Tourism & Culture

Welcome to Pakistan

The Islamic republic of Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as an independent sovereign state on 14th August 1947. It lies between 23-35 to 37- 05 north latitude and 60-50 to 77- 50 east longitude. It touches the Hindukush mountains in the north and extends from the Pamirs to the Arabian Sea. It is bounded by Iran in the west, Afghanistan in the north-west, India in the east and south east and Arabian Sea in the south. There is a common border with China alongside Gilgit and Baltistan in the north.
The country comprises of a vast area that was the great center of ancient civilizations of the world. Its historical sites beginning with stone-age to Twentieth Century A.D are a mirror of the life of its people who are by nature simple, virile, hospitable and hard working. Ancient sites excavated in Taxila, Harappa, Mehrgarh, and Moenjodaro speak volumes for Pakistan rich cultural background dating back to 7,000 B.C.
From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching, are a few activities, which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.
Pakistan is endowed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. High Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the sub-mountain scrub, the vast Indus plain merging into the great desert, the coast line and wetlands, all offer a remarkably rich variety of vegetation and associated wildlife including avifauna, both endemic and migratory. Ten of 18 mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world’s smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, to the largest mammal ever known; the blue whale.

Climate

Climatically, Pakistan enjoys a considerable measure of variety. North and north western high mountainous ranges are extremely cold in winter while the summer months of April to September are very pleasant. The plains of the Indus valley are extremely hot in summer with a cold and dry weather in winter. The coastal strip in the South has a moderate climate. There is a general deficiency of rainfall. In the plains annual average ranges from 16 centimeters in the northern parts of lower Indus plain to 120 centimeters in the Himalayan region. Rains are monsoonic in origin and fall late in summers. Due to the rainfall and high diurnal range of temperature, humidity is comparatively low. Only the coastal strip has high humidity. The country has an agricultural economy with a network of canals irrigating a major part of its cultivated land. Wheat, cotton, rice, millet and sugar cane are the major crops. Among fruits: mangos, oranges, bananas and apples are grown in abundance in different parts of the country. The main natural resources are natural gas, coal, salt and iron. The country has an expanding industry. Cotton, Textiles, sugar, cement, and chemicals play an important role in its economy. It is fed by vast hydroelectric power.

PEOPLE

Pakistan is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. It continues to have high regard for traditional family values, although urban families have grown into a nuclear family system due to the socio-economic transitions. Recent decades have seen the emergence of a middle class in urban centres, which is increasingly more liberal. Globalization has increased the influence of the “Western culture”.

RELIGION & BELIEFS

Islam is the state religion of Pakistan. 95% of the population is Muslim. The minority community includes Hindus, Christians, Parsis, Kalash, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jews. The Constitution guarantees equal rights to Muslims and non Muslims.

The country has a strong and rich “Sufi” cultural heritage. The Sufi thought embodies religion, values, literature, education, and mysticism that has created an enduring impact on the presence of Islam in South Asia today. Today, there are thousands of Sufi shrines and mausoleums, which dot the landscape of Pakistan.

CLOTHING AND FASHION

Shalwar-Kameez is the national dress of Pakistan and is worn by both men and women across the country. Each province has its own style of wearing the Shalwar Kameez accompanied by peculiar head dress and jewellery. Pakistanis wear a wide range of clothes from simple to exquisite colors and designs with different type of fabric (silk, chiffon, cotton, etc).

Pakistani fashion is a combination of traditional and modern outfits and it has become the cultural identification of Pakistan. Despite all modern trends, the regional and traditional dresses have developed their own significance as a symbol of native tradition. This regional fashion is not static but evolving into more modern and pure forms. Besides the national dress, domestically tailored suits and neckties are often and usually worn by men in the country. It is customary in offices, schools and other popular gatherings.

Pakistan’s fashion has historically evolved in different phases and acquired its unique identity. The fashion industry has flourished well in the changing environment of the fashion world. The Pakistan Fashion Design Council based in Lahore organizes Fashion Week and Fashion Pakistan based in Karachi organizes fashion shows in that city. Pakistan’s first fashion week was held in November 2009 and is now a regular feature.

For more information click the following links: