Pakistan is an intricate mosaic of history, civilization, culture, arts, stunning backdrops, and intelligent people. It has always been a scenic and memorable spot to stop by. Planning a trip to Pakistan? If not yet, then you would be planning it by the end of this article. See, what Pakistan has in store for you. We are sharing list of 10 interesting facts about Pakistan.
1. Historical Stamp upon the area
History emanating from a place plays a huge role in defining the significance of a place. Pakistan is no different as the leftover stamps of Indus Valley civilizations have imparted it special importance. The ruined cities discovered from the places of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa indicate the developed civilization as they had their own language, established city system, and defense mechanism. Their language was symbolic and archaeologists have not been able to decipher it till date. Apart from these two cities, there are archaeological sites found in Taxila which attract tourists from globe.
The other historical thing which left a deep impact upon the area was Mughal Emperors. They ruled sub-continent for over two centuries. They effectively divided the area into separate divisions. Mughals had a great sense of aesthetics and were fond of art, architecture and literature. Many ancient sites and buildings such as Badshahi Masjid, Lahore Fort, Wah Gardens, and Mughal Gardens etc can be spotted in Pakistan. Tourists get much intrigued by the fine architecture and calligraphic display in tombs and buildings.
2.UNESCO Heritage Sites
What if the ruins and ancient remains of a place gain international importance? Yes, they attain the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are legally protected. Such sites can also be spotted in Pakistan which is an open invitation to archaeologists, historians, and tourists to get a deep inside through. The UNESCO world heritage sites in Pakistan are;
- Archaeological ruins of Mohenjo-Daro
- Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol
- Shalamar Garden and Lahore Fort
- Makli, Thatta
- Rohtas Fort
- Ruins of Taxila.
3. Mountain Ranges
Pakistan holds the honor of hosting the 4 out of 14 highest peaks of the World. The peaks housed by Pakistan include K-2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. The mountain ranges such as Karakorum, Himalayas, Hindu Kash, Hindu Raj, and Safed Koh line up the Northern belt of Pakistan. These mountain ranges are open for hikers, and trackers to conquer and explore. Let’s check out the experience of Atlas and Boots
4. Karakoram Highways
Want to get a glimpse of the highest wobbled road of the Word? Plan a trip to Pakistan and you will get to travel on Karakorum Highways (Part of Silk route) while admiring the enthralling beauty of K2 and surrounding mountain ranges. The highway is a connecting link between China and Pakistan paved through the Khunjerab Pass. Many lives were lost while paving this up and driving on this highway is a matter of experience. Many tourists have captured their journey behind the lens. Find out the journey of unwinding Karakorum highway by a Pakistani group.
5. Highest Polo Club
Situated in Ghizer (Gilgit-Baltistan), this rectangular ground of Polo Club is bordered by mountains on all four sides. The highest polo ground in the world also known as “Roof of the world” is situated at a height of 12,500 feet (38,000 meters). The adjoining Shandur Lake adds a glimpsing backdrop to the players in the field. Freestyle polo is played in this Polo Club which is attributed to be the finest form of polo. Do join the Polo Festival which is celebrated in July each year.
6. Highest ATM
Ever imagined transacting your money in the mountains? Well, you will get that experience in Pakistan as it has the highest ATM in the world installed by NBP (National Bank of Pakistan). This ATM is present at the height of 16,007 feet at the Pak-China border, Khunjerab Pass. NBP has managed to earn a place in Guinness World Record through this effort.
7. Largest Football Exporter
Do you know that the footballs used in FIFA World Cup 2018 were shipped from Pakistan? Amazed?
We welcome you to the city of Sialkot which holds a major place in the export of football loved immensely in the football community. The history of these exported football dates back at least a century when British colonials (Avid football players) wanted to get football manufactured locally to avoid delays when imported internationally. That initiative has grown out into a business today and more than 100 firms in Sialkot are contributing to it. 42 million footballs are exported annually which adds up a considerable share to the country’s economy.
8. Khewra Salt Mines
Khewra Salt mines located in Jhelum-Pakistan, enjoy the status of being the second-largest in the world. These salt mines are the oldest in the family of salt mines in the sub-continent. As of 2018, the salt production is estimated to be nearly 400,000 tons per year. A specific area is open for the tourists which let Pakistan earn handsome revenue. There are many salt lakes, salt monuments, and caves dotted along the track of the visitor’s area.
9. First Islamic Nuclear Power
Nuclear energy holds a massive power when utilized in the energy sector. Back in 1998, on 28th May, Pakistan became the first nuclear power in the Islamic World. Pakistan was the first to perform testing of the atomic bomb explosion in Chaghi, Balochistan. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan was a lead scientist in the project and played a significant role in this breakthrough. Pakistan is now utilizing the latest technologies in the nuclear sector to overcome the energy crisis. The Nuclear Plants are stationed in Chashma-Mianwali, and in Karachi.
10. Pakistan is the land of gems
Pakistan is considered the 4th most intelligent nation in the world and Pakistanis have never failed to bring international coverage to Pakistan. Here are some of the most remarkable efforts and awards received by our gems for their exemplary performance.
Abdul Sattar Edhi-Philanthropist
The words seem quite less to honor what Abdul Satar Edhi has contributed to mankind. He laid the block of “Edhi Foundation” which became the largest volunteer network in the world. There are multiple animal shelters, human shelters, rehabilitation centers, old age homes, and orphanages which are run by Edhi foundation. His death will declare his organs to be donated to the deserved which is truly heart whelming.
Benazir Bhutto-Remarkable Lady
Benazir Bhutto was a female politician from Pakistan People’s Party. She was the first-ever woman from the Muslim World to head a state. She served as Prime Minister of Pakistan twice. She was a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Oxford.
Abdus Salam-Nobel Prize in Physics
Abdus Salam was awarded Nobel Prize in Physics along with Sheldon Glashow, and Steven Weinberg in 1979. He was accoladed for his contribution to the theory of electroweak unification. He was the first Pakistani to receive such an honorable award in the field of Science.
Jahangir Khan- Iconic Record
Jahangir Khan has a very unique record on his profile which no has been able to break so far. He is known in the game of Squash where he won consecutively 555 matches, building a mind-blowing record. During his career (till 1993) he was ranked World No 1 winning World Open six times, and British Open ten times.
Malala Yousafzai-Nobel Prize in Peace
Malala is the youngest Nobel laureate from Pakistan, winning a Nobel Prize in Peace-2014. She is a female education activist and started her journey from Swat Valley. She is an author of multiple books that are much applauded internationally.
