Karachi

Karachi is the capital of the province of Sindh, and the most populated city in Pakistan, sometimes known as the City of Light and the City of Quaid after Muhammad Ali Jinnah the founder of Pakistan. It is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean, northwest of the Indus Delta. The city is the financial and commercial centre as well as the largest port of Pakistan.

Popular Attractions:

Although touristically

it is not the most interesting place in Pakistan, the fast paced life-style of this mega-city will have a big impact on you. There is a lot to do and see here such as shopping, nightlife and eating out, far more

than anywhere else in Pakistan. With its wide sunny beaches, deep-sea fishing, yach

ting, golf and horse racing all-year round you cannot get bored here.

Clifton beach, Mazar-e-Quaid, Masjid-e-Tooba, Port Fountain Jet, Zamzama Commercial Area, Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mausoleum, Pakistan Air Force Museum, Pakistan Maritime Museum, National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi Expo Centre, Merewether Tower, Frere Hall, Khaliq Deena Hall, Jehangir Kothari Parade, Governor's House, St Patrick's Cathedral, Former Victoria Museum, Empress Market, KMC Building, Bhit Shah, Karachi Zoo are the points to visit.
As Karachi faces the Arabian sea, it is also a major port, which along with its international airport act as a hub for international trade, transport, manufacturing and commerce. Karachi is the center of commerce al

though the capital was moved to Islamabad in 1963. All major banks have their headquarters in Karachi which even has its own stock exchange the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE). Karachi Harbour, due to its geographical and strategic location was known as the gateway to Asia. Considered as a safe Harbour since time immemorial

. An Ancient settlement, Karach

i was a small fishing village in the early Nineteenth Century. Historians identify it with its proximity to a place from where a part of Alexander's Army, boarded the Greek Flotilla in 326 B.C.
The bay also has its tourist side with 'Bunder boating'. Flat boats which you can hire as a group to take you out into the bay to 'catch crabs', which basically means sit and eat pre-caught crabs and local delicacies that they will supply and enjoy any snacks and drinks you've brought along with you. Near Karachi are many old cities with more historic sights that can be visited as daytrips.

Culture:

Karachi is home to some of Pakistan's important cultural institutions. The National Academy of Performing Arts, [8] located in the newly renovated Hindu Gymkhana offers a two year diploma course in performing arts that include classical music and contemporary theatre. The All Pakistan Musical Conference, lin

ked to the 45-year old similar institution in Lahore, has been holding its Annual Music Festival since its inception in 2004. The Festival is now a well-established feature of the city life of Karachi that is awaited anxiously and attended by more than 3000 citizens of Karachi as well as people from other cities.The National Arts Council (Koocha-e-Saqafat) also has musical performances and Mushaira

(poetry recitations). Karachi has a few museums including the Mohatta Palace mus

eum that regularly has exhibitions as well as the National Museum of Pakistan. The Kara Film Festival organized annually showcases independent Pakistani and international films and documentaries.
The everyday lifestyle of Karac

hi differs substantially from that of other Pakistani towns. The culture of Karachi is characterized by the blending of Middle

Eastern, South Asian and Western influences, as well as the status of the city as a major international business centre. As a whole, there is considerable diversity in culture, and this diversity has produced unique cultural amalgam of its own type. Karachi also hosts the largest middle class stratum of the country.

Mazar-e-Quaid or the National Mausoleum :

refers to the tomb of the founder of

Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is an iconic symbol of Karachi throughout the world.

The mausoleum is situated at the heart of the city, completed in 1960s. It is

made of white marble with curved

Moorish arches and copper grills rest on an elevated 54 square meters platform. The cool inner sanctum reflects the green of a four-tiered crystal chandelier gifted by the people of China. Around the mausoleum there is a park fi

tted with strong beamed spot-lights which at night project light on the white mausoleum. The location is usually

calm and tranquil which is significant considering that it is in the heart of one of the largest global megalopolises. The glowing tomb can be seen for miles at night. Liaqat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Jinnah's sister, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, are also buried besides Jinnah. Official and military ceremonies take place here on special occasions, especially on 23 March, 14 August, 11 September, 25 December, 8 July and 30 July. Dignitaries and officials from foreign countries also visit this place. The Mazar-e-Quaid is now officially recognized as the National Mausoleum of the country.

Masjid e Tooba or Tooba Mosque :

is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Locally, it is also known as the Gol Masjid. Masjid e Tooba was built in 1969 in Defense Housing Society, Karachi. It is located just off main Korangi Road. Masjid e Tooba is probably the largest single dome mosque in the world. It is also major tourist attraction in Karachi. Masjid e Tooba is built with pure white marble. The dome of the Masjid e Tooba is 72 meters (236 feet) in diameter, and is balanced on a low surrounding wall with no central pillars. Masjid e Tooba h

as a single minaret standing 70 meters high. The central prayer hall has a capacity of 5,000 people. It has been built

keeping acoustics in mind. A person speaking inside one end of the dome can be heard at the other end.

PAF Museum, Karachi :

is an Air Force museum and park situated between PAF Base Faisal and Awami Markaz on main Shahra-e-Faisal at Karachi.
The museum is open throughout the year for seven days a week. Pakistan Air Force Museum is known for its well organized displays, rides and greenery. The main museum is located inside the park and features all major Fighter Aircrafts which were used by the Pakistan Air Force at display. Many aircraft are also on display outside in the par

k and some in the hangar as well, along with photo and weapon galleries. There is also a souvenir shop where miniature jet models, key chains, shirts and other Air Force related merchandise is available. A mosque and restaurant also cater the park.

National Museum of Pakistan :

at Karachi was established in Frere Hall Building on 17th April 1950 replacing the defunct Victoria Museum. The historic building of Frere Hall itself was built in 1865 as tribute to Sir Bartle Frere, Commissioner of Sind in the last century. The basic objective of establishing National Museum was to collect, preserve, study, and exhibit the records of the cultural history of Pakistan and to promote a learned insight into the personality of its people. Once the Museum was inaugurated then the Government of Pakistan deemed it wise to constitute an Advisory Council in 1950 with a primary duty to counsel the Museum on the issues of enriching its collection through new acquisitions and purchase of antiquities and works of Arts.
The Museum was shifted to the present premises (located in Burns Garden, Dr. Zia-ud-din Road) in 1970. At that time there were only four galleries in the Museum. However, at present there are a total of 11 Galleries in the Museum including an exquisite “Quran Gallery”. As a matter of fact National Museum has more than 300 copies of the Holy Quran, out of which around 52 rare manuscripts are on display in “Quran Gallery”. The Museum also contains an important collection of items relating to Pakistan's Cultural heritage. Some other galleries display Indus Civilization artifacts, Gandhara Civilization Sculptures, Islamic Art, Miniature Paintings, Ancient Coins and Manuscripts documenting Pakistan's Political History. There is also an interesting Ethnological Gallery with life size statues of different ethnicities living in the four provinces of Pakistan.The Museum has a collection of 58,000 old coins (some dating from 74 Al-Hijra), and hundreds of well preserved sculptures. Some 70,000 publications, books and other reading material of the Archeology and Museums Department were also shifted to the National Museum so that general public could see them.Every year National Museum holds around a dozen exhibitions on National Days and other occasions. The Museum premises also has an auditorium with 250 seating capacity.

Frere Hall :

is one of the few well-preserved buildings from the days of the British Raj that still exists in Karachi.It was built in honour of Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere (1815-1884), who was known for promoting economic development in Karachi. Situated almost in the centre of Karachi, across the street from the Marriott Hotel and the US Consulate, and adjacent to the Sind Club, the building itself forms the centrepiece of a park know as Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah Gardens).
Due to security concerns, as well as the insistence of the US Consulate, which faces Frere Hall, the park has largely been declared off-limits to the general public.

Khaliq Deena Hall

or Khalikdina Hall is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Its full name is Ghulam Hussain Khaliq Deena Hall. It is mainly used as a library.
Khaliq Deena Hall was used by the British authorities in 1921 as a court to try Maulana Shaukat Ali and Maulana Mohammad Ali of Khilafat movement.

Jehangir Kothari Parade

is located in Clifton beach in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

Access to the sea at Clifton is provided by the terraced Parade known as the Jehangir Kothari Parade. The site, owned by Mr. Jehangir Kothari, an eminent Karachi citizen, who gifted it along with a handsome donation Rs. 300,000 to the Municipality for the development of recreational facilities. The foundation stone was laid by the Governor of Bombay, Sir George Lloyd on 10th February, 1919 and formally opened by Lady Lloyd on 5th January, 1920. The Lady Lloyd Pier was also opened by her on 21st March, 1921.

The Kiosk at one end of the parade, with its elliptical roof structure, built in Jodhpur stone, has an octagonal seat in the center and was used as a Bandstand in yester-years. The pier is 1300 ft long, 15 ft wide and ends in a 70 ft by 50 ft sea-side Pavilion constructed on piles. Gizri limestone and Jodhpur stone were used for its construction.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

is a Roman Catholic cathedral which lies on Shahrah-e-Iraq, formerly known as Clarke Street, located near the Empress Market in Karachi, Pakistan.
The first church in Sindh (except for possibly one in Thatta) was initially built on the grounds of this cathedral in 1845, and was called St. Patrick’s Church. It was in April 1881 that the present cathedral was opened, since the Christian community grew in number, and the need for a larger place of worship became apparent. Despite the construction of the new building, the little church continued to function until it was destroyed by a storm in 1885.
The present-day cathedral is built in Gothic style; it measures 170 ft by 75 ft, and has the capacity to accommodate at least 1,500 worshippers at the same time. It was designed by three members of the Society of Jesus: Father Wagner, Brother Kluver and Brother Lau.

Empress Market :

is located in Saddar Town of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Empress Market was built in 1889 and was named in honor of Queen Victoria, Empress of British Empire in South Asia. Empress Market is the central shopping center of Karachi.

Manora, :

is a small island (2.5 km²) located just south of the Port of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The island is connected to the mainland by a 12 kilometre long causeway called the Sandspit. Manora and neighboring islands form a protective barrier between Karachi harbour to the north and the Arabian Sea to the south. The western bay of the harbour contains endangered mangrove forests which border the Sandspit and Manora island. To the east is Karachi Bay and the beach towns of Kiamari and Clifton. The island is located at 24°48′00″N, 66°58′00″E

Hawke's Bay :

or Hawkesbay is a beach in Pakistan situated a couple of kilometers away from Sandspit Beach near Karachi. Like Sandspit it is rocky beach with natural beauty. Visitors enjoy swimming and camel riding.
Hawkesbay is one of the beach in the world, where green marine turtles comes to lay eggs. It one of the rare reptile species found at Hawkesbay.

Paradise Point, :

on the Arabian Sea, is a beach in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Paradise Point is a sandstone rock promontory with a natural arch.
The beach has attractions for families and tourists, including beachside horse and camel rides, amusement parks, restaurants, and swimming in the Arabian Sea.

Bundal Island :

is a small islands located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Bandal, pronounced Bhandar by local fishermen, is a twin island of Buddo and lies to its West. On Bundal Island the tomb of Muslim sufi Yusuf Shah is located. The annual urs of 'Yusuf Shah' which attracts thousands of coastal people to the island. The island looked like a city during the urs. Churma and Buddo Islands are also located near Bundal Island.

Sandspit Beach :

is situated north west of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It is a very famous tourist spot. The sea at Sandspit is very calm and quiet from October to March and very rough during the monsoon. Remarkable variety of marine life-algae, and crabs are found here. The shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It has an unusual rocky formation. Sandspit beach is quite a popular hangout and relaxation spot in Karachi. Facilities at the Sandspit Beach includes boating and camel riding.
The Sandspit Beach is also a nesting ground for Green and Olive Red Turtles, implemented by the Sindh Wildlife Department over the past two decades. In recent years the WWF-Pakistan has also become actively involved in turtle conservation activities by establishing a Wetland Centre at the Sandspit beach.

Lahore

At a Glance

Lahore, being an ancient city, is full of architectural treasures. Lahore Museum, which has the most and the finest Mughal artifacts in the world, is a place to start. Minar-e-Pakistan, Badshahi Mosque and Shalimar Gardens are synonymous with the word Lahore. Tomb of Jahangir, Noor Jahan and Badshahi Mosque have magnificent architecture, as do many other buildings across Lahore.

Lahore is also the shoppers paradise. It has many markets and traditional bazaars. Anarkali is perhaps the most famous of the traditional Lahore bazaars.

Old Names Of Lahore

Laha-war
Laha-noor
Loh-pur
Mahmood-pur
Labokla
Samandpal Nagiri
Lohar-pur

Minar-e-Pakistan

In the middle of Iqbal Park in Lahore stands Minar-e-Pakistan, a tall concrete minaret which wa

s built as a tribute to the creation of Pakistan.

This is the exact place where in 1940, the Muslim League passed the famous Lahore Resolution, which demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims of India.

Minar-e-Pakistan is about 60 meters in height. The tower base is raised approximately four

meters from the ground and it rises up to approximately 13 meters, forming a sculpted,

flower-like base. From

this point it tapers as it rises. The base platform is shaped like a five-pointed star and it encloses crescent shaped pools. It is constructed of reinforcedconcrete, with the floors and walls rendered in stone and marble. Now it is officially recognized as the National Monument of Pakistan.
The Minar-e-Pakistan was designed by Murad Khan, a Turkish architect.

Badshahi Mosque

Close to Minar-e-Pakistan is the magnificent Badshahi mosque, built unde

r the patronage of the sixth Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb Alamgir. The moque was completed in 1673 under the supervision of Aurangzeb’s foster brother Muzaffar Hussain who was appointed governor of Lahore in May of 1671 and held this post until 1675 .The Badshahi mosque is adjacent to Lahore Fort, one of the most splendid examples of Mughal architecture in Pakistan. The mosque is one of the largest building made during the reign of Aurangzeb, and in terms of space, it is one of the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The area within the mosque measures approximately 150 meters on each side.

The mosque is raised pretty high from the ground level, and steps lead to the main court yard. The Badshahi mosque has close resembles to the Friday Mosque built by Shah Jahan in his new capital, adjoining the Red Fort, in Delhi, although the Badshahi Mosque is a grander structure.

Shalimar Gardens

The gardens are a masterpiece from the time of the Mughal civilization, which reached its height during the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan. The gardens were commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1637. The fort contains marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. The elegance

of these splendid gardens, built near the city of Lahore on three terraces with lodges, waterfalls and large ornamental ponds, isunequalled.
Each garden is div

ided by canals and flowerbeds, following the Persian tradition of the charbagh, or fourfold garden. Each of the 3 parts is on a different level, so that the upper parts are concealed from the view of people entering from below. The highest, and therefore the most private, section is thought to have been used by the imperial women. The channels of water that weave through the whole garden are fed by canals designed and administered by a defector from the Persian court, Ali Mardan Khan, or Inayat Khan, known for his architectural and building expertise. The gardens contain white marble buildings in typical Shah Jahani style. They are enclosed by a red sandstone wall interrupted by small decorative kiosks. The Shalimar Gardens are among the best preserved Mughal gardens.

The Shalimar Gardens are laid out in the form of an oblong parallelogram, surrounded by a high brick wall, which is famous for its intricate fretwork. The gardens measure 658 meters north to south and 258 meters east to west.

In 1981, Shalimar Gardens was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the UNESCO Convention concerning the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage sites in 1972.

Rawalpindi

History

Rawalpindi city, also known as Pindi, has a history spread over several millenniums extending to the ancient times corresponding with the decaying period of Buddhism to the invasions of the Macedonians and then to the dawn of the Muslims era. The long spells of darkness overcast the history of the religion as well as the city before Muslims conquest. Archaeologists believe that a distinct culture flourished on this plateau as far back as 3000 years. The material remains found on the sight of the city of Rawalpindi prove the existence of Buddhist establishment contemporary to Taxila but less celebrated than its neighbors. It appears that the ancient city went into oblivion as a result of the Hun devastation. the first Muslim invader, Mahmood of Ghazni (979-1030 AD), gifted the ruined city to a Gakkhar Chief, Kai Gohar. the town, however, being on invaders' route, could not prosper and remained deserted until Jhanda Khan, another Gakkhar Chief, restored it and gave the name of Rawalpindi after the village Rawal in 1493 AD. Rawalpindi remained under the rule of Gakkhars till Muqarrab Khan, the last Gakkhar ruler, was defeated by Sikhs in 1765 AD. Sikhs invited traders from other places to settle here. This brought the city into prominence. Sikhs lost the city to British in 1849 AD. Following the British occupation in 1849, the city became permanent cantonment of the British army in 1851. It was around 1881 that the railway line to Rawalpindi was laid. The train service was formally inaugurated on January 1, 1886. The need for having railway link arose after Lord Dollhouse made Rawalpindi the headquarters of the Northern Command. And, Rawalpindi became the largest cantonment in the South Asia. Rawalpindi, after independence of 1947, has been the home of various political powers and important events that shaped the future of the country. This included the unfortunate murder of First elected prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali khan, in the Liaquat Garden, in 1951. Rawalpindi has the long time honor of having Army headquarter . Now the Airforce headquarter has also moved here. The famous Murree road has been the hot spot for the various political and social events. In 2004 Murree road will have its first underpass to decrease the enormous traffic load it faces, every day. The sites proposed for these flyovers and underpasses are Committee chowk, Sixth road and Mareer chowk. Nala Lai, famous for its floods, runs in the middle of the city, dividing it into city area and Cantt. area. History describes Nala lai water pure enough to do washing clothes but now it has become polluted with the waste water from all sources including factories and houses. Famous Historical Places Famous Historical Places include Leh Nullah : The Leh Nullah flows zigzagging through the city. An early edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica describes the Leh Nullah as a river. Until 1923, according to the old timers, the water of the Leh was crystal clear and considered fit for human consumption or performing ablutions. At that time, the city drains were not allowed to be discharged into the Leh as all the nullahs were supposed to flow toward depression on the other side of the Arya Mohalla running along the Murree Road. Now it has been reduced to a carrier of sewage of the twin cities. Heavy amounts of industrial wastes combined with the domestic refuse are deposited in Leh. The presence of two factors had made the Leh water highly polluted and rendered it unsafe even for agricultural use in the suburbs of the city. And, pungency of the flowing water has made the life of those living beside the nullah miserable. The Mall : Rawalpindi's Thandi Sarak, better known as The Mall - the glory of the cantonment - with its row upon row of the senior Cypresses and seasonal flower beds, was formally inaugurated in 1910 with the beautifully sculpted statue of Queen Victoria standing majestically at the convergence point of the Murree Road an The Mall in close vicinity of the flashman's. The statue was chiselled in the United Kingdom in 1906. After independence, the statue was shifted from The Mall to the British High Commission. Lal Haveli : In old times, Rawalpindi had developed a unique architectural style. Both in the older quarters of the city and cantonment, it was considered fashionable to have wooden balconies with intricately designed motifs.It is located in the neighbour hood of the Purana Qilla, Sarafa Bazaar, Bohar Bazaar and Moti Bazaar. In 1920 in the pre-partition days, it was home to Budhana Bibi, a famous dancing girl. Purana Qilla : Enter the old part of the city and you will find yourself in archetypal form of an ancient town - crooked and narrow streets, dense housing, intricate woodwork on Jharokas, bay windows and doors, cut brick corbellings. Like Multan, Pakpattan or Lahore, the old quarters of the city, better known as the Purana Qilla, have a series of alleys with some of them being so narrow that they barely leave enough space for two people to walk side by side at the same time. At least there is one street through which only one person can walk. It is the entire urban fabric of the place that is historic. There is still a chance of seeing specimen of solid old masonry in construction of some of the old buildings. Homes have also retained their essential trait despite renovations to make them comfortable for modern living and their division for growing population. Interesting Places Some Interesting Places Around Rawalpindi/Islamabad include Chattar : This resort nestles at the base of Murree hills at a distance of 15 km on Islamabad-Murree road. This place offers scenic walks, gently flowing stream, waterfall and the surrounding hillside are a perfect attraction. The resort has a restaurant, barbecue and two air-conditioned tourist cottages. The Children's Park and playground are spread over an area of 12.5 acres. Margalla Pass : This small pass is located 26 km west of Islamabad on G.T. Road. Margalla is mentioned in the writings of historians and emperors like Alberuni, Ferishta and Jehangir. Today, it is a pass between the ancient capital of Gandhara i.e. Taxila, and the modern capital of Pakistan, i.e. Islamabad. There is an obelisk right on the top of the Pass, built in 1890 in memory of Brig. Gen. John Nicholson (died on 23 September 1857) of British army, by his colleagues. A small part of the ancient Shahi (Royal) Road can be seen just across the pass, left of G.T. Road. This road was first built by the Persians in 516 BC and later developed by the Afghan King Sher Shah Suri in 1540s. An inscription on the western side of this stone pavement shows that it was again repaired in 1672 AD. Wah Gardens : Once a major campsite of Mughal rulers on way to their journeys to Kashmir, Wah Gardens are located 12 km west of Taxila on G.T. Road. The gardens were developed with magnificent trees by Mughal emperors. Tapering cypress trees, loved by the Mughals, line the canals through which cool waters once flowed between elegant romantic and cascading into large reflecting basins. The gardens are being restored to their original beauty, by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan. Taxila : Taxila is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. At one time it was the center of Buddhism, world's famous Gandhara sculpture and the center of learning and culture. This is the land, which attracted Alexander the Great from Macedonia in 326 B.C., with whom the influence of Greek culture came to this part of the world. Exploring Taxila is a multi-dimensional experience. The richness and variety of the famed Gandhara sculpture will attract you. There are many images of Buddha, in stone and stucco and numerous panels depicting all the important stages of the great sage's life, times of one of the world's most impressive men of peace Gautama Buddha. Hasan Abdal : Hasan Abdal is 48 km from Rawalpindi. It is a beautiful, quiet place and a convenient halting point of G.T. Road enroute to Peshawar or Abbottabad. This town has a particular association with Mughals and Sikhs. It was mentioned by Emperor Jehangir in his memoirs and frequently visited by successive Mughal Kings, on their way to Kashmir. It remained a holy place for various religious groups through the ages. It has a Sikh Gurdwara (temple) known as Panja Sahib having a sacred rock with the handprint of their religious leader, Guru Nanak. Twice a year, Sikh pilgrims visit this Gurdwara from all over the world. Two other historical buildings of Mughal era - Muqbara Hakeeman and so-called tomb of Lala Rukh are located just opposite the Gurdwara. On the nearby hill, at an altitude of 714 meters, there is a meditation chamber related to a 15th century Muslim Saint, Baba Wali Qandhari, popularly known as Baba Hasan Abdal. The saint stayed in Hasan Abdal from 1406-1416 AD but died and was buried in village Baba Wali near Qandhar (Afghanistan). The devotees and visitors climb over the steps leading to the hill, for offerings and to have a panoramic view of Hasan Abdal. Forts: Rawat Fort : Rawat Fort is located 17 km east of Rawalpindi, on the Grand Trunk (G.T. Road) leading to Lahore. Gakkhars, a fiercely independent tribe of the Potohar Plateau, built the fort in early 16th century. The grave of a Gakkhar Chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is located inside the fort. He died in 1546 AD fighting against the forces of Sher Shah Suri. One needs to climb the broken steps inside the tomb to get a panoramic view of the plateau and the Mankiala Stupa. Pharwala Fort : This fort is about 40 km from Rawalpindi beyond Lehtrar road. It was built in 15th century by a Gakkhar ruler, Sultan Kai Gohar, on the ruins of a 10th century Hindi Shahi Fort. Emperor Babar conquered the fort in 1519 AD. Later, in 1825, Gakkars were expelled by Sikhs from this fort. Though the fort is in a crumbling state, it is still an attraction for castle lovers. The fort being situated in a prohibited area is only open for Pakistani visitors. Rohtas Fort : Rohtas Fort is 109 km from Rawalpindi. It is located about 6 km southwest of Dina Town. Going from Rawalpindi/Islamabad, you have to turn right from G.T. Road to a narrow road just before Dina Police Station and then go left until you find the city bed of Kahan River. The fort is visible from this point. However, you have to cross the river to reach it. The fort is one of the most impressive historical monuments in Pakistan. It was built by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, between 1540 and 1547 AD. It served as a huge fortified base for military operations against Gakkhars by Sher Shah Suri. It was later used by Mughal emperor Akbar and Sikhs. Within the huge terraced rampart walls with robust bastions and twelve gates are located a fortress, palaces and ancillary buildings. Attock Fort : It is situated about 101 km west of Islamabad on the left bank of Indus River. The fort was completed in 1583 AD under the supervision of Khawaja Shamsuddin Khawafi, a minister of emperor Akbar. The Mughal caravan sarai outside the fort, on the G.T. Road, was also built during this period. Giri Fort : The glen of Giri is located 8 km northeast of Taxila, at the foot of Margalla. It is approached through a rough torrent bed near two villages named Khurram Gujar and Khurram Paracha. There are remains of two monasteries and stupas, one on the top of the hill and other below it. The remains of Giri fort are perched on the hilltop, with spring water falling within it. The fort was built in 5th century by the Buddhist monks. Later it was used by Sultan Masud, son of Sultan Mahmud of Gazni. Other Places Worth A Visit The Salt Range : The Salt Range runs from Jhelum river in the east and west to Kalabagh on the Indus River. Most of the Salt Range is composed of the salt deposits left behind when the sea that extended over the Potohar Plateau evaporated 800 million years ago.Fossils of prehistoric animals have been discovered in the Salt Range, especially near a village called Bari Amir Khatoon, 40 km from Chakwal. There are many places of historical and archaeological interest in the Salt Range. Salt Range remained part of a powerful Hindu Kingdom of Kashmir in 10th century AD. Most of the forts and temples concentrated in the Salt Range date from that period. Khewra Salt Mines : The main center of mining is Khewra in the Salt Range where the world's largest salt mines are located. Khewra salt mines are 154 kms away from Rawalpindi. The route is Mandra-Dydyal-Chakwal-Choha Saidan Shah-Khewra. A longer route is through Kallar Kahar-Katas. The nearest hotel accommodation is a TDCP resort at Kallar Kahar. For permits to visit the mines you may contact their office in Islamabad at Plot No. 13, H-9 (Manager Salt, Tel: 448407-8, 448413) through PTDC Tourist Information Centers at Rawalpindi or Islamabad, at least 4 days in advance. Kallar Kahar : The main attraction of the eastern Salt Range at the shrine of Saidan Shah at Choa Saidan Shah, the lake and shrine of Abdul Qadir Gilani at Kallar Kahar. TDCP has built a six-room motel and restaurant over-looking Kallar Kahar (Salt Lake) with boating facilities. Temple of Katas : The Hindu Temple Complex at Katas is located about 135 km from Rawalpindi. The Temple of Shiva at Katas (10th century AD) and Malot are valuable pieces of architecture and history. Dams And Lakes Dams And Lakes In And Around Rawalpindi/Islamabad include Simli Dam : About 30 km from Islamabad lies Simli Dam. It can be reached via Lehtrar road or via Bhara Kahu. It is fed by the melting snow and natural spring of Murree Hills. The water stored in the lake is supplied to Islamabad for drinking purposes. Angling and boating is also allowed in the lake. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has a Rest House at the Dam, which can be booked through its Head Office in Islamabad. Rawal Lake : This glistening man-made lake covers an area of 8.8 sq. km. The terraced garden and the lake are ideal for picnic, fishing and boating. The highest point in the garden commands a panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Misriot Dam : Misriot dam is located 12 km southwest of Rawalpindi. This small dam has an artificial lake with boating and fishing facilities. Fishing permit may be obtained from fishing guard at Misriot. It has a pleasant landscape and walkways beyond the lake among eruptions of black rocks. Khanpur Dam : This beautiful lake/dam is 48 km from Islamabad on Taxila-Haripur Road. It is an ideal place for day trip/picnic, boating, angling and watching migratory birds during winter. Tarbela Dam : This is the world's largest earth-filled dam on one of the world's most important rivers - the Indus and is 103 km from Rawalpindi. The dam was completed in 1976 at a cost of Rs. 18.5 billion. Over 15,000 Pakistani and 800 foreign workers and engineers worked during its construction. It is the biggest hydel power station in Pakistan having a capacity of generating 3,478 MW of electricity. Its reservoir is 97 km long with a depth of 137 meter while total area of the lake is 260 sq. km. Permits are required for visiting the Dam. For this we need to contact the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Tarbela (Tel: 051-568941-2). A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Interior (Shaheed-e-Millat Sectt.), Islamabad is also required for foreign visitors. Mangla Dam: World's third largest earth-filled dam is only 115 km southeast of Rawalpindi. One has to turn left from Dina Town and there the dam on river Jhelum is about 16 km to the east. The dam is 3,353 meters long and 116 meters high above the riverbed. It is designed to store 5.88 MAF water and also used for power generation. In the center of the dam there is a Gakkhar Fort from where one can have a panoramic view of the lake. For permits to visit the dam, please contact PRO, WAPDA, Mangla. A NOC from the Ministry of Interior is required for foreigners.

Islamabad Capital of Pakistan

Introduction It is the purpose-built capital of Pakistan. It lies against the surroundings of the Margalla Hills at the northern end of Pothowar Plateau. The city was built intentionally to serve as the capital city of Pakistan in 1960 by the orders of then President General Ayub Khan. The capital is full of natural terraces and meadows and the southern plain drained by the Kurang River with the Margalla Hills in the north east. Area and Population The city is divided into eight basic zones: Administrative Diplomatic Enclave Residential Areas Educational Sectors Industrial Sectors Commercial Areas Rural Areas and Green Areas

Islamabad Shah Faisal Mosque Quick Facts Capital of Pakistan Population 0.95 million approx. Area 910 sq. km No. of Zones 8

Each sector has its own shopping area and public park. The population of the city is around 9,50,000 people with an area of about 910 square kilometers. The city lies at latitudes 33° 49' north and longitudes 72° 24' east with altitudes ranging from 457 to 610 meters. Climate It offers a healthy climate, pollution free atmosphere, plenty of water and lush green area. It is a modern and carefully planned city with wide tree-lined streets, large houses elegant public buildings and well-organised bazars/markets/shopping centres. The average humidity level is 55% with an average rainfall of 1150 millimeters each year. The city is quite moderate in case of its wether. The maximum average temperature is 29C and goes down to average minimum of around 14C.

City view from Daman-e-Koh Capital of Pakistan Become capital of Pakistan in 1960 Purpose-built Capital 2nd Largest Mosque in world

Education Islamabad has some of the fine educational institutes of Pakistan. Some of them are like Quaid-e-Azam University, International Islamic University and National University of Science and Technology. Quaid-e-Azam University offers courses in a number of subjects. The institute is located in a semi hilly area, east of the Secretariat buildings and near the base of Margala Hills. This Post-Graduate institute is spread over 1500 acres. Major buildings of the campus have been designed in such a way as to form an axial spine with the library in the center. Quaid-e-Azam University now occupies an enviable position in the academic world.

International Islamic University university is well known all over the world and offers courses in all subjects of Islamic Theology, Law and Jurisprudence. Places to Visit Though the straight, tree-lined avenues of Islamabad all look confusingly similar, it is easy to find your way around by using the Margalla Hills, which rise up on the north edge of the city, as a reference point. The sights in Islamabad include Daman-e-Koh Viewpoint, Shakarparian Park, Rose and Jasmine Garden, Parliament House, Secretariat Blocks, Rawal Lake and especially Shah Faisal Mosque, second largest mosque in the world.

Shah Faisal Mosque The enormous Shah Faisal Mosque is superbly sited at the foot of the Margalla Hills. It represents an eight-faceted desert 'tent' supported on four giant concrete girders and surrounded by four 90-metre high concrete minuets. The central 'tent' is faced in white marble and decorated inside with mosaics and a spectacular chandelier. The mosque was designed by the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, and largely financed by donations from Saudi Arabia. It holds about 15,000 people inside, and another 85,000 in the courtyard. Culture Islamabad has a combination of different people from all over the world and Pakistan. As similar to many other capitals of the world, Islamabad combines traditions of many areas and thus provide cultural opportunity for everyone alike. The markets and shopping areas clearly represents the theme of different cultural values.

Islamabad Blue Area Markets - Jinnah Super - Blue Area - Super Market - Aabpara Market - Melody Market

Communication Islamabad is well connected to all parts of the country as well as to the world. The M1 and M2 motorway links connects the capital to major cities of the country like Lahore, Peshawar and Faisalabad. Islamabad International Airport serves all major routes to important locations with well known airlines.