A South Asian Country With Rich Historical Heritage: Pakistan

Located in South Asia, Pakistan is a country with a total land area of 881,913 square kilometres with a population of 216.5 million. Pakistan, which means "pure, clean country" in Urdu and Persian, got its name from the combination of the initials of the Indian states of Punjab, Afghanistan, Kashmir and Sind during the British Dominion period.

With its geographical differences, it is possible to see various climate characteristics coexist in Pakistan. While temperatures in the country can reach up to 46 °C in summer, in winter, it is around 4 °C. Although a continental climate prevails throughout the country, the rainy northern regions are covered with forests. Furthermore, the southern regions show tropical climate characteristics.

Pakistan's ethnic structure consists of 45% Punjabi, 15% Pashtun, 15 Sindhi, 10% Seraiki, 8% Muhajir (Urdu-speaking Muslim segment that migrated from India during the founding of the country), 4% Baloch and 3% others. In the country where 97% of the total population is Muslim (80% Sunni, 20% Shia), 3% are Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.

With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 278.2 billion dollars (2019), textile, clothing products, leather clothing, shoes, agriculture, food products and beverage sectors are at the forefront in Pakistan.

The Pakistani cuisine, which has traces of Indian culture, has recipes that contain plenty of sauces and spices. Generally, milk, lentils, seasonal vegetables, flour and wheat products are used in the dishes where the rich tastes of South Asia come together. Islamabad, which is the country's capital, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Multan and Peshawar stand out as important cities.

Pakistan's Top Travel Destinations

1. Badshahi Mosque

Located in Lahore, Badshahi is a mosque built in 1671 by the Babur emperor Abul Muzaffer Muhyiddin Muhammad. Being one of the largest mosques on the Asian continent, it is an important example of Babur architecture.

2. Lahore Castle

The Lahore Castle, which is one of the country's most important examples of Babur architecture, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. Located directly opposite the Badshahi Mosque, the castle was built in 1566. There are 21 monuments and 2 museums in the castle.

3. Shalimar Gardens

Completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637, the Shalimar Gardens was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

4. Saiful Muluk Lake

Lake Saiful Muluk, located in the Kaghan Valley in the south of Pakistan, is one of the highest lakes in the country at an altitude of 3,224 meters above sea

level. With its incredible view, Saiful Muluk is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

5. Minar-e-Pakistan

Constructed in 1960, Minar-e-Pakistan was built as a symbol of the country's independence and Islamic Religion. The 62-meter-high tower, which combines Islamic and Mongolian architecture, has verses from the Qur'an and 99 names of Allah on its base made of white marble.

6. Mohenjo-Daro Ancient City

The Ancient City of Mohenjo-Daro, which is thought to have been built in the 26th Century BC, is under protection by UNESCO and is a popular tourist destination.

7. Mohatta Palace

One of the important symbols of Karachi, Mohatta Palace, was designed by Agha Ahmed Hussain in 1927. It is cited as an excellent example of Indian architecture. Numerous art pieces from temporary and permanent collections are exhibited in the palace.

8. Wazir Khan Mosque

Wazir Khan, a mosque built in 1641, is located in the city of Lahore. Known for its sophisticated decorations, the mosque is considered one of the city's tourist attractions.

9. Pakistan Monument

Built in 2005, the Pakistan Monument symbolizes the national unity of the country. The four main leaves on the monument represent the country's four major provinces: Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pashtunya. The structure opens onto a terrace with a bird's eye view of the City of Islamabad.

10. Frere Hall

Frere Hall, one of Karachi's most important buildings, was designed by Henry Saint Clair Wikins and built as a town hall in 1865. Sophisticated wall paintings of the famous painter Sadequain decorate the roof of the building