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.

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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.

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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.

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Mazar-e-Quad

Mazar-e-Quad is Beautiful Last Resting Place of Mr. Jinnah

Mazar-e-Quaid is the mausoleum of Father of the Nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Its construction began shortly after his death in 1948 and was expected to be completed in 1960. White marbles be probably the most famous tombstone in Karachi, which appears in the media every time photos and Karachi mentioned. The structure of the mausoleum is bounded by a huge park that until recently in disrepair. Recently, there have been dramatic improvements in the park, with the addition of trees, paved roads, a well-built, food court, and the source.The mausoleum building was designed by Mumbai based Indian architect Yahya merchant. It is composed of white marble with curved Moorish arches and copper grills reset on an elevated 54 square meters platform. The mausoleum is located in a 53 hectare park and the size of the building is 75 x 75 meter on ground and 43 meter high, built on an 4 meter high platform. In each wall is placed at an entrance. 15 successive fountains lead to the platform from one side and from all sides terraced avenues lead to the gates. The cool inner sanctum reflects the green of a four-tiered crystal chandelier gifted by the people of China. Around the mausoleum is a park fitted with strong beamed spot-lights which at night project light on the white mausoleum.Es that actually works. 

Around Mazar-e-Quaid is a beautiful park visited by thousands of people every day. The location is usually calm and tranquil which is significant considering that it is in the heart of one of the largest global metropolises. The glowing tomb can be viewed for miles at night. Official and military ceremonies take place here on special occasions, such as on 23 March,Pakistan Day, 14 August, Independence Day, 11 September, the anniversary of Jinnah's death, and 25 December, Jinnah's birthday. Dignitaries and officials from foreign countries also visit the mausoleum during official tours. The whole nation loves their leader and Fatima Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan are buried in the courtyard on the side whereas Quaid-e-Azam has his last resting place in the center of the tomb. Moreover, Mrs Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar and Noorul Ameen are also buried in the courtyards. The mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam is located close to Gulshan-e-Iqbal in the city of Karachi.

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Capital of Pakistan

Islamabad is the beautiful and Modern Capital Pakistan

Islamabad is the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Islamabad is a modern, planned and maintained the city located in the Pothohar plateau in the northeastern part of the country, within the Islamabad Capital Territory. The region has historically been part of the crossroads of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the Margalla Pass acting as the gateway between the two regions. The city was under construction during the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital. Islamabad is a well organised international city divided into several different sectors and zones. It is regarded as the most developed city in Pakistan and is ranked as a gamma+ world city. The city is host to the Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world.Islamabad has the highest literacy rate in Pakistan. 

When Pakistan gained independence in 1947. Karachi was its first capital. In 1960, Islamabad was constructed as a forward capital for several reasons. Traditionally, development in Pakistan was concentrated on the colonial centre of Karachi, and President Ayub Khan wanted it equally distributed. Moreover, Karachi having tropical weather conditions, was situated at one end of the country, making it vulnerable to attacks from the Arabian Sea. Pakistan needed a capital that was readily available from all parts of the country. Karachi, a business center, was also considered unsuitable partly because of intervention of business interests in government affairs. The newly selected location of Islamabad was closer to the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the disputed territory of Kashmir. Settlement in Islamabad, the new capital after Karachi, began in the 1960s. As the city was newly founded, the growth of the population was slow. Being the seat of the government of Pakistan, initially government servants and employees of the federal administration settled here. Since then, there has become a steady growth in the population of the city, which has swelled to somewhere in excess of a million inhabitants. The reason. At the moment, the capital city is the fastest growing urban settlement in the country. There is an increased interest in the city from the President and The Prime Minister, as well as a renewed drive from foreign investors to invest in the city. This has made an opening growth in the economy, produced employment at all levels and ensured development. Resulting from all these factors, Islamabad is now becoming a lively and bustling metropolis, full of vibrancy. Islamabad is a late 20^th century capital laid out in straight lines and right angles a metric proud showcase of government and administration.

Neither city is a major tourist draw card in its own right most foreign travellers only pause here to arrange visas or permits or use it as a jumping off point to other destinations yet not far away are the fascinating archaeological digs around the Gandharan city of Taxila. Here, Buddhism and the sublime Graeco Buddhist art evolved and flourished, and its glory can be appreciated in Taxila’s splendid museum and at several major sites. And if the energy zapping heat of the plateau starts to take its toll during the warmer months, you can flee to the cool mountain air of Murree, an erst while British Raj hill station. Even better, ramble around the less developed, more serene hill stations strung out along the forested ridges known as the Galis, a truly welcoming escape from the frizzling rat race and other vicissitudes of life on the road

·         Islamabad is ranked very high on the Human Development Index, equivalent to that of Belgium. The city is composed of sixteen recognised universities, including the Quaid-i-Azam University and the National University of Science and Technology. While it's home to Allama Iqbal Open University, which is one of the world's largest universities by enrollment. The city has an elaborate surveillance system with 1,900 CCTV cameras contributing towards one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The climate of Islamabad is under a humid subtropical climate, with five seasons. Winter, November to February, Spring, March and April, Summerm, May and June, Rainy Monsoon, July and August, and Autumn, September and October. The hottest month is June, where average highs routinely exceed 38 °C. The wettest month is July, with heavy rainfalls and evening thunderstorms with the possibility of a cloudburst and flooding. The coolest month is January. Islamabad's micro climate is controlled by three artificial reservoirs: Rawal, Simli, and Khanpur Dam. The latter is situated on the Haro River near the town of Khanpur, about 40 kilometres from Islamabad. Simli Dam is 30 kilometres north of Islamabad. 220 acres of the city makes up of Margalla Hills National Park and The area of Islamabad is 906 square kilometres. A further 2,717 square kilometres area is known as the Specified Area, with the Margala Hills in the north and northeast. The southern portion of the city is just an undulating plain. Islamabad has several worth seeing places like Shakarparian, Daman-e-koh, National Monument Islamabad, Pak-China Friendship Centre, Rawal Lake, Lok Virsa Museum, Margalla Hills and Pir Sohawa.

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Ziarat Villey

Ziarat Valley is very attractive for Tourists Around World

Ziarat is the location of the Ziarat residency where Jinnah lived and spent his last days of life. Ziarat is a famous tourist site. There is a little dam and the valley is full of fruits in summer and winter cherry in summer and apple in winter. The Residency was constructed in 1892. It is an important building. The whole building is actually a wooden structure beautifully designed and has great architectural importance. It was originally meant to be a sanatorium, and it was converted into the summer residence of the agent of the Governor General. It is currently a national monument. Ziarat is also famous for its Junipers forest. Junipers species Juniperus macropoda, Juniperous exceisa polycarpus or Pashthani juniper is found in Ziarat districts and Zarghoon mount and some other mounted areas of Balochistan known as the second largest juniper forest in the world, which covers an area of about 247,000 acres 1,000 km2. There are many important species of animals and birds such as the Chukar partridge, bushes and ground flora within this ecosystem, many of which are used by local people to treat disease. However, Ziarat is best known for its juniper trees, some of which are 5000 to 7000 years old. The juniper forest ecosystem of Ziarat provides a habitat for endangered wildlife species and supports a rich variety of plant species. Because of the ecosystem's biodiversity, various parts of it have been identified protected areas, including wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves. The mountain ranges, including the Khilafat Hills, consist of a core habitat that reportedly hosts several globally important wild species, among them markhors, urials, black bears and wolves. The forest also serves as a habitat for a number of other animals. Afghan pika, foxes, jackals and several species of migratory birds. However, anthropological factors such as illegal hunting, human habitations and livestock grazing have encroached on the wildlife habitats, leading to their fragmentation. Pakistan has a number of beautiful valleys, enchanting their spectators with enthralling beauty but Ziarat's is important and an archaic treasure of junipers forests. Situated about 122km in the north of the metropolitan city of Quetta in Baluchistan, this popular picnic resort is at the elevation of 8,200 feet from the sea level. The summers in the valley are always pleasant, attracting a number of tourists, and the winters extremely harsh. Junipers forests, which are one of the world oldest, are the main source of lush green vista of the Ziarat valley. Some of the trees in junipers forests had been sowed as long as 5000 years ago, making Ziarat as the second biggest Junipers valley in the world.

Ziarat and the surrounding juniper valleys offer good opportunities for hiking and trekking, as well as various gorges. The city is likewise becoming popular for a taste of snowfall during the winter. It was originally meant to be a sanatorium, but was converted into the summer residence of the agent of the Governor General. It is currently a national monument. The residency catches tourists' attention because of its location and hilly surroundings. There is a small dam, and the valley is full of fruits. Cherry in summer and apple in winter. Between the hills and the deep ravine, there is a mile-long stretch of flat land ideal for walking. This is the Chashma walk, which leads to the spring, or “chashma", that provides water for the town. The highest spot that cars can reach is Prospect Point, which is 2,713 metres above sea level and offers a view of the valley stretching out in undulating slopes, about 6km from Ziarat. From a nearby cliff, one can clearly see the highest peak of the Khilifat hills. There is just a little rest house nearby. Bookings can be done through the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Ziarat. The name Ziarat means ‘shrine’. There is a shrine of Baba Kharwari 8km from Ziarat town. His name was Tahir. He became a disciple of Nana Sahib. A number of miracles are attributed to him. The valley is full of fruits in summer and winter, especially the orchards of cherry and apple. The honey of Ziarat is very famous. During summer time the weather is really pleasant but is severe and more difficult to survive in winter.

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The City of Silence

Makli Graveyard is Largest and Ancient City of Silence 

Makli Graveyard is one of the largest necropolises in the world, with a diameter of approximately 8km. It lies approximately more than 90km east of Karachi and this is the place, where some 125,000 local Famos kings, queens, governors, saints, scholars, and philosophers are buried here in brick or stone monuments. The unique structures found in this cemetery are notable for their intricate designs, motifs and tile-work. and others. Makli is located on the outskirts of Thatta, the capital of lower Sindh until the seventeenth century, in what is the south eastern province Sindh of present day Pakistan. It registered on the World Heritage List in 1981 under the name of Historical Monuments of Thatta. The tombs and gravestones spread over the cemetery are material documents marking the social and political history of Sindh. Many have been built using local sandstone, others are plastered brick buildings. The impressive royal mausoleums are divided into two major groups, those from the Samma 1352-1520 and the Tarkhan 1556-1592 period. Today, Makli Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is visited by both pilgrims and tourists, but in strong need of conservation and maintenance. Within the boundaries of the property are situated all the elements and components necessary to express the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, including the tombs and graves located in the necropolis of Makli. Nevertheless, a number of historical monuments have reached an advanced stage of degradation. The integrity of the property is threatened by the significant decay caused by the local climatic conditions, like earthquakes, variations in temperature, winds containing salts and humidity, heavy rains, natural growth, and the shift of the riverbed. In addition, encroachments and vandalism threaten the site, and damage and loss by pilferage have assumed colossal proportions and 2010 flooding unfortunately added to the deterioration of the site as well. The specialty of these graves is their exclusive designs and embroidery work. It truly shows the trends and culture of ancient time. Each and every grave design seems to be a masterpiece of art. One can call those graves a masterpiece of Turk, Iranian and Indian culture. Many shrines are also attended in the Makli Graveyard. The structure of those shrines, monument and tombs are truly strong and unique of its kind.

                                              
                                     

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Kalash Valley in Pakistan

Valley of Unique People of Kalash 

People of kalash are very beautiful and peaceful and they are living thier lives according to thier faith & culture.The culture of Kalash people is unique and differs completely from the various ethnic groups surrounding them. The Kalasha Valleys are valleys in Chitral District in northern Pakistan. The valleys are surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range. The inhabitants of the valley are the Kalash people, who have a unique culture, language and follow a form of ancient Hinduism and Kalash people are the smallest religious as well as the ethnic minority of Pakistan. Their customs and traditions are contradictory to the Islamic and Pakistani culture. The Kalash religion is polytheist faith and the people offer sacrifices to their gods. Their culture is interlinked with their religion and based upon numerous festivals and celebrations. People generally do not mix up with the local Muslims but neither are they hostile towards them. People are although under legal and constitutional protection of the State of Pakistan but face a serious threat from the Islamic Extremist militants in neighboring Afghanistan. As such, the Kalasha Valleys are a source of attraction for Pakistani as well as International tourists. There are three main valleys. The largest and most populous valley is Bumburet, Mumuret, reached by a road from Ayun in the Kunar Valley. Rumbur and Acholgah are side valleys north of Bumburet. The third valley, Biriu, Birir, is s side valley of the Kunar Valley south of Bumburet. They are polytheists and nature plays a highly significant and spiritual role in their daily life. As part of their spiritual tradition, sacrifices are offered and festivals held to give thanks for the abundant resources of their three valleys. Kalasha Desh, three Kalash valleys are made up of two distinct cultural areas, the valleys of Rumbur and Brumbret forming one and Birir valley the other, Birir valley being the most traditional of the two. Kalash mythology and folklore have been compared to that of ancient Greece, but they are much closer to Indo-Iranian traditions. This can be explained as Hellenic, Vedic traditions. Some of the Kalash people claim to be descendants of Alexander the Great's soldiers,however, extensive genetic testing has shown no connection.The Kalash have fascinated anthropologists due to their unique culture compared to the rest in that region, similar to the ancient Persians. The unique culture, simple lifestyle and beautiful valley attracted to local & foreign visitors. The Kalasha are a Dardic indigenous people residing in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. They speak the Kalasha language, from the Dardic family of the Indo-Aryan branch. They are reviewed unique among the peoples of Pakistan. They are also considered to be Pakistan's smallest religious community. They live together in small villages built on the hillsides near the banks of streams. Their houses are built of rough-hewn logs and are double storeyed because of the steepness of the slopes. Kalash are very lively people and are famous for their lively religious festivals called Chilimjusht.

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3G in Pakistan

3G telecommunication networks support services that provide an information transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s. Later 3G releases, often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband access of several Mbit/s to smartphones and mobile modems in laptop computers. This ensures it can be applied to wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls and mobile TV technologies. A new generation of cellular standards has appeared approximately every tenth year since 1G systems were introduced in 1981/1982. Each generation is characterized by new frequency bands, higher data rates and non-backwards compatible transmission technology. 3G  technology is coming soon in Pakistan, on 23rd April, 2014. biding of 3G & 4G will be held. Government expects earning of  1.3 billion USD from 3G & 4G auction.

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Shandur polo festival

Shandur is The Famous for Polo Festival

Shandur is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet (38000 meters) above sea level is famous for having the highest polo ground in the world. It is sometimes called Roof of the World. It is situated in District Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The version of polo game played in Shandur Polo Ground is considered to be the purist at all. Passion for Polo will be the highest of the world’s highest Polo ground. Every year, Shandur 3,734 meters invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit. The festival also includes folk music, folk dance, traditional sports and a camping village is to be set up on the Pass. Polo is an equestrian sport with its origin embedded in Central Asia going back to 6th century BC. At first, it was a training game for cavalry units for the King’s guards or other elite troops. To the warlike tribesmen who played polo with as many as 100 players to a side, it was a miniature battle. It became a Persian national game in the 6th century AD. From Persia, the game spread to Arabia, then to Tibet, China and Japan. In China, in the year 910, death of a favourite relative in a game prompted Emperor Apao-Chi to order beheading of all players. 

Shandur Polo Festival is one of the big festivals in Pakistan. This festival is held from 7th to 9 July every year on Shandur Top of Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The polo which is played between the polo teams of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is experienced as a free style polo match. Polo is an equestrian sport with its origin embedded in Central Asia dating back to 6th century BC. At first it was a training game for cavalry units for the King’s guards or other elite troops. To the warlike tribesmen who played polo with as many as 100 players to a side, it was a miniature battle. It became a Persian national game in the 6th century AD. From Persia, the game spread to Arabia, then to Tibet, China and Japan. In China, in the year 910, death of a favourite relative in a game prompted Emperor Apao-Chi to order beheading of all players. Gilgit, Chitral and Skardu have always played the game of polo closest to its original form. In the past, local Rajas, Mirs and Mehtars were the patrons of the game. At times, more than 50% of the annual budget of their principalities was spent on supporting the game.

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