Malam Jabba

Malam Jabba Hill Station is Located in Karakoram Mountain

Malam Jabba is a very beautiful Hill Station in the Karakoram mountain range nearly 40km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley. It is 314km from Islamabad and 51km from Saidu Sharif airport. Malam Jabba is host to the largest ski resort in Pakistan. Malam Jabba Ski Resort, owned by the Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation, had a ski slope of about 800m with the highest point of the slope 2804 m above sea level. Malam Jabba Ski Resort was the collaborative effort of the Pakistan government with its Austrian counterpart. The resort was provided with modern facilities including roller or ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms, telephones and snow clearing equipment. This skiing resort also has two exciting trekking trails such as the Ghorband valley and Shangla top being the first and the Sabonev Valley the second, which also offers outstanding scenic surroundings. Tourists will enjoy the benefits provided by the ski resort, like skiing platforms, roller or ice-skating rinks, snow clearing equipment, chair lifts, telephone facility, and comfortable accommodation and Malam Jabba is a complete adventure tourist destination. 

You can enjoy skiing on the powdery slopes of the Malam Jabba Skiing Resort, trek to the some spectacularly beautiful places or simply sit outside your cottage and enjoy the scenic beauty that the resort has to offer, all these things attract to local and foreign tourists to visit there. Roller and frozen dihydrogen monoxide skating, a Helipad and indoor game facilities, restaurants with international cuisine, and luxury motel make for an impeccable fun filled winter vacation in one of the most spectacular skiing resorts in the world Malam Jabba is host to the only ski resort in Pakistan. The area also contains two Buddhist stupas and six monasteries that are spread around the resort. The presence of the monuments at such a height is mentioned that the area has been inhabited for over 2000 years. Two trekking trails are located close to the Malam Jabba resort. The first passes through the Ghorband valley and Shangla top and starts about 18km from the resort. The other trail passes through the Sabonev Valley and is about 17km from the resort. The scenery is unbelievable with gelid mountain peaks, deep valleys, and forests as far as the ocular perceivers can visually perceive.

Read more »

Lake Saif ul Malook

Lake Saif ul Malook is a Attractive Tourist Spot in Kaghan

Lake Saif ul Malook is a famous tourist resort, beautiful picnic spot for tourists around the world and Saif ul Malook Lake is also an alpine lake located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near the town of Naran. Saif ul Malook is located in district Mansehra of Hazara Division. It is about eight kilometers north of Naran in the northern part of the Kaghan valley. Malika Parbat, the highest peak in the valley is located near the lake.The lake with its majestic and mesmerizing natural beauty, pleasant atmosphere and associated tale and history, attracts thousands of tourists each year from all around the country during the summer.The lake is accessible by 14km roads from Naran which is gone by a road from Mansehra through Balakot and Kaghan during the summer months.

The lake has rich eco-diversity and holds many species of blue, green and algae. Saiful Muluk was formed by glacial moraines that blocked the water of the stream passing through the valley. The Kaghan Valley was formed in the greater Pleistocene period dating back almost 300,000 years when the area was covered with ice. Rising temperatures and receding glaciers left a large depression where glaciers once stood. Melting water collected into the lake. The lake is also famous for being habitat of considerable size Brown Trout fish, which weigh up to 7 kilograms. The best time to visit Lake Saif ul Malook is between May and the end July. It remains covered in snow during winter, and the road to the lake stays closed due to heavy snow fall.

Read more »

Music of Pakistan

Pakistani Music contained Folk, Classical and Modern Music 

The variety of Pakistani music ranges from diverse provincial folk music, classical styles and traditional styles such as Qawwali and Ghazal Gayaki to modern forms fusing traditional and western music, such as the synchronization of Qawwali and western music by the world renowned Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Folk music of Pakistan includes the traditional forms of Balochi, Pashto, Punjabi, and Sindhi. Pakistani folk songs include Abeeti a love song sung by young women, Allah Hoo a Muslim lullaby and Ashoor Jan a patriotic love song. Badala or Sandara is a historically significant form of Pashto folk music that focuses on local romance, epics, folktales, fables, local heroes and historical events. Badala also includes Pashto translations of epics and romance from Arabic and Persian. In addition Pakistan is host to many famous folk singers such as the late Alam Lohar, who is also well known in Indian Punjab. The arrival of Afghan refugees in the western provinces has rekindled Pashto and Persian music and established Peshawar as a hub for Afghan musicians and a distribution center for Afghan music abroad. Pakistan is expected to be very rich in musicians, singers and style of music. Pakistani music is comprises of different items ranging music from different parts of central Asia, South Asia Arabic, Turkish, Persian and also the modern popular Western music, all influence the Pakistani music and with the effect of these music a unique and individual Pakistani sound has originated. Ghazals are traditionally expressions of love, separation and loneliness, for which the gazelle is an appropriate image. 

A ghazal can thus be understood as a poetic expression of both the pain of loss or separation of the lover and the beauty of love in spite of that pain. Structural requirements of the ghazal are more stringent than those of most poetic forms traditionally written in English. In its style and content it is a genre which has proved capable of an extraordinary variety of expression around its central theme of love and separation between lovers. The ghazal spread into South Asia in the 12th century under the influence of the new Islamic Sultanate courts and Sufi mystics. Exotic to the region, as is designated by the very sounds of the name itself when properly pronounced as ġazal. Although the ghazal is most prominently a form of Urdu poetry, today, it has influenced the poetry of many languages. Most Ghazal singers get to know classical music and sing in either Khyal or Thumri. Qawwali is a vibrant musical tradition that dates back more than 700 years in old India. Originally performed mainly at Sufi shrines throughout India, it has also gained mainstream popularity. Qawwali music received international exposure through the work of the late Bakhshi Salamat, Aziz Mian, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Sabri Brothers, largely due to several releases on the 'Real World' label, followed by live appearances at WOMAD festivals. 

Listeners, and often artists themselves are transported to a state of wajad, a trance-like state where they feel 'one with God', generally considered to be the height of spiritual ecstasy in Sufism. The roots of Qawwali can be traced back to the 8th century from Persia, however, Qawwali in the form we know it today, was essentially created by Amir Khusrau in the late 13th century in old India. During the first major migration in the 11th century, the musical tradition of Sama migrated to South Asia from Turkey. Rumi and his Mevlana order of Sufism have been the propagators of Sama in Central Asia. Amir Khusrau of the Chisti order of Sufis is recorded with fusing the Turkish, Persian, Arabic, and South Asian musical traditions, to create Qawwali as well as the classical music tradition. The word, Sama, is used in Central Asia and Turkey, for forms very similar to Qawwali while in Pakistan, the formal name used for a session of Qawwali is Mehfil-e-Sama. Classical music of Pakistan is based on the traditional music of South Asia which was patronized by various empires that ruled the region and gave birth to numerous genres of classic music including the Klasik and Hindustani classical music. The classical music of Pakistan has two main principles, sur and lai. The systematic organization of musical notes into a scale is known as a raag. The arrangement of rhythm in a cycle is known as taal. Improvisation plays a major role during a performernce. The major genres of classical music in Pakistan are dhrupad and khayal. Dhrupad is approaching extinction in Pakistan despite vocalists like Ustad Badar uz Zaman, Ustad Hafeez Khan and Ustad Afzal Khan have managed to keep this art form alive. Khayal is the most popular genre of classical music in Pakistan as it is also enjoyed with much enthusiasm in Afghanistan. Pakistani folk music deals, with subjects surrounding daily life in less grandiose terms than the love and emotion usually contained in its traditional and classical counterpart. 

In Pakistan, each province has its variation of popular folk music. Pakistan has created many famous singers in this discipline such as the late Alam Lohar, who was very influential in the period from 1940 until 1979,  he created the concept of jugni and this has been a folk song ever since, and he sang heer, sufiana kalaams, mirza, sassi and many more famous folk stories. Other famous folk singers include Sain Zahoor and Alam Lohar from Punjab and Allan Fakir and Mai Bhaghi from Sindh, Akhtar Chanal Zahri from Baluchistan and Zarsanga from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, who is envisaged the queen of Pashto folk music. The music of Balochistan province is very rich and full of varieties due to the various different types of languages which are spoken in the province, including Balochi, Pashto, Brahui, Dari and Saraiki. Music from the Punjab province includes many different varieties. The traditional music utilizes instruments like the dhol, flute, dholak, and tumbi. The most commonly recognized form of Punjabi music, bhangra, is based on drum rhythms of the dhol. Its modern popularity has led to the use of modern instruments and electronic sound sampling. Bhangra is a Punjabi folk dance that has become popular all over Pakistan. Bhangra and Panjabi folk songs have been an integral part of the fertile provinces cultural history and various themes are related to harvest and cultivation. Others still draw on the poetic history of the province which transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. The predominant language found in Pakistan's Northern Areas has an extensive oral history which goes back several thousand years. With the increase in tourism to Pakistan's Northern Areas and increased domestic as well as global awareness of the local folk music, the Shinha folk traditions have managed to stay alive and vibrant. A dardic language with considerable Persian influence is found in Pakistan's Chitral region in the North West of the country. Khowar folk music had considerable patronage particularly during the rule of the Mehtars in the last century. 

Folk music in this region has remained relatively pure and unscathed by modern influences owing to the relative isolation of this area. The arrival of many refugees from the adjacent Nuristan province of Afghanistan and the subsequent increase in commercial activity in Chitrali bazaars allowed this indigenous form of music to flourish in the past few decades. Siraiki is spoken by people in southern Punjab and northern Sindh. It has its own culture and life style and most speakers of love to listen to the music of their native Language as would the speakers of any other language. Atta Ullah Essa Khelvi is one of the most famous names in promoting, Siraiki, Songs and Music. Essa Khelvi belongs to Essa Khail, a part of district Mianwail and originated his music from the city of Mianwali. Recent media developments have now brought more talent into the field of entertainment specially the channel the Kook TV broadcasted locally has been a major contributor of Saraiki language into National Media. The seraiki language is often considered the sweetest of all Pakistani languages. Music from Sindh province is sung in Sindhi, and is generally performed in either the Baits or Waee, styles. The Baits style is vocal music in Sanhoon, low voice or Graham, high voice. Waee instrumental music is performed in a variety of ways using a string instrument. Waee, also known as Kafi, is found in the surrounding areas of Balochistan, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Common instruments used in Sindhi regional music include the Yaktaro, Narr, and Naghara. Pashto music is generally found in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in Pakistan's major urban centres such as Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot and Multan. Music genres include Tappa, Charbeta, Neemkai, Loba, Shaan and Badala.

Music from Hazara division is sung in Hindko dialect, and is generally performed in either the Mahiyay or Shaer styles. The past few decades have seen the Pakistani music industry reach the heights of success. The little pop element, planted by the legendary playback singer Ahmed Rushdi, helped newcomers in taking the Pakistani musical scene a whole new level. With their impeccable vocals, compositions, and lyrics, many of our singers got the chance to improve their horizons not just across the border but all over the world. In recent times, the reputation our music has been able to build is because of the hard artists from different eras have put in, adding their own flavor to the delightful palette we present as our music industry.Here is a some of singers whose contributions led to the evolution of pop music in Pakistan. The sibling duo of the late singer Nazia Hassan and Zoheb Hassan started off their careers as pop singers in the beginning of 1980s. Together, the two siblings produced some of the most famous pop and disco songs that are still as eminent among Pakistani as well as international audiences. Some of their popular songs include Dum Dum Dee Dee, Aap Jaisa Koi, Zara Chehra Tou, Disco Diwane, Sunn and Aankhen Milanay Walay. Ali Haider, Sajjad Ali, Shahzad Roy, Najam Sheraz, Alamgir, Mohammad Ali Shehki, Bunny and Hadiqa Kiyani are some of the other stars who took the music world by storm with innumerable hits. Their association with PTV helped these singers boost their careers, making pop a celebrated part of our musical culture. Presently, the music industry may not be approved as strong as it was in the past but there is still some good work going on. Performers like Atif Aslam, Noori, Roxen, Jal, Karvaan, Mizraab, Ahmed Jahanzeb and many others are still making every effort to keep the hope for music alive in Pakistan.

Read more »

3G & 4G Licence

From today, Pakistan included among those countries where 3G & 4G utilised and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will award 3G and 4G mobile spectrum licences to the successful mobile operating bidders on Thursday while deadline for free 3G services by different mobile companies will end on Friday. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has confirmed that recently auctioned 3G and 4G licenses will be awarded to four telecom operators in a license award ceremony on 22^nd of May,14. PTA said that, and Government of Pakistan has earned $1.12 Billion from this auction.

Read more »

Culture of Pakistani Punjab

lifestyle of People Pakistani Province Punjab

Lifestyle basically shows the living stanandard and traditions of people. All the provinces of Pakistan have a different lifestyle. They spoke different languages, dress up themselves depending on their culture and the variety of food makes them unique from others. Thus cultural effect can be seen in their lifestyles.  Punjab is Pakistan's second largest province by area after Balochistan, and is Pakistan's most populous province with an estimated population of 101,391,000 as of 2015. It is bordered by the Pakistani provinces of Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the regions of Islamabad Capital Territory and Azad Kashmir. It also shares a border with the Indian states of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. The capital of Punjab is the city Lahore, a cultural centre of Pakistan where the country's cinema industry, and much of its fashion industry, is based. The population of the Punjab is 56% of total population of Pakistan. There are 36 districts in Punjab province of Pakistan. Punjab shares its part in the economy of Pakistan 50 to 60%.Literacy rate in Punjab is 38%. Punjab is Pakistan's most industrialised province with the industrial sector accounting for 24% of the province's gross domestic product. Punjab is well known in Pakistan for its relative prosperity, and has the lowest rate of poverty amongst all Pakistani provinces. A clear divide is found between the northern and southern portions of the province, with poverty rates in prosperous northern Punjab amongst the lowest in Pakistan, while some in south Punjab are amongst the most impoverished. Punjab is among South Asia's most urbanized regions with approximately 40% of people living in urban areas. Its human development index rankings are high relative to the rest of Pakistan. 

Punjab is famous all over the world for its strength of effective culture. Villages of Pakistan are root areas where this renowned culture prevails. People become of good and harmless nature. They respect their tradition and do accord with traditional norms. Punjab always played an important role in the history of Indo-Pak. Punjab was divided in two parts in 1947 one parts to India and other to Pakistan. People of Punjab like gathering and prefer to calibrate every event of life.Punjabi poetry in every accent of Punjabi is common in Punjab. Punjab is abounding in this term of literature, Sufis of Punjab added much more in Punjabi literature. Lahore is the provincial capital of Punjab and famous for its recreational activities. Peoples of Lahore is famous all over the world due to their calibration of the Basant event and their love for fun. Five rivers of Punjab are life line for the agriculture of Punjab. In basic units of cultures, villages, people are very kind and sympathetic to each other. They take part in grief and happiness of each other. They welcome their guests with open arms. Peoples sits late night to tell traditional tales like Hir Waris Shah and Saif ul  Maluk. Punjabi music is also full of every color and line of music as Punjabi of Pakistan has a good taste in music. Lahore and some other cities of Punjab are of much more importance for Sikh community of India, as Nankana Sahib a district of Punjab is birth place of the founder of the Sikh religion. Sikh from all over the world visit to Punjab, Pakistan every year. As an agricultural province Punjab plays vital role in economy of Pakistan. In Lahore city historically Badshahi Mosque and Jahngir tomb are of much more importance. Data Sb in Lahore is a sacred place for people of Punjab & Pakistan. Many visitors from all over the world visit to Data Sahib every year. Bhangra is one of the many Punjabi musical art forms that are increasingly being listened to in the west and is becoming a mainstream favourite. Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies are traditionally conducted in Punjabi and are a strong reflection of Punjabi culture.

Punjabi people are expected to be very warm hearted and fun loving. Punjabi are a heterogeneous group comprising of different tribes, clans, communities and are known to celebrate each and every tradition of their culture. People of Punjab have strong beliefs on pir-faqeers, jogi, taweez, manat-ka-dhaga, saint of repute, black magic, and other superstitions, however recently due to increase of literacy, people have become somewhat rational. Punjabi also believe in casting system but as now people are getting educated. The differences are getting blurred. Some popular casts of Punjabi’s are; Jats, Maliks, Mughals, Arains, Gujjars, Awans, Rajputs, Gakhars, Khokhars, Sheikhs, Aheers, Kambohs, Niazis, Legharis, Khosas, Dogars, Thaheem, Mirani, Qureshis, and Syeds. In villages’ people usually live in small communities, biradaris, however they live in peace and harmony with each other. They take active part in the happiness and grieve of each other and give a great deal of respect for their culture, norms and run their lives according to their set traditions. Punjabi people are famous for their hospitable and loving nature. 

Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. It is spoken as the first language of most people in Punjab, even spoken and understood in areas beyond the confines of Punjab. Facts and figures show that the Punjabi language is spoken as a first language by 44% of Pakistanis. The urdu language is also commonly spoken in this region. Key Punjabi languages/dialects are Pothowari, Hindko, Jhangvi, Shahpuri, Pahari, Majhi and Saraiki. Costumes of Punjab are an indication of the bright and vibrant culture and lifestyle of the people. The costumes are a mix of colours, comfort and beauty and Punjab is well known for the use of phulkari, embroidery, in its costumes. In most of the villages of Punjab men wear Pagri, turban, dhoti or lacha, kurta, khusa. Women wear gharara, or choridar pajama or colorful shalwar kameez, paranda, choli or duppata, khusa, kola puri chappal or tillay wali jutti. Whereas in urban areas of Punjab men and women follow the latest trends and fashion. Generally they wear different styles of shalwar kameez. Extensive cuisine of Punjab can be vegetarian and non-vegetarian. One commonality between all Punjabi dishes is the liberal use of ghee or clarified butter spices and Punjabis are fond of sweet-meats also. Most Punjabi food are eaten with either rice or roti. There are some dishes that are exclusive to Punjab such as Mah Di Dal, Paratha, Makai ki rotti, Saron Da Saag, and in cities Choley, Haleem, Baryani and other spicy dishes are popular. In beverages, tea is consumed in all seasons and as a custom most of Punjabis serve tea to their guests. Punjabi are also fond of Zarda, Gulab Jamuns, Kheer, Jalaibi,Samosy, Pakorey etc. During summers people drink lassi, doodh-soda, aloo bokharey ka sharbat, lemonade etc.  These cuisines have become world-wide delicacies with large scale representation. Bhangra is most often known Punjabi music genre and dance style. Punjabi passionately love folk songs/music. Qawali and Punjabi music is recognized throughout the world. The Tabla, Dhol, Dholki, Chimta, Flute and Sitar are all common instruments of this delightful culture. Punjabi dance is based around happiness, energy and enthusiasm.Different forms of dance in Punjab are: Loddi, Dhamal, Sammi, Kikli, Gatka, Bhangra, Giddha and Dandiya. Punjabi dances have been embraced by the American culture and others alike and now they are among the most appreciated art forms.

Read more »

Culture of Pakistan

Pakistan has a Multi-Cultural Society

Living lifestyle of people of Pakistan called culture, in which included numerous ethnic groups the Punjabis, Kashmiris, Sindhis in East, Muhajirs, Makrani in the South Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic, Wakhi, Baltistani and Burusho communities in the north. The culture of these Pakistani ethnic groups have been greatly influenced by many of its neighbors, such as the other South Asians, Turkic peoples, as well as the peoples of Central Asia and the Middle East. Pakistan is under a rich cultural and ethnic background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC to 1800 BC. The region of Pakistan has been invaded in the past, occupied and settled by many different people, including Aryans, Greeks, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. The diverse ethnic groups have differences in dress, food, and religion. The cultural origins come from the civilizations of India and eastern Afghanistan, with significant influences from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. It was the first time part of the subcontinent to receive the full impact of Islam. Hence it has developed an identity of its own. Pakistani society is to a great extent multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural. Though cultures within the country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be discovered, as most Pakistanis are mainly of Aryan heritage or have coexisted side by side along the Indus River for several thousand years, or both. However, over 60 years of integration, a distinctive.  Pakistani culture has sprung up, especially in the urban areas where many of the diverse ethnic groups have coexisted and in many cases, intermarried. Education is highly considered by members of every social economic stratum, with the country now having a literacy rate of 55%, up from 3% at the time of independence. Traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred, although urban families increasingly form nuclear families, owing to social economic constraints imposed by the traditional culture of the extended family. The region has formed a distinct unit within the main geographical complex of South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia from the earliest times, and is similar to the position of Afghanistan. There are differences among ethnic groups in cultural aspects such as dress, food, and religion, especially where pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices. Their cultural origins also reveal influences from far afield, including China, India and Afghanistan. Pakistan was the first region of South Asia to be fully impacted by Islam and has thus developed a distinct Islamic identity, historically different from areas further east.

Dresses and Food of Pakistan

Regardless of the fact that Pakistan's population is almost entirely Muslim, 96.4% as of 2010, women's status differs significantly by community. Women's dress varies according to region, class and occasion, but shalwar kameez is the principal garment worn by Pakistani women. Ghararas, a loose divided skirt worn with a blouse,  and lehengas were common earlier, but are now worn mostly at weddings. Few Pakistani women wear the hijab or burqa in public, and the degree to which they decide to cover varies; with the use of the burqa being primarily predominant in Pashtun territories. Some traditionally Afghan clothing styles have become prevalent in recent decades in some areas of Pakistan. Pakistan does not have laws banning or enforcing the hijab. Surveys conducted in Pakistan show that most women wearing the hijab do so of their own choice. The veil does not constitute an absolute requirement, and women may even wear jeans and T-shirts in urban areas of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and other big cities. In last five years, western dressing has become much universal among women in cities. Many women wear pants, plazzo and tight jeans with long shirts as well as short shirts. Most women in small cities and rural areas wear the Shalwar Kameez, which consists of a tunic top and baggy trouser set which covers their arms, legs and body. A loose dupatta scarf is also worn around the shoulders, upper chest and head. Men also have a similar dress code, but only women are supposed to wear a dupatta in public. 

Some Pakistani women who do not wear hijab may wear the dupatta or chadar instead. A sari is a formal dress worn on special occasions by some, mainly urban, women. Men wear shalwar kameez, kurta, Pakistani Waistcoat, achkan and sherwani, churidar or pajama. Other items of clothing include the jama and the angarkha. Headgear includes the Jinnah Cap also called Karakul, Fez also called Rumi Topi and Taqiyah. Khussa is popular foot wear. Other items include traditional shawls made of Pashmina or other warm materials especially in the Northern regions of the country. Men wear diffrent dress according to their area and tradition in Pakistan ,like Balochi wears a long jama like a smock-frock down to the heels, loose shalwar, a long chadar or scarf, a pagri of cotton cloth, and mostly shoes that nanow at the toe. The material is thick cloth with very wide shalwar to protect against the hot wind of the dry Sulaiman Range and Kharan Desert. Sindhi people wear a version of the shalwar called a suthan with a kameez called cholo. Other traditional clothing includes the Sindhi cap and Ajrak of beautiful designs which are made locally. Men also traditionally wear the dhoti and the long angerkho. Punjabi men wear the straight cut Punjabi shalwar kameez, kurta and shalwar, dhoti, lungi or tehmat and kurta. Other Punjabi shalwar styles include the Pothohari shalwar, Multani shalwar and the Bahawalpuri shalwar which is very wide and baggy with many folds. Turban of a thin cloth is also worn especially in rural areas of Punjab where it is called pagri. Footwear include the khussa. In Pashtun dress, people wear traditional Peshawari chappal as footwear. The traditional male Pashtun dress includes the Khet partug, Peshawari shalwar and the Perahan wa tunban. Males usually wear kufi, Peshawari cap, turban, sindhi cap or pakul as traditional headgear. In Pakistan the traditional wedding ceremony is celebrated by wearing different clothes in each wedding event. 

In the Mehndi function, men wear an embroided kurta in glittering colours with simple shalwar, patiala shalwar and a colorful shawl which they put on their shoulders and sometimes round the neck. In some weddings, dress code is decided before the ceremony and all men carry the same color. Up to the wedding day, the bride may wear a yellow or orange kameez, with a simple shalwar, patiala shalwar, yellow dupatta and yellow paranda. During baraat and walima functions, the groom usually wears kurta shalwar or kurta churidar with special sherwani and khussa. During the event of baraat, grooms also wear traditional sehra on their head. In new trend in Pakistan, mostly groom wear sherwani with tight jeans which is look like a churidaar pajama. Brides normally wear an expensive lehenga or gharara preferably in red, maroon and pink colors with heavy jewellery. Because at least 95 percent of the Pakistani population is Muslim, there are two food customs that are followed almost universally. One is that Muslims do not eat pork, therefore beef, chicken, lamb, and fish are the basic foods, and the other is that during the month of Ramadan, fasting is a daily activity. Spices and curry are an essential part of any Pakistani recipe. The most prevalent spices include chili powder, tumeric, garlic, paprika, black and red pepper, cumin seed, bay leaf, coriander, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, and poppy seeds, among others. Using yogurt to marinate meats is another typical recipe. Because of the use of spices and curry for the main dish, the usual side dish is plain rice. Lentils are another common specialty. The food in the south is more exotic and highly spiced. While that in the north often features plain barbecued meat as the main dish. Usually any meat, fowl, or seafood is curried, and frying is the typical method of cooking. Ghee, which is clarified butter, is another commonly used recipe item and is typically used for frying. Wheat and flour products are considered mainstays of the everyday diet, and the use of pickles, chutneys, preserves, and sauces along with curried meats, seafood, vegetables, and lentils and are why Pakistani cuisine has such a unique flavor. Green tea is the typical drink served at all meals.

Music and Folk Dance of Pakistan

Music of Pakistan includes diverse elements ranging from music from various parts of South Asia as well as Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and modern-day Western popular music influences. With these multiple influences, a Pakistani distinctive sound has been formed. Music of Pakistan dates back to over hundred of years. Pakistan is the modern name of a country once was named as Sindu Supta and India, Land of Indus. This is where the great Indus civilization flourished which was rich in art, music and dance. The dancing girl and the musical pots found from Moen Jo Daro are some of the proofs of the early music of this land. Pakistani music has evolved with many historic phases under which this land went thru. Invaders from all corners of the world brought their bits of spices to the music, culture and art of Pakistan. 

After the arrival of Islam and than the revolution of Sufism music became ever more mature and developed a new identity of itself. The ghazal spread into South Asia in the 12th century under the influence of the new Islamic Sultanate courts and Sufi mystics. Exotic to the region, as is indicated by the very sounds of the name itself when properly pronounced as ġazal. Although the ghazal is most prominently a form of Urdu poetry, today, it has influenced the poetry of many languages. 

Most Ghazal singers are trained in classical music and sing in either Khyal or Thumri. Qawwali music received international exposure through the work of the late Bakhshi Salamat, Aziz Mian, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and sabri brothers, largely due to several releases on the Real World label, followed by live appearances at WOMAD festivals. Listeners, and often artists themselves are transported to a state of wajad, a trance-like state where they feel at one with God, generally considered to be the height of spiritual ecstasy in Sufism. The roots of Qawwali can be traced back to the 8th century from Persia, however, Qawwali in the form we know it today was essentially created by Amir Khusrau in the late 13th century. Classical music of Pakistan is based on the traditional music of South Asia which was patronized by various empires that ruled the region and gave birth to several genres of classic music including the Klasik and Hindustani classical music. The classical music of Pakistan has two main principles. The systematic organization of musical notes into a scale is known as a raag. The arrangement of rhythm in a cycle is known as taal. Improvisation plays a major role during a performance. Pakistani folk music deals, with subjects surrounding daily life in less grandiose terms than the love and emotion usually contained in its traditional and classical counterpart. In Pakistan, each province has its own variation of popular folk music. Pakistan has created many famous singers in this discipline such as the late Alam Lohar, who was very influential in the period of 1940 until 1979: he created the concept of jugni and this has been a folk song ever since, and he sang heer, sufiana kalaams, mirza, sassi and many more famous folk stories. Other famous folk singers include Sain Zahoor and Alam Lohar from Punjab and Allan Fakir and Mai Bhaghi from Sindh, Akhtar Chanal Zahri from Baluchistan and Zarsanga from North-West Frontier Province who is considered the queen of Pashto folk music. Folk music of the Punjab is the traditional music of Punjab produced using traditional musical instruments like Tumbi, Algoze, Dhadd, Sarangi, Chimta and more. There is a wide range of folk songs for every occasion from birth to death including marriage, festivals, fairs and religious ceremonies. 

Different arts and crafts flourished in the urban areas of Multan and Bahawalpur among which music and dance are important cultural elements and are part of most of the celebrations and ceremonies. Jhoomar is the traditional Saraiki folk dance that originated from Multan and Balochistan. It is a lively form of music and dance and it is slow and rhythmic. The word ,Jhoomar, comes from jhoom, which means swaying. Folk music is often perceived as the traditional music of Punjab and typically has communal authorship. This aspect of folk music has shifted with time but the older categories of folk begin with the dhadi genre, which does follow ideas of communal authorship. The folk dhadi genre emphasizes stories of heroism and love stories, as exemplified by the numerous ballads of the legendary romantic tales of Hir-Ranjha and Sahiba-Mirza. Folk music is also commonly used in various life-cycle events in the Punjab region. In almost every wedding ceremony family members, friends, and professional folk musicians perform different sets of folk songs which use themes from a nostalgic past, but communicate themes of separation, joy, fear, and hope in the present. The lyrical content of many of these wedding songs have the paternal home depicted as a source of love and nurture, while the in-laws home is a source of tyranny and torture. Folk music continues to be used as a modern tool and a way of locating identification. Music from Sindh province is sung in Sindhi, and is generally performed in either the, Baits or Waee, styles. The Baits style is vocal music in Sanhoon low voice or Graham, high voice. Waee instrumental music is performed in a variety of ways using a string instrument. Waee, also known as Kafi, is found in the surrounding areas of Balochistan, Punjab, and Kutch. Pashto music is commonly performed in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northern Balochistan province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas as well as parts of eastern Afghanistan and among the Pashtun Diaspora. The major center for Pashto music and the arts is found in Peshawar, Pakistan. Potohari has a rich tradition of poetry recital accompanied by sitar, ghara, tabla, harmonium and dholak. These poems, potohari sher, are often highly lyrical and somewhat humorous and secular in nature, though religious sher are also recited. Kashmiri music reflects the rich musical heritage and cultural legacy of Kashmir. 

Traditionally music composed by ethnic Kashmiris has a wide range of musical influences in composition. Due to Kashmir's close proximity to Central Asia. Eastern Asia and Southern Asia, a unique blend of music has evolved encompassing the music of the three regions. But, overall, Kashmiri Valley music is closer to Central Asian music, using traditional Central Asian instruments and musical scales, while music from Jammu is similar to that of North India and Ladakhi music is similar to the music of Tibet. Pakistan features a wealthy history in addition to various individual dances. Shortly we are going to tell you about the famous folk dances of Pakistan. Folk grooving is surely an expression of delight. Some sort of party of lifetimes; it is magnificence in addition to colour. They will deliver an awareness of freedom, having regional affinities in addition to dissimilarities plus an appeal of these individual. Many times they will inform experiences in addition to will be able to talk very much depth of this means without the requirement terms. Bhangra: just the most well-known in addition to common dances. It is one of the most famous folk dances of Pakistan and performed in the Punjab region. Luddi a trendy attribute of the wedding festivities throughout Pakistan. It truly is typically done by women of all age’s family users with the woman. Sammi a conventional Punjabi party. Commonly, it offers some sort of slow flow and is particularly accompanied by a sad music for the connection having awful adored legend of Romantic Sammi in addition to King Dhola. Giddha, this kind of party type originates from the actual historic model of ring grooving and is particularly really dynamic, usually did on specific occasions and also other fun activities.

Your flow commonly comes from hand-clapping yet from time to time while modest drum is employed. Leva your Leva is usually a common attribute on wedding and also other pleasant occasions inside the contemporary tribal society with the Baluchis. Chap the palm clapping party typically done by adult men on marriages. Jhumar or maybe Jhoomar originated in Balochistan in addition to Multan, Punjab. It truly is slower plus much more rhythmic type. Your message, Jhumar, comes from Jhum/Jhoom, so this means swaying. Attan folk party of Pakhtoon tribes of Pakistan like the distinctive methods of Quetta in addition to Waziristan. Khattak dance the speedy blade party. That celebrates the actual valour of the Pakhtoons exactly who efficiently ignored attempts for you to subjugate these in addition to their particular colonies within the last eras. It has it won important in the folk dances of Pakistan. Chitrali dance it’s also done throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along the Gilgit Baltistan. Few users with the crew conduct that in concert. Each of them placed their particular arms for the shoulder blades of each different in addition to fit their particular ft operates with each other. That party is performed around conquer of major drums. Dhammal conducted on Sufi Shrines and Darghas throughout Punjab in addition to Sindh. Ho Jamalo, just about the most popular Sindhi dances in addition to songs, that celebrates the actual gallantry with the eighteenth centuries enthusiast, Jamal Khan Rind, exactly that protected his homeland coming from foreign intruders. It truly is danced on occasions of the party in addition to festivity. This dance of Sindh region is also very famous one in folk dances of Pakistan and performed in this province. Jhumro. The actual party is performed by small town ladies for you to commemorate a superb crop. 

Cultural and Religious Festivals of Pakistan

Pakistan has a very vibrant and rich culture and is very much popular all over the world for its many different festivals and joyous events, Pakistani people specially youngster knows how these cultural events are celebrated. There is an array of different events some of them are related to the history. Some with religion and some are related to the rich culture of the country. There are different festivities from Eid day to Independence Day all the events are celebrated with great zeal and zest. Pakistan Day is a momentous milestone in the history of Pakistan movement. This event is held to mark the anniversary of Pakistan Resolution passed by the Muslims of South Asia on March 23, 1940 at Minto Park, now Iqbal Park, Lahore. The resolution was presented by A. K. Fazlul Huq. The nation commemorates this day with great zeal and enthusiasm, to honor the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic Pakistan Resolution resulting in the creation of Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah; a homeland where they could live in peace, harmony and in accordance with the tenets of Islam. Independence Day glorious day is a landmark in our history to commemorate the independence of Pakistan. Independence Day is celebrated with zeal and fervor in all parts of the country on August 14 with special programmes arranged in all big and small towns and rural areas. On this day, meetings, processions and rallies are held all over the country and the whole country is decorated on this day. People from various walks of life decorate their houses with national flags and the buildings, city shopping centres, bazaars and all the main roads are also being adorned with flags and fancy lights. The 6th of September is a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan, when Pakistan, its military and people stood united in 1965 in defense day of Pakistan and resolve to halt and beat back Indian multi-dimensional attacks against Pakistan. This historic day is commemorated through parades and exhibitions of military equipment at Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi. Air Force day is celebrated on 7th of September marking the official beginning of the Indo-Pak war of 1965. That day air shows and other programs mark the PAF's role in defending the nation. This day is celebrated by a display of the latest aircrafts of Pakistan Airforce and air shows at Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.

9th November is celebrated as the birthday of the National Poet of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal. The event is celebrated with a lot of debating and poetry contests held at different institutes all over Pakistan. Birth Anniversary  of Quaid-e-Azam is celebrated on 25th December as the birthday of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam and Christmas. This day is celebrated by the Christian minority and the whole nation. Sibi festival falls in the last week of February at Sibi. Traditional sports, handicrafts exhibition, folk music and dances. Mela Chiraghan, festival of lamps, a mega event for the people of Punjab and especially for Lahorites is celebrated with traditional fervor and activities at the shrine of the renowned Sufi Shah Hussain. This festival is held for 1 week outside the Shalimar Gardens, Lahore. The festival attracts a large number of performing artists who mostly sing Shah Hussain's kafees and dance to the drums. Shandur Polo Festival and Traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit is being held on the highest polo ground in the world - the Shandur Pass (Chitral district). Allied activities include folk music, folk dances and other competitions. A tent village along Shandur Lake will be set up in cooperation with the local administration. Utchal This event is celebrated by Kalash people in Kalash Valleys. Chitral.It is celebrated to mark the harvest of wheat and barley. The celebration lasts for two days with dancing, singing, and feasting being its main features. Lok Mela The festival presents a unique opportunity to watch the culture and craft of the whole country in one place. This Folk Festival is held for one week at Islamabad. It includes folk music, songs, music contests, folk dances, craftsmen at work, exhibition and sale of handicrafts. National Horse & Cattle Show Held at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. Cattle races, cattle dances, tent-pegging, tattoo show, folk music, dances, bands, cultural floats and folk games. The show has been described as an eloquent expression of Pakistan's heritage and an authentic account of its agricultural and industrial achievement's. It is held in Lahore Fortress stadium at the end of February or at first week of March. The fortress stadium, the venue of the show is thronged by active participants, foreign visitors and peoples who watch the festival with great enthusiasm, verve and aplomb.  A large number of them are interested in watching and appreciating the best breeds of livestock. Many derive pleasure by watching other activities such as display parade of animals, dances by horses and camels, polo matches, tent pegging, dog shows and their races, vaudeville acts of stuntmen, mass display of military band, rhythmically physical exercise by the children. Tastefully decorated industrial floats and torch light tattoo shows. Additional attractions include a subtle interplay of lights to weave enticing patterns at night and breath taking acts by foreign groups. The show began as a modest exhibition organized by the army to protect the cattle wealth of the country in the early fifties. Today it is an international event to which come dignitaries from abroad and visitors and foreign tourists. The organizing committee comprises representatives of a number of agencies including army, rangers, LMC schools, the police, industrialists and the art councils. With the advent of spring Basant festival is celebrated with pomp and show in mid February every year in Lahore. In other words, this is the spring festival. Arguing that kite-flying is a Hindu event is also sheer ignorance. The sport originated in China about 5000 years ago, when Hinduism was in non existent. Why single out kite flying then, especially when it is a cause for joy for the old and the young men and women? The simple reason is that Hindu in Basant festival fly kites for enjoying Basant. With times of Muslims who were living together with Hindus in the sub-continent also join them in kite-flying. Since then Muslims are taking participation in just kite-flying at the time of Basant connotation it as Pala Urant. Now days people of Lahore enjoy it for kite flying competition. Lahore is the main focal point for the celebration of this festival in Pakistan. People traditionally fly kites on the roofs of their buildings. It is generally observed that rest houses, hotels and house of relatives of the participants are fully packed with guests from all over the country. Moreover some five star hotels also arrange this function on their roof top for foreigners and other high class gentry. They also arrange a variety of dishes with a musical concert. Sometimes Lahoris on this occasion become emotional. Eid-ul-Fitr is a religious festival celebrated at the end of fasting month, Ramadan on 1st of Shawwal. It is a three days celebration during which time family and friends gather together for long meals, the sharing of gifts, and religious devotion. Eid-ul-Azha is three days celebration when Muslims from all over the world offer a sacrifice by slaughtering a sheep, cow, or goat following the traditional Islamic customs. It is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among friends, neighbors, relatives, and also distributed to the poor and needy. Shab-e-Barat is a religious festival celebrated on 14th of Shaaban. The festival of Shab-e-Barat is celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm by Muslims all over the world. Muslims think that on the night of Shab-e-Barat Allah writes the destinies of all people for the coming year by taking into account the deeds committed by them in the past. On this festival, prayers, fireworks, exchange of sweet dishes and visits to friends and families are held. Eid Milad-un Nabi is the birthday of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is celebrated by all the Muslims with religious enthusiasm and solemnity across the world. It falls on the 12th of Rabi'-ul-Awwal every year. This is a day of remembrance for Muslims, marked by prayers and reading of the Holy Quran.

Pakistani nation is very close to its culture and celebrates cultural festivals with great zeal. There are some festivals, which are celebrated nationwide with full unity but if we focus on provinces of Pakistan. Every province has its different culture and they celebrate different festivals also.

Read more »

Historical Place of Taxila

Taxila is One of Most Ancient Historical Heritage

There are a number of world heritage sites present in Pakistan and Taxila is one of them and Taxila is a town and an important archaeological site in the Rawalpindi district of the Punjab province of Pakistan. Taxila is situated about 32km north west of Islamabad and Rawalpindi just off the famous Grand Trunk Road. The town lies 549 metres above sea level. It is the headquarters of the Taxila Tehsil in Rawalpindi district.Owing to its strategic location, Taxila has changed hands many times over the centuries, with various empires vying for its control. When the great ancient trade routes connecting these regions ceased to be prominent.The very earliest examples of Buddhist art are not iconic but an iconic images and were popular in the sub-continent even after the death of the Buddha. This is explained by the fact that the Buddha himself did not sanction personal worship or the making of images. As Siddhatha Guatama was a Buddha, a self-perfected, self-enlightened human being, he was a human role model to be followed but not idolized. Of himself, he said. Buddha's only point the way.Within the boundaries of the property are situated all the elements necessary to express the Outstanding Universal Value of Taxila. Exposure of the archaeological remains to the extremes of a tropical climate, uncontrolled growth of vegetation, and earthquakes represents a risk to the overall integrity of the property, as do expansions of the industrial estates located within the Taxila valley despite their location outside the buffer zone, limestone blasting and quarrying activities in the valley, and illegal excavations by looters in the Buddhist monastery sites. Taxila's downfall came in the 5th century A.D. when the White Hun hordes sacked the area, destroying monasteries and looting the city's treasures. When the famous Chinese Pilgrim monk Hsuan Tsang visited the area in the 7th century while looking for Buddhist Sutras, he described it by saying monasteries are half ruined. The country is depopulated and now a dependency of Kashmir. Archaeological excavations later showed that the city may have increased substantially during the Achaemenid Empire of the 6th century BCE. In 516 BC, Darius I engaged in a campaign to Central Asia, Ariana and Bactria and then marched into Afghanistan to Hindush in modern Pakistan. Darius spent the winter of 516-515 BCE in Gandhara, getting ready to conquer the Indus Valley. Darius conquered the Indus in 515 BCE. He controlled the Indus Valley from Gandhara to modern Karachi and appointed the Greek Scylax of Caryanda to explore the Indian Ocean from the mouth of the Indus to Suez. Darius then marched through the Bolan Pass and returned through Arachosia and Drangiana back to Persia. There are five small stupas in the city. 

The first one being the Dharmarajika stupa, which is located two miles from Taxila museum. Then is the glen of Giri, which is about three and half miles from Dharmarajika stupa. This is atop the highest peak of the range of hills is two stupas and a fortress built-in a cleft near a spring of pure, sweet water. Jaulian is another marvelous complex of chapels, stupas and a monastery with an assembly hall, store rooms, refectory, kitchen and bathrooms still very well preserved. Two miles west of Jaulian is another well-preserved monastery at Mohra Moradu. In one of the monk’s cells here there was found a stupa with almost all the details intact. At Jandial, a mile and a half of Sirsukh, is an image less temple in the classic Greek style, with sandstone columns and cornices. One of the oldest recognized universities of the world is also attended in Taxila. This university came into being located in the Gandhara period. At one stage, it had 10,500 students including those from Babylon, Greece, Syria, and China. Experienced teachers taught languages, Vedas, philosophy, medicine, politics, warfare, accounts, commerce, documentation, music, dance and other performing arts, futurology, the occult and mystical sciences and complex mathematical calculations. Taxila can be visited as an excursion from Islamabad or can be seen en route to Peshawar or to Besham either way it is best to see the archeological remains of Sirkap and Julian first which are the most important one. Sirkap is the citadal of the city and was a planned city having multicultural people living in it. When you visit Sirkap you can see the interesting style of masonary from Kashan period to the last period of the 6th century when the city was destroyed by the while Huns. Taxila is well known historical place for national and international tourists.

Read more »

Gwadar Port

Gwadar is Pakistan's Second Deep Sea Port

Gwadar Port is located at the apex of the Arabian Sea and at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, approximately 460km  west of Karachi, 75 km east of Pakistan's border with Iran and 380 km northeast of the nearest point in Oman across the Arabian Sea and Gwadar Port is a warm water, deep sea port situated at Gwadar in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The port features prominently in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan, and is considered to be a crucial link between the ambitious one belt, One Road and Maritime Silk Road projects.

Although construction of Gwadar Port did not commence until 2002, Pakistan identified 

Gwadar as a port site as far back as 1954 when Gwadar was still under Omani rule. Pakistan's interest in Gwadar started when, in 1954, it engaged the United States Geological Survey to undertake a survey of its coastline. Gwadar Port was developed by the Government of Pakistan at a cost of $248 million. The construction contract was granted to a Chinese firm and construction began on 22 March 2002 and Phase I of the Port was completed in December 2006 and inaugurated by the President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf on 20 March 2007. Location of Gwadar port is very beautiful and attractive for tourists and Gwadar's potential to be a deep water sea port. The port is situated on a rocky outcropping in the Arabian Sea that forms part of a natural hammerhead shaped peninsula protruding out from the Pakistani coastline. The peninsula, known as the Gwadar Promentory, consists of rocky outcropping reaching an altitude of 560 feet with a width of 2.5 miles that is connected to the Pakistani shore by a narrow and sandy 12 kilometre long isthmus. The isthmus separates the shallow Padi Zirr Bay to the west, from the deep water Demi Zirr Harbour in the east.

A small wharf at Gwadar was accomplished in 1992, and formal proposals for a deep sea port at Gwadar were unveiled a year later in 1993. Construction on Phase 1 of the project began in 2002 after the agreement for its construction was issued and signed during the state visit of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji in 2001. After completion of Phase 1 in 2007, the first commercial cargo vessel to dock at the port was the, Pos glory, with 70,000 metric tonnes of Wheat on 15 March 2008. Gwadar port will become gateway port for Pakistan and the region and a world class maritime hub. Gwadar Port is to Complement Karachi Port and Port Qasim in order to stimulate economic growth of Pakistan and in particular Balochistan utilizing the available resources of the country and also providing an outlet for land locked Central Asian Countries western China and Afghanistan through transit trade and offering transshipment facilities.

Read more »