Pakistani Wallpaper

Alamgir gate lahore	Arabian Sea	Ayubia Chair Lift

Badshai Mosque	Balakot	River Chanab

Faisal Mosque	Hiran Minar	Islamabad

Jhelum	K2 The Hamaliya	Kaghan Valley

Karachi Beach	Kashmir	Habib Bank Karachi

Lahore Museum	Lahore Fort	Little Girls Hunza Valley

Malam Jaba Snow Fall	Mangora The Switzerland Of The East	Minar-e- Pakistan

Muree	Muree	Muree

Patraita	Polo	Punjab Land Scape

Quaid Tomb	River Ravi	Rhotas Fort

Saiful Malok	Shalimar Bagh	Shangrilla

Shangrilla	Sakardu	Swat Valley

Toba Masjid Karachi	Mangla Dam	Wahga Border

General Information Of Pakistan

Official Name : Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Father of the Nation : Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Head of the State : Pervez Musharaf
Capital : Islamabad
Area : 796,095 Sq. km.
Punjab: 205,344
Sindh: 140,914
North West Frontier Province: 74,521
Balochistan: 347,190
Federally Administered Tribal Areas: 27,220
Islamabad(Capital): 906
Population : 135.28 million
Religious composition : 95% Muslims, 5% others
Per capita income : US$ 460
Currency : Pak Rupee
Exports : Cotton, textile goods, rice, leather items carpets, sports goods, fruits, handicrafts Sea Food (Fisheries)
Imports : Industrial equipment, vehicles, iron ore, petroleum, edible oil
Languages : Urdu (National language)English (Official)
Literacy rate : 38.9%
Pakistan National Flag : Dark green with a white vertical bar, a white crescent and a five-pointed star in the middle. The Flag symbolizes Pakistan's profound commitment to Islam and Islamic world.
National Anthem : Approved in June, 1954
Verses Composed by: Abul Asar , Hafeez Jullundhri
Tune Composed by: Ahmed G. Chagla
Duration: 80 seconds

State Emblem :
The State Emblem consists of:

The crescent and star which is symbol of Islam.
The shield in the centre shows four major crops.
Wreath surrounding the shield represents cultural heritage.
Scroll contains Quaid's motto: Unity Faith, Discipline.

National Flower : Jasmine
Flora : Pine, Oak, Poplar, Deodar, Maple, Mulberry
Fauna : The Pheasant, Leopard, Deer, Ibex, Chinkara, Black buk, Neelgai, Markhor, Marcopolo sheep, Green turtles, River & Sea fish, Crocodile, Water Fowls
Popular games : Cricket, Hockey, Football, Squash
Tourist's resorts : Murree, Quetta, Hunza, Ziarat, Swat, Kaghan, Chitral and Gilgit
Archaeological sites : Moenjo Daro, Harappa, Taxila, Kot Diji, Mehr Garh
Major Cities : Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Multan, Sialkot and Faisalabad
Agriculture : Major crops are cotton, wheat, rice and sugarcane
Total cropped area : 22.14 million hectares
Industry : Textiles, cement, fertiliser, steel, sugar, electric goods, shipbuilding

Energy :

Major sources:
Oil, Coal, Hydel, Thermal, Nuclear and Liquid Petroleum Gas ,WAPDA's total installed power generating capacity: 11,246 MW

Health :

Hospitals: 830
Beds: 86,921
Doctors(registered): 74,229
Dentists(registered): 2,938
Nurses(registered): 22,810

Education :

Primary schools: 150,963
Middle schools: 14,595
High schools: 9,808
Arts & science colleges: 798
Professional colleges: 161
Universities: 35 (10 in Private sector)

Transport & Communication :

Total length of roads: 228,206 km
Pakistan Railway network: 8,775 km
Railway stations: 781
Pakistan International Airlines: Covers 55 international and 38 domestic stations
Major Airports: 6 - Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Gwadar

Seaports :

International : 2 - Karachi and Bin Qasim
Domestic: 3 - Minora, Gwadar and Pasni

Communications :

Post Offices: 13,419
Telephone connections: 2.47 million
Public Call Offices: 10,000
Telegraph offices: 427

Employment :

Total Labour force: 37.15 million
Agriculture sector: 47%
Manufacturing & Mining sector: 10.50%
Others: 42.50%

Media :

Print Media
Dailies: 424
Weeklies: 718
Fortnightlies: 107
Monthlies: 553
News Agencies
APP (official)
PPI & NNI (Pvt)
Electronic Media
Pakistan Television: Five TV centres at Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi covering 87% population
Registered TV sets: 2,823,800
Viewership: 115 million
Radio stations: Total 23, Home services in 20 languages, External services cover 70 countries in 15 languages
Private TV/Radio: Radio stations 3, TV transmitter channels 2, Private News Agencies 2
Indus Vision
Stn
ARZ

Banks :

Central Bank: State Bank of Pakistan

Other Banks: National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Ltd., Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd., Allied Bank of Pakistan Ltd., First Woman Bank, Mehran Bank and the Bank of Punjab

Specialised Banks: Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan, Federal Bank for Co-operatives, Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan, The Punjab Provincial Co-operative Bank, Banker's Equity and National Development Finance Corporation

Famous Mountain Peaks :

K-2 (Mt. Godwin Austin): 28,250 ft./8611 m (2nd in World)

Nanga Parbat : 26,660 ft./8126 m (8th in World)

Gasherbrum-I: 26,470 ft./8068 m (11th in World)

Famous Mountain Passes : The Khyber Pass, The Kurram Pass, The Tochi Pass, The Gomal Pass, The Bolan Pass, The Lowari Pass, & The Khunjrab Pass

Rivers :

The Indus: 2896 km
Jhelum: 825 km
Chenab: 1242 km
Ravi: 901 km
Sutlej: 1551 km
Beas (tributary of Sutlej): 398 km

Famous Glaciers :

Siachin: 75 km
Batura: 55 km
Baltoro: 62 km

Deserts :

Thar: Sindh
Cholistan: Punjab
Thal: Punjab

Lakes :

Manchar(Sindh), Keenjar(Sindh), Hanna(Balochistan), Saif-ul-Maluk(NWFP), Satpara(Northern Areas), & Kachura(Northern Areas)

Major Dams :

Mangla Dam(Punjab), Tarbela Dam(North West Frontier Province), & Warsak Dam(North West Frontier Province)

Women’s reservation

It is now clear that the Congress will not be able to push through the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha as the Yadav Trinity (Mulayam Singh, Laloo and Sharad) has whipped out the Muslim card (Women’s bill comes up against the Purdah, March 12). The Congress cannot afford to lose the Muslim vote in Bihar or Uttar Pradesh and hence the bill is truly stuck.

There is a way, though, that it can salvage the bill – and create a better piece of legislation than the one that was passed in the Rajya Sabha. And that is to make it legally binding on political parties to ensure that one-third of their candidates are women. This suggestion has been made by various academics earlier, but as it stands, it is not fool-proof. For a political party can get around it by simply inflating the number of seats it contests and then allotting unwinnable seats to women.

NewsMonk is happy to suggest a solution to this problem: Not only do political parties have to ensure that one-third of their candidates are women, they also have to ensure that one-third of the constituencies that they represent today are allocated to women.

There are many reasons why this is a better option than the current bill. For example, the biggest problem with the current bill is the principle of rotation – in every election, one-third of the seats selected through a lottery system are reserved for women. These seats become unreserved in the next election, when another set of one-third seats are again selected through a lottery system and reserved for women.

What this means is that in every election, one-third of the seats will be newly reserved and another one-third seats will be newly de-reserved, leading to a situation where a majority of existing representatives know for sure that they will not be re-elected in the next election. This cuts at at the root of representative democracy by taking away any incentive for a majority of representatives to serve their constituency well. It also introduces a high-degree of uncertainty and volatility into the system, through the lottery process.

The new mechanism depends on no lottery and involves no rotation. Therefore, it takes away the arbitrariness and preserves the representative character of the system, while ensuring that women get a fair representation.

The Yadav Trinity has already said that they are open to reservations for women that are implemented through parties, so that is a commitment that can be built upon.

The trouble is, even though this solution will achieve the objective of women’s representation, it will lessen its political attractiveness to the Congress. Leaving the selection of constituencies from where women are fielded open to the political parties will allow them more elbow room. This would make it easier for those parties who are in a strong position to protect their turf, while making it more difficult for weaker parties such as the Congress (in Bihar and UP) to make gains. But what option does the Congress have, other than putting the bill in cold storage?

Women’s rights

t is now clear that the Congress will not be able to push through the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha as the Yadav Trinity (Mulayam Singh, Laloo and Sharad) has whipped out the Muslim card (Women’s bill comes up against the Purdah, March 12). The Congress cannot afford to lose the Muslim vote in Bihar or Uttar Pradesh and hence the bill is truly stuck.

There is a way, though, that it can salvage the bill – and create a better piece of legislation than the one that was passed in the Rajya Sabha. And that is to make it legally binding on political parties to ensure that one-third of their candidates are women. This suggestion has been made by various academics earlier, but as it stands, it is not fool-proof. For a political party can get around it by simply inflating the number of seats it contests and then allotting unwinnable seats to women.

NewsMonk is happy to suggest a solution to this problem: Not only do political parties have to ensure that one-third of their candidates are women, they also have to ensure that one-third of the constituencies that they represent today are allocated to women.

There are many reasons why this is a better option than the current bill. For example, the biggest problem with the current bill is the principle of rotation – in every election, one-third of the seats selected through a lottery system are reserved for women. These seats become unreserved in the next election, when another set of one-third seats are again selected through a lottery system and reserved for women.

What this means is that in every election, one-third of the seats will be newly reserved and another one-third seats will be newly de-reserved, leading to a situation where a majority of existing representatives know for sure that they will not be re-elected in the next election. This cuts at at the root of representative democracy by taking away any incentive for a majority of representatives to serve their constituency well. It also introduces a high-degree of uncertainty and volatility into the system, through the lottery process.

The new mechanism depends on no lottery and involves no rotation. Therefore, it takes away the arbitrariness and preserves the representative character of the system, while ensuring that women get a fair representation.

The Yadav Trinity has already said that they are open to reservations for women that are implemented through parties, so that is a commitment that can be built upon.

The trouble is, even though this solution will achieve the objective of women’s representation, it will lessen its political attractiveness to the Congress. Leaving the selection of constituencies from where women are fielded open to the political parties will allow them more elbow room. This would make it easier for those parties who are in a strong position to protect their turf, while making it more difficult for weaker parties such as the Congress (in Bihar and UP) to make gains. But what option does the Congress have, other than putting the bill in cold storage?

How to graduate in terror from PakistanHow to graduate in terror from Pakistan

How much time does it take for the Pakistani army and Lashkar-e-Taiba to turn an ordinary drug dealer into a terrorist? Because of the confession of Daood Sayed Gilani, aka David Coleman Headley, to planning the Mumbai attacks, we can answer that question with some degree of certainty. Gilani’s confession was recorded at the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois this month.

(BTW, could somebody please enlighten me why Indian media insists on referring to this despicable Jihadist as Headley, which is a fake name he assumed with the specific intention of hiding his Pakistani parenthood and deceiving the Indians? Is it that the Indian media takes particular pleasure in being deceived?)

1. A short, three-week, introductory course on the merits of waging Jihad. Gilani underwent this course around February 2002. I assume he passed with flying colours.

2. Another short, three-week introductory course on the key skills required to wage Jihad, including the use of weapons and grenades. Gilani took this in August 2002.

3. A three-month course in, among other things, close combat tactics, use of weapons and grenades and survival skills. Gilani passed this in or around April 2003.

4. A three-week course in counter-surveillance. Gilani did this in August 2003.

5. Another three-month course in combat and tactical training, to complete the education. Gilani passed the course with distinction, I assume, around December 2003.

In all, therefore, it took the Pakistani army and Lashkar-e-Taiba eight months and one week to turn an ordinary drug dealer with a Pakistani parent and familiarity with Pakistani culture into a competent terrorist who can do scouting work, identify and map terror destinations and so on. Not bad!

According to the confession, “Beginning no later than in or about late 2005 and through on or about October 3,2009, at Chicago and elsewhere within and witout the jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant conspired with Lashkar members A, B, C and D, and others, to commit acts outside the United States that would constitute the offense of murder and maiming…. in connection with attacks carried out by Laskhar in India.” The “others” that Gilani conspired with includes a serving officer of the Pakistani army according to records already available.

Now who was heading the Pakistani intelligence service, ISI (and by extension, its poodle, the Lashkar-e-Taiba), and the Pakistani army during much of this period while this terror attack was being put in place? Who but Pervez Kayani, the current chief of the Pakistani army.

And where is Kayani this week?

He is currently in the US, for a “strategic dialogue” with the United States that would include US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US, Admiral Mike Mullen. In the words of Richard Holbrooke, US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, this will mark “a major intensification” of US partnership with Pakistan.

Kayani and his compatriots are seeking $35 billion in assistance from the US during this strategic dialogue. NewsMonk recommends that they add another billion or two for expanding its “education infrastructure” as well. With Obama as the US president, they might just get it.

Police Torture Culture

Although the police battering are not an uncommon arcane in Pakistan, yet the shocking telecast of flout police torture of some hapless accused, in the presence of flabbergasted on-lookers, in a remote Punjab locality by the acerbic media, has unnerved the whole nation. Its subsequent admonish of the antiquated police system shows that much debated change in ‘Thana-culture’ is still a far cry; rather it has become a hopeless cliché for the ordinary public who have lost every hope of any meaningful social change in their lives.

This battering fiasco has happened at a critical time as the police order-2002 is about to be replaced by a ‘balanced’ police act-2010 and the Punjab government is already working to slot in necessary legal changes to make the police system more functional and people-friendly by removing its extraneous portions.

Use of torture by the police for gleaning facts or to contrive the otherwise innocent accused to confess is constitutionally disallowed everywhere in the modern-day world as it’s an affront to human dignity. Torture contravenes the inherent dignity of a person. By torturing the accused, police violates the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 4, 9 and 14 of the Constitution. Pakistan has already signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) on April 17, 2008 and also pledged before the UN Human Rights Council to stop the menace of torture in Pakistan and rectify its laws according to the CAT.

While the use of torture, in any form has been prohibited under Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), but the police in South Asia are notorious for their brutal tactics of using torture as a practical method for forcing the criminals and the accused to admit their crimes. Police torture is a colonial legacy, and red chili spray was one of the favorite tools by the police then, which used to extract confessions from the accused by applying this method. In fact, it’s a ready technique, still popular
in Indo-Pak sub-continent, as the norms of human rights and rule of law have failed to break in this archaic police culture. The main problem is that the police are not familiar with the latest methodical techniques of interrogation nor they have any scientific tools to solve complicated crime mysteries.
The police order-2002 has failed to improve this situation.

According to a research conducted by a Ph.D. scholar for gauging the total number of police tortures during the last five years in Lahore alone, 16.42 percent of youth aged between 15 to 19, 25.38 percent adults aged between 20 to 24 and 18.9 percent of adults aged between 25 to 29 years, were tortured by the police, during the period of research. Similarly, 18.62 percent of detainees were subjected to some sort of mechanical torture, including all forms of violence, besides domestic violence and blunt-tools were most commonly used. A similar study on prisons has further noted with concern that 91.54 percent of detained men and 8.46 percent detained women were victims of physical torture by the police therein. Moreover, 12.14 percent of detained women were
subjected to psychological torture by the police. Because of their socio-economical helplessness, labor community, followed by the business community, was an easy prey of the police. It was also pointed out that body parts most frequently targeted for battering included buttocks, foot soles, back, front and back of thighs, palms and wrists. The most common tool used to inflict severe pain is the cane-stick and a broad flat leather slipper (dipped in mustard oil to
inflict maximum pain) more commonly known as Chhithar.

This full-sized fury is a big symbol of fear for the many. Actually, the post-9/11 scenario is embroiled with a situation marred with violence & torture and the violation of public rights in war against terror is not an uncommon phenomenon. The developed nations of the world have incorporated various institutional methods for safeguarding public rights and their media is also playing an important role in upholding this check. Western media gives importance to societal issues like public rights and no government agency can dare to flout it. However unlike them, protection of public rights was
not given any priority by the past governments in Pakistan. And, it’s a welcome step that Shahbaz Sharif government is going to introduce sufficient checks to remove public complaints against the gubernatorial police. Actually, lawyers’ movement has given impetus to the issue of rule of law and now the democratic regime should develop necessary paraphernalia to implement this manifest desire of the nation. This situation requires immediate steps-both administrative as well as political, to put some institutional check and balance in it.

The government should take concrete steps to introduce credible checks on police excesses and that can only be done by introducing vibrant institutionalized mechanism. Media will a handy tool to support this cause. It is a universally held acclaim that true democratic system cannot be build-up without first strengthening the Police system, which could effectively maintain law and order as effective administration is worthless without it. The ruling clique should strive to make police system professional, service-oriented and accountable to the people, having inbuilt mechanisms to curb illegitimate political interference; while enhancing police accountability through civilian oversight. There is a dire need to make torture a heinous crime now. Until and unless the use of torture is not criminalized through law, there are fewer chances to stop this grave violation in the future.

Name of Museum

1. Quetta Museum, Quetta
2. Peshawar Museum,
3. University Museum-Peshawar,
4. Chakdara Museum,
5. Archaeological Museum, Saidu Sharif, Swat.
6. Archaeological Museum Taxila, Distt. Rawalpindi
7. Armoury Museum, old Fort, Lahore
8. Mughal and Sikh Galleries in Lahore-Fort.
9. Archaeological Museum, Harappa, Distt: Sahiwal
10. Allama Iqbal Museum, Javed Manzil, Lahore.
11. Museum-cum-Library at Iqbal Manzil, Sialkot.
12. Bahawalpur Museum, Bahawalpur
13. Faqirkhana Museum, Lahore, (Private)
14. Chughatai Museum, Lahore, (Private)
15. Shakir Ali Museum, Lahore, (Private)
16. Arts & Craft Museum Lahore, (Punjab govt.)
17. Science Museum-Lahore,
18. Lokvirsa Museum- Islamabad
19. Natural History Museum- Islamabad
20. National Museum of Pakistan of Pakistan, Karachi
21. Museum at Quaid-I-Azam Birth Place Karachi (Flag Staff House Museum)
22. Archaeological Museum, Moenjodaro Distt. Larkana
23. Archaeological Museum, Banbhore, Distt. Thatta.
24. Archaeological Museum, Omerkot, Distt: Tharparkar
25. Archaeological Museum, Hyderabad Fort, Hyderabad.
26. Moenjodaro Museum-Moenjodaro
27. University Museum-Hyderabad

Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage of Pakistan The land where the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is situated today had been a seat of world’s leading Civilizations from the time immemorial. There is plenty of evidence from the pre-historic and historic period to support this argument, e.g. fossil jaws of apes, circa 14 millions years old found from Pothohar. They belong to a species named “Sivapithecus Pakininsis”, said to be the ancestor of Man. A 2 million years old earliest stone hand axe. Now on display in Islamabad Museum, Islamabad. The legacy of our predecessors at the time of our independence, on August 14, 1947, came to us as a treasure which may be called as Pakistan’s national heritage. So rich and diversified is this heritage that Pakistani nation can be proud of its glorious past, be Islamic, Post Islamic or pre-Islamic period as far back as pre-historic times. No other country of the world can produce the treasure of by gone days as can be found in Pakistan. It is now incumbent upon us to treasure our national heritage and save it from further deterioration and theft. The establishment of NFCH is much appreciated and a great interest is shown by the general public hence since its establishment in 1994 hundreds of proposals were received from different agencies and individuals for the conservation, preservation and publication of the Pakistan’s national heritage. It is hoped that with the continued patronage of the government, the Philanthropists and the Business Community to the NFCH we shall be able to achieve the aforesaid goal. The Cultural Heritage of Pakistan is spread over the centuries, starting from pre-historic times to the present day and which may be summarized in the following periods: Indus Civilization: Gandhara Civilization: Islamic Period: Sikh Period: British Period: Post independence Period

Priest King Fasting Buddhah Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Smadhi Rangit Singh, Lahore Faisal Mosque, Isb.

HISTORY OF MULTAN

Multan as a tradition which goes back to the Bronze Age. Rich in archaeology and the history, the city has a lot to offer for those in search of culture. But, more then anything, it’s the monuments that give the region a glory of its own.

Old Multan is actually a fortified city built on a huge ancient mound and with six gates set at different places. The six entrances to the old city are; Dault Gate, Bohar Gate and Lahori Gate. Three of these (Dault, Lahori and Pak) Gates have been destroyed while the remaining three are intact, although even these are actually reconstruction, from the British period. All the existing gates are of one and the same design. A circular road, locally known as the "alang" runs right around the old city, but inside the fortification wall and not outside it as in common on other old cities. However, a modern circular road also runs on the outer side of the city. The walled city is densely populated with narrow streets, winding lanes and old style houses built quite close to each other. As Multan was once a centre for wood carving, some of its old houses have good specimens of woodwork on their windows and doors.

Being a historical city, Multan is full to tombs, mosques and other monuments of Muslim origin. Apart from historical buildings, there are two other objects in the city which have almost come to be regarded as monuments on account of their excellent workmanship. These are the two huge, carved wood "Tazzia models", which are the best specimens of craftsmanship.

Multan, it is not surprising, is also known as "Mandinatu-Aulya", the city of saints. It has tombs, mosques and "Khanqahs" (hospices) of saints. Keeping in view their historical value, priceless art work, architecture style and craftsmanship involved, all these monuments are beautifully decorated and ornamented with blue titles, fresco-paints and mosaic work, and some with the delightful and soothing Kashi and Naqashi work for which Multan is famous.

Multan was an important city even before Islam but it gained importance after the arrival of Islam. Hence most of the crafts and monuments of artistic value are clearly influenced by Islam.

THE HISTORICAL TOMBS

The history of Multan’s Muslim architecture begins with the Muslim conquest. Little is known about the architecture of Multan prior to the 11th century, though elsewhere in Pakistan we can trace the genesis of Muslim architecture from the 8th century A.D. During the 13th and 14th century, a new style of architecture was introduced for funerary memorials of the Muslims in and around Multan the style begin with the tomb of Baha-ud-din Zakariya and culminated in the mausoleum of Shah Rukn al-Din Rukn-I- Alam, which has been admired as "one the most splendid memorial ever erected in the honour of the dead.

These two mausoleums served as perfect models for the future architecture. The architects continued to imitate them for well over six hundred years. The popularity of the style did not lessen even when the more refined and gorgeous Mughal style of Rukn-e-Alam is the beautiful tomb of Sultan Ali Akbar at Suraji Miani near Multan, which was erected in the Mughal period (992/1585).

Some of the common features of all mausolea in Multan are their tapering walls, single dome and the glazed tile decoration on the exterior. Another widespread feature is a wooden canopy, over the main grace. Decorated with carving and grills, the ceiling of the canopy is always adorned with glazed tiles of different motifs. Occasionally the grills are made of marble, ornamented with beautiful geometric designs.

THE TOMB OF SAINT BAHAUDDIN ZAKARYA

Standing at the northeastern side of the old fort which is situated on the high mound, is the tomb of Shikh-al-Kabir, Bahauddin Abu Mohammed Zakariya Al-Qurashi. The tomb occupies the centre of a vast oblong open area measuring 260 feet N.S by 203 feet E.W and is enclosed by a perimeters brick wall. It has two main gates one on the east and the other on the West Side. There is a vow of fourteen "Hujras" on the north for the "Zaireen".

The tomb was almost completely ruined during the siege of Multan in1848 AD by the British army but was repaired immediately by Makhdum Shah Mahmud. There is no original inscription on the body of the tomb to show the date of its construction and the subsequent repairs. However, from the fact that here lies the great Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya who had erected it himself during his prime time, it can be said that it belongs to the early decades of the 13th century. The Shaikh died on the 7th of Safar (661/21 December 1262).

THE TOMB OF SHAH RUKN-E-ALAM

The mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is also situated on the fort mound. The Shaikh was the son of Pir Sadar-Al-Din Arif born at Multan on the 9th of Friday Ramazan 649/26 November 1251. He was the grandson and successor of Shaikh Baha-Al-Din Zakariya.

Shaikh Rukn-i-Alam (Rukn-al-Din) died on the 7th of Friday (735/3 Jamadial-Awwal, January 1335). He was buried in the mausoleum of his grandfather, according to his own will. After sometime, however, his coffin was transferred to the present mausoleum. It was constructed, according to a popular belief, by Ghiyas-al-Din Tughluq (1340-1350) during the days of his governorship of Depalpur, but was given by Feruz Shah Tughluq to the descendents of Shah Rukn-I-Alam for the latter’s burial. The mausoleum of Rukn-I-Alam has been admired by not only the travelers and chroniclers but also by the art-historians and archaeologist who wrote the architectural history of the subcontinent.

The tomb was built on octagon plan, 90 ft in diameter with walls which are 414 ft high and 13.3 ft thick. The mausoleum was constructed with burnt bricks and supported by timber framing, and decorated with tile faced bricks and wood beams. The whole structure is divided into three stories. Over the second story is a smaller Octagon, leaving a narrow3 passage all around the place, above which stands a hemispherical dome. As the tomb is standing on a high artificial mound, it is visible from about 45 kilometers. Most of its patterns are geometric-created by arranging the glazed tiles-and a living testimony to creative genius of their designers. The building is also decorated with some floral as well as calligraphic patterns. In the 1970s the mausoleum was thoroughly repaired and renovated by the Auqaf Department of the Punjab Government. The entire glittering glazed interior is the result of new tiles and brickwork done by the Kashigars of Multan. This clearly demonstrates the talents and dexterity of the local craftsmen.

THE TOMB OF SHAH SABZWARI

The tomb of Shah Shamas Sabzwari is situated near the Aam Khas Bagh, about a quarter of a mile on the east of the ancient port on the high bank of the old bed of the Ravi which is now filled with a multitude of modern buildings. Shah shams Sabzwari was a celebrated "Ismaili Dai". Very little is known about Shams Sabzari’s life. According to a popular legend, he arrived in Multan at the time of Shaikh Baha-al-Din Zakariya. He breathed his last at the age of 111 years in 675/1276 and was buried in Multan.

The main features of the tomb are similar to those of the city’s other major tombs. It has a square hall in an Octagon shape topped by a high dome. There is a verandah all-round the grave-chamber, with fine arches in every side and a single entrance to the hall. In the courtyard, which is at a lower level than that of the verandah, there is small mosque. Like other decorated tombs of Multan, this tomb is also ornamented with Kaashi tile work and Naqashi work. But recently a fire damaged its entrance seriously.

THE TOMB OF SHAH YOUSUF GARDEZI

This famous tomb is situated near the Bohar Gate. Its building is quite different from the city’s other tombs, with a rectangular hall and a flat, dome-less roof. The hall, which has a small door towards the end of one of its longer sides, is constructed in a big compound. On one side of the compound stands the large hall of an imambargah. The tomb’s present building is a completely renovated one. The rectangular building is thoroughly covered with the blue Multani tiles, decorated with countless floral and geometric patterns arranged in large rectangles, square and border. The skyline is a miniature replica of a fort’s battlement and has a row of arches with borders raised in relief. Below the parapet wall runs a continuous calligraphic border on all four sides. The standard of this calligraphy, however, is not very high. Only blue and while have been used, the motifs include a rich variety of floral patterns.

THE MAUSOLEUM OF SULTAN ALI AKBAR

This tomb is situated in Suraj Miani, a locality in the northwest of the ancient city. Sultan Ali Akbar was a saint of Islamic order, and was the great grandson of Shams-Sabzwari. This is the only epigraphical evidence available about the saint on the façade of the mausoleum, however, the tomb is a very important contribution towards the adoption assimilation and spread of Multani architecture where almost every characteristic of the Rukn-I-Alam’s tomb including the octagonal plan, tapering turrets, the three storied well balanced and harmonious elevation, embellished with colourful tiles revetment, and screened window opening, his some horizontal as well oblique so also noticeable. It is because of this that the monument has been nicknamed the "Little Rukn-i-Alam". It has glazed style design used according to the available space. The mausoleum stands on a six feet high square platform.



Tomb of Hafiz Muhammad Jamal

This tomb is situated near Aamkhas Bagh surrounded with thick heavy wall of small bricks. The main square building includes a large hall, surrounding veranda and a Majlis Khana.

The tomb was built in 19th century during the reign of Ranjit Singh ( 1810). The land for the tomb was given by Sawanmal, the governor of Multan in those days. The main building was constructed under the supervision of Khawaja Khuda Bakhsh "Tami Waly" and Khawaja Muhammad Isa of Khanpur. With passage of time the building and its decoration were badly damaged, although necessary repair work was carried out on the original pattern in 1972-74. With the exception of the main entrance, the exterior of the tomb is very simple. However, the interior is profusely decorated with Kashi work and glass mosaics – Shisha MinaKari, While the tomb itself is exceptionally fine example of mosaic work. All the motifs and pattern are floral, with different colours.

History of Peshawar

Once standing on the top of imposing Bala-Hisar Fort in Peshawar, one could see the historic Khyber Valley- gateway that has seen traders, conquers, nomads and travellers passing through it. But today, you can only see the jungle of high concrete structures, plazas and clouds of hanging over the cityscape. So much ‘development’ has taken place in the historic city.

Zaheer-ud-Din Babur crossed the Khyber Pass in the Sixteen Century on his way from Kabul, and ordered to strengthen the Fort of Peshawar known as Bala-Hisar (the high Fort). The Fort became a symbol of his victory on this side of the Khyber Pass. Sikhs and British during their rule reinforced Bala-Hisar for different reasons through.

The history of the fort must surely to that of the city, but the early days are marked in mystery. It is tempting, however, to see this as the site of fortification protected by a moat that was visited and described by the Chinese travellers like Hsuan Tsang and later Ruder Kipling. Presently Bala-Hisar fort houses headquarters of a prestigious Frontier Corps- the defenders of the mountains. Many kings have stayed in this Fort cum Royal residence in the past, contemplating their strategic moves to consolidate their gains.

The Mosque Mahabat Khan, Peshawar’s outstanding architecture legacy, in Jeweller’s Bazar was constructed by the Governor of Peshawar Mahabat Khan Mirza Lerharsib, in 1630 during the era of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. The Mosque was desecrated and badly damaged by the Sikhs in early nineteen century and later when the fire broke out in 1898. The British renovated it for the first time and brought back some of its grandeur.

Presently it is being looked after by the Auqaf Department and seem in an urgent need of attention. Intricate naqqashi is fading and creaks have snacked in the courtyard as well as in the walls of the grand mosque.

For-tiered Cunningham clock tower erected at the turn of the century on the eve of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee other gems in the history of Peshawar that catch the eye of any passer by.

The famous Chowk Yadgar, is located in the amidst of wide and sprawling convergence point of different major roads and bazaars of the city, have witnessed agitation stemming from religious, political and international issues in the country. Commemorative square was originally named in the memory of British Colonel Hastings. In 1969, the square was dedicated to the heroes of 1965 Indo-Pakistan war.

Edward’s Collage was established in 1901 and named in the memory of famous administrative Sir Herbert Edward as missionary boarding school. Later, Haji Sahib of Turangzai laid down the foundation of Islamia collage in 1911. The collage has magnificent frontage facing Jamrud Road with its domes, kiosks and pinnacles rising above the green trees, which contrast sharply with red brick ornate building. The architectural taste is peculiarly of Mughal with a touch of colonial style. Three domed mosque adjacent to the collage is also of the artistic pleasure.

The British made Peshawar their frontier headquarters. They also added a new part to the historic city: typical colonial garrison with Gora Bazaar, church, single men barracks, bungalows and cantonment Railway Station. The blend of colonial and Mughal architecture, shady trees, flower beds along pathways and spacious

Houses in garrison in contrast to the multi storied residences in the city still stand out boldly.

Cosmopolitan character of Qissa Khawani Bazaar-Piccadilly of Peshawar is lined with its traditional kehwa khanas, Tikka, Chapli Kabab and dry fruit shops along with modern show rooms of leather ware and bright coloured garments. The stories of the Amirs of Bokhara and the Khans of Khiva and regional love of ‘Adam and our Khani have been substituted by satellite receivers continuously breaking news and telling amazing tales of fiction from all over the world. General Evitable, the Italian mercenary who was appointed governor of Peshawar by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, built the bazaar in the present shape in the early nineteenth century. Among tourist, it is still best known Bazaar of the city. Afghan refugees who came to Peshawar as a result of Soviet occupation have added yet another dimension in the character of the city in general this bazaar in particular where they can be seen doing business from exchanging money to selling Kehwa.

In a grand Victorian hall, the Peshawar Museum houses one of the world’s best collection of Gandhara art, including stupas depicting the Buddha’s stupa collection presents a clear picture of life of Peshawar Valley during first four centuries A.D. when Peshawar was the capital of a vast empire. Handicrafts, tools and cloths of different tribes in the ethnological portion I the museum are also interesting and throw light on the cultural heritage of the region.

Life during the early days may be severed in old city. Historic houses having bay windows, jharoka and naqqashi work that may be reminiscent of Gandhara. Persian or Greek art are still servicing against all odds.

Sethi houses built during 1830-34, wood - work added in them in 1983, are good specimen of the past. Expert from International Union of Conservation have already carried out a survey for conservation of the houses and the result is still awaited . but the requirement is that Archaeology Department, city development agencies and real estate developers, all should work for preservation of legendary character of the city holding thousands of secrets.

Beyond history, heritage and culture, Peshawar faces all problems urbanization. City once famous for gardens and flowers is turning Grey. A case study of Peshawar has revelled that the city has lost 2700 acres of agriculture land during the two decades (1965-85). This in the addition to 400 of acres of vacant land that has been also eaten up by expending urban functions. In the same period, the land under parks and green space has shrunk from 163 to 75 acres.

With such thick layer of history compressed so tightly, Peshawar today is continuously growing and expanding. The need of the hour is that the concerned authorities should make plans for conserving its heritage otherwise we will lose our rich culture.

Lahore

Lahore, city, northeastern Pakistan, capital of Punjab Province, on the Ravi River. It is the principal commercial and banking center of the province. Although little industry is located in the city proper, Lahore serves as a distribution center for the heavily industrialized surrounding area. Manufactures include textiles, metal products, chemicals, machinery, glassware, and leather and rubber goods. An educational and cultural center, the city is the site of the University of the Punjab (1882), the oldest university in Pakistan, and the University of Engineering and Technology (1961). An atomic energy research center is located in the city. Lahore is the site of architecturally significant buildings and monuments, many dating from the Mughal Empire (circa 1526-1707), during which the city achieved great prominence. In 1849, Lahore fell to the British. When India was partitioned in 1947, Lahore was made capital of West Punjab. Population (1998) 5,063,499.

Multan

Multan, city, eastern Pakistan, capital of Multan Division, on the Chenab River in the Punjab. The leading manufactures are silk, cotton, carpets, glazed pottery, and enamel work. Multan is an important center of trade where the products of the division, chiefly cotton, wheat, wool, sugar, indigo, oil seeds, and manufactured articles, are shipped by railroad to other parts of the country. The city is the home of Bahauddin Zakariya University (1975). Population (1981) 722,070.

Karachi

Karachi, city in southern Pakistan, capital of Sind Province, on the Arabian Sea, at the northwestern edge of the Indus River delta. The hub of a sprawling metropolitan area, Karachi is the nation's largest city and its chief transportation, financial, commercial, and manufacturing center. Most of the international trade of Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan pass through the city's busy modern port, centered on the island of Kiamari. Major highways and railroads focus on the city, and the modern airport here is a stopover and refueling point for intercontinental flights. Among the many products of Karachi are steel, textiles, chemicals, refined petroleum, footwear, machinery, handicrafts, and processed food. The city also is an important banking center and has a stock exchange. The University of Karachi (1951) and NED University of Engineering and Technology (1922) are here. The tomb of Muhammed Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, is a landmark. An old settlement, Karachi was a small fishing and trade center when captured by the British in 1839 and annexed three years later. Under British rule, it became the chief outlet for Indus Valley cotton and grain exports. Karachi was the capital of newly independent Pakistan from 1947 until 1959, when it was replaced by the provisional capital of Rawalpindi (Islamabad became Pakistan's permanent capital in 1967.) During the early years of independence Karachi grew rapidly as the chief port and industrial center of West Pakistan, and many Muslim refugees from India settled here. Since the 1980s the city has been the site of violent eruptions between the rival political, religious, and ethnic groups. Population (1998) 9,269,265.

Islamabad

Islamabad, city and capital of Pakistan, northern Pakistan, in the Capital Territory, on the Potwar Plateau, near Rawalpindi. In 1959 the site of Islamabad was chosen to replace Karachi as the capital of Pakistan. Constantinos A. Doxiadis and other internationally known urban planners were commissioned to design the new city, and construction began in 1961. In 1967 Islamabad was officially made the capital, and work on the city's principal buildings, streets, and facilities was completed by the mid-1970s. The city is divided into eight largely self-contained zones, each characterized by its predominant usages (such as for government, commerce, light industry, or residential areas). Notable structures in Islamabad include the National Assembly Building, designed by Louis I. Kahn. The city is the site of Quaid-i-Azam University (1965). Population (1998) 524,500.

Peshawar

Peshawar, city, northwestern Pakistan, capital of North-West Frontier Province, near the entrance to Khyber Pass. The city is a commercial center and the traditional terminus of caravans from Afghanistan. Industries include handicrafts and the manufacture of processed food, footwear, silk, and cotton textiles. Peshawar University was established here in 1950. Also in the city is Peshawar Museum, which houses important collections of sculpture of the ancient Gandhara civilization. An ancient trading center known as Purushapure, the city was a target for invaders of the Indian subcontinent because of its strategic location near the pass. In the early 19th century Peshawar came under the control of the Sikhs, and in 1849 it was captured by the British. It has been the capital of the Pakistani North-West Frontier Province (except for 1955-70) since 1947. Population (1998) 988,055.

People of Pakistan

Population:	144,616,639 (July 2001 est.)
Age structure:	0-14 years: 40.47% (male 30,131,400; female 28,391,891) 15-64 years: 55.42% (male 40,977,543; female 39,164,663) 65 years and over: 4.11% (male 2,918,872; female 3,032,270) (2001 est.)
Population growth rate:	2.11% (2001 est.)
Birth rate:	31.21 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Death rate:	9.26 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Net migration rate:	-0.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Sex ratio:	at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2001 est.)
Infant mortality rate:	80.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:	total population: 61.45 years male: 60.61 years female: 62.32 years (2001 est.)
Total fertility rate:	4.41 children born/woman (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:	0.1% (1999 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:	74,000 (1999 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:	6,500 (1999 est.)
Nationality:	noun: Pakistani(s) adjective: Pakistani
Ethnic groups:	Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India at the time of partition and their descendants)
Religions:	Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3%
Languages:	Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%
Literacy:	definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 42.7% male: 55.3% female: 29% (1998)

Music of Pakistan

By far the most dynamic and popular music of Pakistan is qawwali, which has been internationally popularized by stars like Nusrat Ali Khan. Qawwali, in multiple forms, is widespread throughout Pakistan and Northern India.

Qawwali refers to both the performance and the genre of music. Qawwals typically consist of a lead vocalist, two back-up vocalists and any number of percussionists. Qawwalis are traditionally led by a sheikh and are meant to help the audience realize the mystical ideals of Sufi Islam. Amir Khusrau is said to have invented qawwali in the 13th century; the legendary poet and composer is also said to have invented the tabla and sitar. The idea of music (sama) inspiring an understanding and love for the divine and communication with spiritual guides is known from at least the 9th century. Orthodox Muslims sometimes criticize qawwali for its erotic imagery and sometimes frank sensuality.

Qawwali is similar to Hindustani musical genres; it has three components: a rhythm (traditionally played on the dholak), the melodic line of the vocals, and the pitch of the melody which is reinforced on harmonium. Poetic verses are usually mixed with a chorus and instrumental passages. Traditional languages used include Persian and an ancient form of Hindi called braj bhasha, as well as Punjabi, Urdu and Arabic.

The ancient tradition of tarana, a rhythmic series of nonsensical syllables with meaning only to the singers, if anyone, has helped lead a fusion with qawwali and jazz, due to the parallel practice of scat singing. Qawwali fusion with filmi and Western pop music have achieved some popularity, with attendant criticism from purists for allegedly watering down the sacred sound of qawwali. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sabri Brothers and Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group have become especially popular, especially after Nusrat's collaborations with Michael Brook (a Canadian producer), resulting in the unexpected hit of "Mustt Mustt", remixed by Massive Attack and popularized by its use in a Coca-Cola television commercial.

Pakistan Food

Basic Subsistence:
At its simplest, Pakistani cooking today consists of staple foods which are cheap and abundant. Wheat and other flour products are the mainstay of the diet, one familiar form being CHAPATI, an unleavened bread akin to a Mexican tortilla. This is made with dough prepared from whole wheat flour.

Another basic food is LASSI, milk from which curds and butterfat have been removed. Vegetables, usually seasonal, lentils are commonly used. Families with larger incomes eat more meat, eggs and fruits. And the more affluent cook with GHEE, which is clarified butter, instead of with vegetable oil.

From the earliest times, the imaginative - and sometimes heavy - use of spices, herbs, seeds, and flavorings and seasonings have helped cooks transform rather ordinary staple foods into an exotic cuisine.

Consider some of the most common of these in wide use in Pakistan today: chilli powder, turmeric, garlic, paprika, black pepper, red pepper, cumin seed, bay leaf, coriander, cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, saffron, mace, nutmeg, poppyseeds, aniseed, almonds, pistachios, and yogurt.

Their use in a wide range of pickles, chutneys, preserves, and sauces, together with curries of all descriptions and special treatment for meats, sea, food, vegetables and lentils, gives Pakistani cooking much of its distinctive character.

Cultural influences, whether religious precepts, practices, and ceremonies or local traditions, or even esthetic preferences, have made their contribution toward the evolution of Pakistani cuisine.

The Influence Of Islam:
The spread of Islam to what is now Pakistan, starting in the Eighth Century, has given a basic character to the food of the people. The Quranic injunctions against eating pork or drinking alcoholic beverages has channeled tastes and appetites in other directions. Lamb, beef, chicken and fish are basic foods, although their consumption by persons of low income is modest and often ceremonial.

Some of the Muslim feasts involve special dishes. Eid-ul-Adha, which commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to obey God even tothe point of being willing to sacrifice his son, is observed by the sacrifice of a goat, a lamb, or a cow from which special dishes are made.

On Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of RAMZAN, the month of fasting in the Islamic Calender, the serving of a special dessert of vermicelli cooked in milk is a must. Almond and pistachios are added as decorations as is the silver foil. The latter is so thin that it will disintegrate unless it is immediately transferred from the protective layers of paper onto the dish.

Food And The Moghul Emperors:
Another major influence in the development of Pakistani cookery was the establishment of the Moghul Empire starting in 1526. The opulent tastes exhibited by such Emperors as Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb in art, architecture, music, dance, and jewelry was also extended to food.

A style of cookery called Moghlai' evolved at the Moghul court and even today it remains centered in Lahore. Some latter-day and widely known survivors of court cookery are, for example, chicken tandoori, a dish in which chicken is cooked at low temperatures in special ovens called TANDOORS, and murgh musallum' in which the whole chickens are roasted with special spices and ingredients. SHAHI TUKRA, a dessert of sliced bread, milk, cream, sugar and saffron, is another left-over from the days of the Moghuls.

Perhaps the ultimate Moghul cuisine was reached when the imperial chefs perfected the recipes for desserts made from ginger and garlic. Ginger and garlic puddings are still made in some homes for truly special occasions.

Fruit drinks, squeezed from pomegranates, apples, melons, and mangoes, and called SHARBAT, are an important part of the Moghlai cuisine and, indeed, the inspiration for American "sherberts."

Other Influences:
Cookery in Pakistan has always had a regional character, with each of the four provinces offering special dishes. In the Punjab, for example, the Moghlai' cuisine using tandoor ovens and elaborate preparations is important. In Baluchistan, cooks use the SAJJI method of barbecuing whole lambs and stick bread in a deep pit.

BUNDA PALA (fish) is a well known delicacy of Sind. The fish is cleaned and stuffed with a paste made from a variety of spices and herbs, including red pepper, garlic, ginger, and dried pomegranate seeds. It is then wrapped in cloth and is buried three feet deep in hot sand under the sun. There it stays baking for four to five hours from late morning to early afternoon. THANDAL, made from milk and a paste of fresh almonds, is a popular drink. Cooking in the Northwest Frontier Province is a great deal plainer and involves the heavy use of lamb.

Ceremonial occasions such as weddings have inspired a number of fancy dishes. A traditional dish at marriage feasts, for example, is chicken curry with either PILAU or BIRYANI. FIRINI, made from cream of rice and milk, is an equally traditional wedding dessert. It is served in clay saucers topped by silver foil. At Zoroastrian (Parsi) weddings, which are not frequent because so few followers of this ancient Iranian religion live in Pakistan, a special fish dish is served. This is PATRANI MACHCHI, consisting of sole, plaice, or a local fish called pomfret, wrapped in banana leaves, steamed or fried, and then baked slowly for half an hour.

Pakistan Culture

Pakistan's culture is very diverse. This stems from the fact that what is now Pakistan has in the past been invaded and occupied by many different peoples, including White Huns, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. There are differences in culture among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, and religion, especially where indigenous pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices.

Despite tense relations with India, Indian movies are popular in Pakistan. Ironically, Indian films are officially illegal, but they can easily be found across Pakistan. An indigenous movie industry exists in Pakistan, and is known as Lollywood, producing over forty feature-length films a year. Music is also very popular in Pakistan, and ranges from traditional styles (such as Qawwali ) to more modern groups that try to fuse traditional Pakistani music with western music.

Increasing globalization has increased the influence of Western culture in Pakistan, especially among the affluent, who have easy access to Western products, television, media, and food. Many Western food chains have established themselves in Pakistan, and are found in the major cities. At the same time, there is also a reactionary movement within Pakistan that wants to turn away from Western influences, and this has manifested itself in a return to more traditional roots, often conflated with Islam.

A large Pakistani diaspora exists, especially in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia as well as in the Scandinavian nations. A large number of Pakistanis are also living in the Middle east. These emigrants and their children influence Pakistan culturally and economically, by travelling to Pakistan, and especially by returning or investing there.

Perhaps the most popular sport in Pakistan is cricket, and large amounts of Pakistanis gather around TV sets to watch the Pakistani team play in World competitions, especially against Pakistan's rival India. Pakistan has one of the top teams in international cricket, one that won the World Cup in 1992. Field Hockey is also an important sport in Pakistan, Pakistan having won the gold medal at the Olympics a number of times in the sport. Football or Soccer is played in Pakistan as well, but is not as popular as cricket or field hockey. Polo is believed to have originated in the Northern parts of Pakistan, and continues to be an important sport there with large competitions throughout the year.

Pakistan Flag

This page provides information about the Pakistan Flag. The national flag of Pakistan design has proportion of 2:3 and comprises of a white star and crescent on a dark green field with a vertical stripe at its left portion hoist. Pakistan Flag was adopted as an official flag of Pakistan on 11th August 1947. In the design of Pakistan Flag the dark green color at the background represents Pakistan as Muslim major country and a white stripe running vertically at the left edge of the flag represents the religious minorities. The white colored crescent moon alongwith the five pointed star right at the centre of Pakistan Flag represents the progress and light respectively.