1.5M Pakistanis living in the USA . 1/5th of them live in the Silicon Valley
15% of Silicon Valley start-ups are by Pakistanis
Pakistani students are teh second largest in number among foreign students in USA
DISTINGUISHED PAKISTANI's
- Nobel Prize in Physics, 1979 - Dr. Abdus Salam
- Designer and Architect of Sears Towers - Dr. Fazal ur Rahman
- Architect of Saudi Arabian Desalination Program - Arshad Hussain
- First Governot of Saudi Monetary Agency (SAMA) - Anwar Ali
- Author of Constitution of Malaysia - Fazal Qader
- Chief Advisor to Economic Plans, Malaysia - Mahboob ur Rahman
- Founder of Int. Center for Theoretical Physics, Trieste Italy - Dr. Abdus Salam
- Advisor to Saudi Civil Aviation Authoriy : Dr. Salam Moinee + Hyder Ali
- First Commander in Chief , Zimbabwe Air Force - Air Marshal Dawood Pota
- President of the United Nations and Judge of Int. Court - Zafarullah Khan
- Many times worlds champion of Squash - Jehangir Khan , Jan Sher Khan, Roshan Khan
- Leader in Organic Chemistry - Dr. Atta ur Rahman
- Princes of Jordan - Price Sarwat Sulatana (Wife of Prince Hasan)
- Dr. Sohail Ansari, Consultant Physician at Southend Hospital, Chairman of Essex Tuberculosis Network, Chairman of South East Essex Respiratory Strategic Group, Governor of American College of Chest Physicians, President of Pakistan Essex Doctors Society.
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A Presentation by the Team of PKC Groups & Blogs for the Pakistan Day 23rd March 2010.
