Pakistan Navy

On assuming Command of Pakistan Navy I thank Almighty Allah for the honour bestowed upon me and seek his continued blessings and guidance to enable me to shoulder the responsibilities and to prove equal to the task.

Chief of Naval Staff

I am grateful to the President of Pakistan and government for reposing trust and confidence in me....  Change of Command Ceremony of Pakistan Navy was held on 7th Oct 11 at PNS ZAFAR...

Pakistan air Force

Peace Drive I order is for 12 F-16Cs and 6 F-16Ds. The proposed weapons package included an order for Raytheon AIM-120C5 air to air missiles, Raytheon AIM-9M-8/9 Sidewinders, Boeing joint direct attack munitions, GBU-12/24 laser-guided bombs and BLU-109 penetrator bombs.

 

THE FIRST PUNCH DECEMBER 3, 1971 This painting depicts the F-86s of No.26 Sqn attacking IAF Srinagar Airbase on 3rd December, 1971. From then on, 26 Sqn Sabres continued to attack the airfield frequently causing considerable damage. The attack was led by W/C S A Changezi. On that evening, PAF successfully launched surprise attacks on 7 different Indian targets, including Airbases and Radar sites, achieving the desired objective without loss.                                                                        "Basic data & information about the Pakistan Air Force since August 15, 1947 till to date along with projected development plans for future."

Pakistan Army

                                                    (BY MUHAMMAD WAQAS RANA)

I know of no nation state that has achieved in five or six decades of its birth as much as Pakistan has achieved in all fields of human endeavour. When it burst forth on the world's map on I4th August 1947, it had no federal government, which was quickly created in large Euro tents under a cabinet of six ministers Shortage of pen, ink, paper was made up by using copying pencils.

There is not much debate or even concern about what was the vision of the founders of Pakistan. What type of state they had in mind when they struggled of an independent country that we call our homeland, Pakistan? In answering this question, we will assess whether or not we have been driven by that vision and how we have shaped our system of governance.

ISPR's latest endeavor is a documentary entitled "The Glorious Resolve" which highlights the epic of two soldiers ,who fought against all odds even being heavily outnumbered when 1500 miscreants raided one of the section level outpost of an Infantry Battalion in South Waziristan Agency.

With regard to the recruitment in the Armed Forces, there have been adequate vacancies, but less number of Baloch youth preferred this profession, mainly because of illiteracy and ignorance. Resultantly, there has been less representation of the Baloch youth in the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

Pakistan day

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Mardan is a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The city of Mardan is the headquarters of the district. The district also contains the famous archaeological site of Takht Bhai, Jamal Ghari and Sawal Dher.

Administration
The district of Mardan is administratively subdivided into three tehsils, these are:[1]
•Mardan
•Takht Bhai
•Katlang
The district is represented in the provincial assembly by eight elected MPAs who represent the following constituencies:[2]
•PF-23 (Mardan-1)
•PF-24 (Mardan-2)
•PF-25 (Mardan-3)
•PF-26 (Mardan-4)
•PF-27 (Mardan-5)
•PF-28 (Mardan-6)
•PF-29 (Mardan-7)
•PF-30 (Mardan-8)
History
Ancient History
Mardan District is a part of the Peshawar valley the whole area was once part of the ancient kingdom of Gandhara, the remains of which are scattered throughout the district.
The armies of Alexander the Great reached the Indus Valley by two separate routes, one through the Khyber Pass and the other led by Alexander himself through Kunar, Bajaur, Swat, and Buner in 326 BCE. After Alexander's death, the valley came under the rule of Chandragupta, who ruled the valley from 297 to 321 BCE. During the reign of the Buddhist emperor Ashoka (the grandson of Chandragupta) Buddhism became the religion of the Peshawar Valley. The valley saw the revival of Brahmanism after the Greeks took over in the time of King Mehanda. The Scythians and Indians followed and retained control of the valley till the 7th century CE.
Arrival of Afghans
By the 8th century, the Afghans had appeared in the valley. At that time the Peshawar valley was under control of the rulers at Lahore. The Afghans joined the Gakkhars who held the country between the Indus and the Jhelum rivers and compelled the Lahore rulers to cede to them the hill country west of the Indus and south of the Kabul River.
Ghaznavid Era
In the 10th century the area came under the control of Sultan Sabuktigin who defeated Raja Jaipal, the Hindu ruler of Lahore. Sabuktgin's son Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni made this area the rallying point for his numerous raids into the interior of India. In the 12th century the Pashtun of Ghor overthrew the Ghaznavis and the era of Ghaznavis came to an end.

Mughal Era
In 1505 the Mughal emperor Babar invaded the area through Khyber Pass. The most prominent rathan of emperor Akbar - Beerbal was killed in the Katlang Area during a battle with the Yousafzai tribe. Baber was defeated in Swat three times. The People of swat in those days were of mix origins. On one side of the river lived Pashtun along side syriake people of whom many were Sikhs and Hindus and Muslims. They all together march against Baber and defeated him three times. Baber then married some young lady of a Pashtun ruler from Bunair and made a peace treaty but had no control of the area except by word. During his Aurangzeb regime the Pashtun tribes revolted and Aurangzeb himself led his army to re-establish his authority but after a hard struggle which lasted for two years (1673–75) he was compelled to agree to the terms which left the Pashtuns practically independent. In 1738 came the surrender of Peshawar to Nadir Shah by which all the territory west of the Indus, which included present Mardan district was ceded by the Mughals to Nadir Shah.
British Era
Ranjit Singh conquered Attock 1814 and Peshawar city in 1822. He left Hari Singh Mfl1a in command and withdrew himself to Lahore. Peshawar city, Nowshera and Hazara were under Sikh for a while. Hazara was set free by tanooli clane from Sikhs but fell to Britain in 1838. Peshawar city also fell to Pashtuns in 1834 [Nowla died in the battle of jamroze] but soon the British took it in 1837. The British then went after the Sikhs and the Sikh were defeated by the British in the Second Sikh War. Major Lawrence was appointed first Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar. From that time Peshawar city and Attock regions only [This does not include most of what is Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa today] became an administrative district under the Punjab Government. In 1909 Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (then NWFP) was constituted and in 1937, Peshawar district was bifurcated into Peshawar and Mardan districts. Britain tried its best to include FATA, DIR, Swat and other region into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa but they suffered heavy setback and finally came to an agreement in 1920s that Britain will no longer bother the tribes and swat region. Which this till very day is a point of clash between the Pashtuns and the Pakistani
Food
The most common diet of the people is bread which is mainly made of wheat flour but maize bread is also eaten. Generally the foods are spicy. The people of the area are fond of meat, especially various forms of beef cooked in shape of chapli kebab, seekh kebab and tikkas etc. Mostly black tea with milk is taken as hot drink but Qahwa (green tea) is also popular and is liked by most of the people. The oranges are a local famous fruit which is grown in Rustam valley in Palay, Palo Dheray, Baroch and Malandray villages. These oranges are transported to various parts of the country. A new access road to these villages is being constructed via Rustam through Kaludheri Srakabroona Baringan Malandry to Buner District.
Dress and ornaments
The Pashtun dress is an ancient dress and date back to the time of Israel. This dress was brought into Iran by the Jews and spread from Iran to Afghanistan Tajikistan and a few more. It has undergone many changes but it originated from Israel Originally 2500 years ago. There is significant difference in dress of common people and educated and upper classes. The upper class people are inclined to western dress. The middle and lower classes are generally wearing typical Pashtun dress, the old loose coat or khalqa has been replaced by the less cumbersome qamiz with blanket or coarse chader during winter season around the body. Among the villagers use of mazari cloth is common for qamiz and shalwar. A chitrali woolen cap is used in winter white a typical light colour cap in summer. Chapplies are the most common foot wear. Shalwar qamiz and dopatta is the dress of female. Pardah is universal among women in a form of a printed coarse chaddar or plain white chaddar or burqa.
The use of ornaments among female is also common in the district. The women adorn themselves with ear rings and bangles with rare use of band quba, which consists of two egg like cups connected by chain or a flat circle shaped gold hanging on forehead.
Dwellings
The villages are divided into Kandis have congested house. Each Kandi is further occupied by sub-section. The division of Kandis are on the pattern of agricultural lands. Their houses are generally consists of two or three rooms and a court-yard turned as ghollai and verandah. The tattles and poultry are also accommodated beside the shelter for family.
Each Kandi of the village has its own mosque and its own Maulvi and a place of meeting or for public assembly called Hujra. In most cases it is the property of elders of the Kandi who is expected to feed and give shelter to the visitors and travellers. These Hujras are commonly used for the settlement of public disputes/business beside public meetings. Residents of Kandi assemble there to smoke, hear news of the day and discuss their problems and politics. Nowadays the people in service abroad have accumulated sufficient wealth which brought a distinct change in the life of the villagers who construct pacca houses of cement, bricks and timber.
A Tandoor (Oven) is also found for baking bread in many houses and some time women of three or four houses assembled on one Tandoor (Oven) for baking bread on their turn. The houses have huge compound walls around with gates. Chairs and tables are used in the houses of well-to-do persons whereas others use the ordinary cot (Charpoy).
Occupations
Most of the people are farmer in profession in villages. They are engaged in agriculture either directly or indirectly. Industrial labour has increased after the establishment of factories in different places of the district. Some people are engaged in-business and Government service also.
Name, location, boundary and area
The name means the land of brave men.The district lies from 34° 05' to 34° 32' north latitudes and 71" 48' to 72° 25' east longitudes. It is bounded on the north by Buner district and Malakand protected area, on the east by Swabi and Buner districts, on the south by Nowshera district and on the west by Charsadda district and Malakand protected area. The total area of the district is 1632 square kilometres.
Recently[when?] Mardan has made a lot of improvement specially in Education Sector, new talent is emerging with new ideas in the field of Software, Medical, and Engineering.
Physical features/topography
Mardan district may broadly be divided into two parts, north eastern hilly area and south western plain. The entire northern side of the district is bounded by the hills. In the district, the highest points in these hills are Pajja or Sakra, 2056 meters high and Garo or Pato, 1816 meters high. The south western half of the district is mostly composed of fertile plain with low hills strewn across it. It is generally accepted that this plain once formed the bed of a lake which was gradually filled up by the load of the river flowing into from the surrounding hills. From the foot hills the plain runs down at first with a steep slope which carried the rain water to the lower levels and ultimately to the Kabul river.
Rivers and streams
Generally stream flows from north to the south. Most of the streams drain into Kabul river. Kalpani, an important stream of the district rises in the Baizai and flowing southwards join Kabul river. Other important streams which join Kalpani are Baghiari Khawar on the west and Muqam Khawar, coming from Sudham valley and Naranji Khawar from the Narangi hills on the left.
Climate
The summer season is extremely hot. A steep rise of temperature observed from May to June. Even July, August and September record quite high temperatures. During May and June dust storms are frequent at night. The temperature reaches to its maximum in the month of June i.e. 43.5 °C (110.3 °F). Due to intensive cultivation and artificial irrigation the tract is humid and heat is oppressive (Heat Index 69 on 7 July 2006). However, a rapid fat! of temperature has been recorded from October onwards. The coldest months are December and January. The mean minimum temperature recorded for the month of January the coldest month is 0.5 °C (32.9 °F).
Most of the rainfall occurs in the month of July, August, December and January. Maximum rainfall recorded for the month of August the rainiest month is 12S.8Smm. Towards the end of cold weather there are occasional thunder storms and hail storms. The relative humidity is quite high throughout the year while maximum humidity has been recorded in December i.e. 73.33 percent.
Flora
The present flora of the irrigated areas is exotic. The common trees are mesquite, ber, different species of acacia and jand. The most common shrubs are tarmariax, articulata, spands, akk, small red poppy, spera, pueghambrigul, drab grass, spera, eamelthorl and pohli chaulai etc.
Fauna
The district has a variety of fauna comprising the following:.
1.Leopard.
2.Black Bear.
3.Brown Monkey
4.Jackal.
5.Wild Goat.
6.Pheasant.

Mardan is also home of the famous Guides Regiment, raised by Lumsdon. In president general Ayub era, Punjab Regimental centre has been established in premises of old Guides quarters to train soldiers for Punjab regiment, the oldest infantry group of Pakistan Army. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited the old Guides Mess at Mardan in the early 1960s. Sir Winston Churchill as a young officer stayed at Mardan for a while before he proceeded to Peshawar via the Bajaur valley.

Balochistan pakistan

Pakistan’s largest province Balochistan with an area of 3,42,505 square kilometres is perhaps also the most striking. Mostly desert with rugged hills and rocky mountains, the province also has fertile valleys having rich orchards and prosperous farms growing apples, grapes, peaches and apricots in abundance. Baluchistan also has a fairly well-developed poultry and dairy industry.  

Baluchis, as the people inhabiting this land are called, are proud, robust and fiercely independent. They harbour no domination and the British who came here in the late nineteenth century learned to respect and honour.

Balochistan is said to have a large reservoir of mineral wealth. Coal and gas produced here are used by the rest of hte country.

Given the promising mineral potential that this province has, Balochistan despite its vast deserts and present wilderness may well prove to be a reserve bank for the future development of Pakistan. Fishing is the principal occupation and source of income for the coastal towns of Gwadar, Turbat and Pasni all of which are already well linked by frequent and scheduled PIA services.    

Quetta
Quetta, the provincial Capital is the only city having a fairly dominant urban population. Until the British arrived in 1877, Quetta was little more than a fort and a small training post. The British army led by Sir Robert Sandman was charged with the responsibility of keeping the road link between the then India and Afghanistan via Balochistan open. Equally important was the responsibility to keep open the Bolan Pass connecting Balochistan with Sind. The British army, therefore, made Quetta a military centre from where to operate against the Balochis unwilling to accept foreign subjugation.

Quetta, is located 5,550 feet above sea level enjoying a healthy climate. The temperature drops a few degrees below the freezing point in winter following a typical autumn when the leaves turn golden and then a wild red.

Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the country as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called SAMARISTAN meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that the pre-historic humans used to live there.

Mehergarh is a unique site revealing a continuous sequence of cultures in the Province. The archeological sites are considered to have been flourished between 7000 B.C & 800 B.C.

Modern day Quetta is a real growing centre of excellence. It is rapidly progressing in various walks of life.   

 
Ziarat
A visit to this province will however, be incomplete without a trip to Ziarat, a hill town 8000 feet above sea-level Airconditioned coach and taxis take anything between an hour or two from Quetta an ideal and relaxing summer retreat with rows of juniper trees and ever green slopes.

The word Ziarat means holy place to be visited and the valley is known by that name because of a shrine of a holy saint, Tahir Baba Khirwari. There are other graves as well. However, the world knows it more because of the oldest and tallest juniper jungle, which needs to be looked after properly for future survival.

Extremely delicious species of apple, black cherry and almond trees are abundant in Ziarat, covering about 4416 acres in the lap of mountains.

While Ziarat abounds in tall chinar trees and juniper grows wild as does walnut and a variety of other trees, the area west of this hill station leading up to the Afghan border is rocky and barren. The drive through this unfriendly terrain provides one the grim reminder of the fierce tribes who roamed free in the region and kept the British weary and fearful. The border village of Chaman is also a major trading centre for a variety of fruit, a large quantity of which is still brought in from Afghanistan.    

  

Chashma Walk
Chashma means spring in Urdu and Persian. Chashma Walk is located in Ziarat, between the lofty mountains and deep gorges, leading to the spring which provides water for the town.

Prospect Point
Lying at a height of 2713 meters above sea level and 6 km from Ziarat, the beautiful place provides fantastic view.

Bolan Pass
If you have a passion for smelling history through places, you must visit the Bolan Pass, where several armies from Central Asia and north intruded into the lands of un-divided India through centuries. The picturesque hilly road welcomes you with cool breeze.

Khojak Pass
This Pass will lead you directly to the Chaman Border of Afghanistan, 153 km from Quetta. The scenic beauty is simply enthralling. The border journey is to be materialized through Khojak Sheela, a 4 km long tunnel, at an elevation of more than 1945 meters above sea level.

Lak Pass
While cruising through the hilly tract between Quetta and Kalat, you would come to see the route to Zahidan, Iran. Koh-e-Taftan and Saindak copper mines are en-route.

The Gorges
Being the most arid province, the Balochistan receives very low rain fall. Natural springs, used for supplying water to other places have been very common. But for now, most of the springs are artificially made by boring holes into rocks. They are called ‘KAREZ’. There are more than a dozen gorges (Tangi in local language) around Ziarat, formed by Karez water.

Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
Spread over 38,429 acres at a height of 221 to 3264 meters above sea level, the Park is 20 km form Quetta, in southwest direction. There you can see a variety of wildlife. The most distinctive is Markhor, erroneously considered as Ibex by the locals, because of its resemblance.

There are 225 species of plants in Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, including wild almond, juniper, pistachio, wild olive and various useful shrubs.

Urak Valley
Driving through wild roses and fruit orchards, you may reach the Urak Valley at a distance of 21 km. The abundance of delicious fruits make it a real fruit land or SAMARISTAN.

Hanna Lake
If you wish to enjoy excursion just near the city, you must go to Hanna Lake, 10 km from Quetta and very close to the Urak. The turquoise water of lake is a real contrast to the brownish green hills that surround the area.

Pishin valley
Filled with numerous fruit orchards, the Pishin Valley is 50 km away from Quetta. These orchards are irrigated by ‘karez’. There is yet another attraction of cool waters, i.e. man-made lake with Bund Khushdil Khan. A wide range of ducks provides enticing beauty during winters.

The festivities include a colourful programme of folk dancing by thousands of participants from different regions. Horse jumping, trick horse riding, trick motor cycle riding, dare-devil motor car driving and a dog & hare race are among the highlights of the festival. The principal attraction of the show, however, remains the impressive display of the best available specimens of Pakistani livestock.

As the sun sets over the impressive Fortress Stadium, the venue of the show, fireworks display, military tattoos and brass band pageants enliven the evenings and enthrall the spectators.

Mehergarh- the newest discovery of ancient civilization
During recent decades, a lot has been done to explore the culture and civilization of ancient people. The most distinguishing one is Mehergarh, which experts say remained the centre of high development some 9,900 years ago. Researchers claim that this was a civilized society of 7000 B.C that is even older than Moenjodaro and Harappa. 

Coastline
Balochistan shares the major part of Pakistan’s coastline, extending over 750 km from Hub near Karachi, to the Gwadar sea-port near Pakistan-Iran border. The variety of marine life, assure blue sea-water and sunny beaches provide breath-taking environment. Coastal towns of Pasni, Jiwani and Gwadar are now the centre of attraction for foreign and local investors. All are linked by air with Karachi. The people have a very colourful culture, displaying themselves briskly through their multi-colour dresses and ornaments.

ROHRI

This old town is on the other side of the Indus, opposite Sukkur. The ancient city of Aror is a few miles to the east, its ruins lying on the edges of a low limestone range. Of its historical past, not much remains. Places to visit in Rohri are : The shrine of War Mubarak (1545) built by Mir Muhammad Kalhora. A gold and jewel encrusted casket enshrines the hair of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.), that is displayed to the faithful for general viewing annually on the 2nd of March. On the outskirts of Rohri is the SATHBHAINASTAN, the Tomb of the seven Virgin Sisters. According to legend, vowed not to ever show themselves to any man and had themselves locked in rooms. When a licentious Nawab decreed that all beautiful girls be sent to him, one legend has it, that the sisters were swallowed up by the ground in a minor quake. Close to the War Mubarak is the Jamia (Akbari) Mosque (1584) built by an officer of Emperor Akbar. Having been frequently damaged and undergone repeated repairs, little of the original wall-tiles remain.

THAR

The Thar desert is located in the Tharparkar District and is continuation of the Rajasthan arid zone. The District derives its name from the desert it houses. Of a total area of 28,170 sq. kms. (11,404 sq. miles) most is arid except for the coastal belt on the south. The desert area has a colorful heritage with its own distinct folklore, culture, flora and fauna. Some of the major towns bordering the desert are Naukot, Mithi, Nagar Parkar, Chachro and Islamkot that are market centers, situated amidst mud-and-brick houses, narrow lanes and bazaars, where good buys are items such as tribal embroidery and silver jewellery. Accommodation available in the town is not recommended but the rest-houses there is a suitable alternative, though some lack basic facilities such as running water. August and September are the best months for a visit as precipitation is then highest and the area at its greenest. Also recommended is the period from December to February when day time temperatures are cool and the nights cold.

SUKKUR

In upper Sindh, this is the most important town. More than 2000 years ago the town was at Armor, nine kms (6 miles) east of the present site, but was relocated in 962 A.D., when owing to an earthquake, the Indus diverted its course to its present channel. By the 13th century the twin towns of Sukkur and Rohri were bustling river ports that reached their zenith in the 17th century.

Worth visiting here is the Minaret of Masum Shah. This light house shaped brick minaret was built by Mir Muhammad Masum, a local soldier appointed Nawab of Sukkur by the Emperor Akbar. The tower is slightly tilted and is 84 ft. in height, 84 ft. in circumference with an equivalent number of steps leading up to its top. Masum Shah is buried, along with other family members, in a pavilion near the minaret.

MOENJODARO

On the west bank of the Indus, 350 miles from Karachi lies Moenjodaro (Mound of the Dead), an archaeological site which has been rated amongst the most spectacular of the world's ancient cities. Considered one of the earliest and most developed of urban civilizations, Moenjodaro flourished from the third to the middle of the second millennium B.C., when it vanished, leaving only traces of its culture. Moenjodaro, along with Harappa - some 800 miles away - formed part of the Indus valley civilizations and it is now generally believed that these were the cities, referred to in the Rigveda, that were destroyed by Aryan invaders.

HYDERABAD

Hyderabad, once the capital of Sindh and now the third largest city of Pakistan, is one of the oldest cities of the sub-continent. Its history dates back to pre-Islamic times, when Ganjo Taken (barren hill), a nearby hilly tract, was used as a place of worship. The city traces its early history to Neroon, a Hindu ruler of the area from whom the city derived its previous name, "Neroon Kot" (Fort of Neroon). The next important phase of its history began when the Indus changed its course from Khudabad. The monuments of the Kalhora and Talpur rulers and the bazaars of the city are worth visiting. Stretching from Hyderabad fort to the Market Tower is Shahi Bazaar, where well-stocked shops are housed on both sides of a winding street, and alongside a maze of tiny lanes that run off it. Good buys are calico, embroidery, bracelets, lacquered wood furniture, hand-loom cloth, "sousi" and "ajrak", "rilli", block printed colorful "chadars" (shawls) bangles, shoes and glazed tiles. Hyderabad is connected with the main cities of the country by road, rail and air links.

SINDH KARACHI

SINDH

Karachi, the largest and the most popular city of Pakistan presents an interesting and colorful combination of the old and new. The narrow twisting lanes and alleys of the old city throb with life alongside wide metallic roads and elegant modern buildings. Within the city, talented artisans with age-old skills produce handicrafts of exquisite beauty.

Karachi offers a variety of pleasant attractions: wide sunny beaches, deep-sea fishing, yachting, golf and horseracing all year round. It restaurants cater to a wide choice of Pakistani and western cuisine. Its markets and bazaars offer an endless variety of exciting shopping including indigenous handicrafts, particularly rugs and carpets of rare design and beauty.

Karachi's recorded history goes back to the 18th century when it was a small fishing village known as Kalachi-jo-Goth. With the development of its harbor, it gradually grew into a large city and an important center of trade and industry. Its selection as the capital of Pakistan in 1947 added to its importance and accelerated its rate of growth and development. Though the seat of Government shifted to Islamabad, Karachi still remains the center of commerce and industry.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Wazir Mansion Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum Liaqat Hall / Bagh-e-Jinnah National Museum of pakistan Burns Garden Empress Market Masjid-e-Tooba Mereweather Tower Sindh High Court Clifton Beach and FunLand Karachi Golf Club Fayzee Rehamin Art Gallery Mango Pir's Shrine French Beach Haleji Lake Thatta Shah Jehan's Mosque Keenjhar Lake Kirthar National Park Bhanbore

CHINIOT

CHINIOT Chiniot is situated about 160 kms to the west of Lahore. It is famous for its wood work - items such as furniture's, decoration pieces and wood-made bodies of trucks, buses and wagons. It is linked with the rest of the country by road and by rail.

GUJRANWALA

GUJRANWALA
Gujranwala is situated about 65 kms to the north of Lahore. This city has developed a wide range of industries that manufacture such products as fans, washing machines, stainless steel items, room coolers, heaters, etc. Being located on the historic Grand Trunk Road and on the main railway line, it is well connected with the rest of the country.

FAISALABAD

FAISALABAD
A 140 kms west of Lahore is Faisalabad. It is known as the Manchester of Pakistan because it is famous for its textile industry. The focal point of this cit is Ghanta Ghar Bazaar which connects eight bazaars. Faisalabad is connected with the rest of the country by air, road and rail.

SIALKOT

SIALKOT
Sialkot is located 130 kms north-east of Lahore, and is linked by road and train with the whole country. It is internationally known for its manufacture of sports goods and surgical instruments.

CHOLISTAN

CHOLISTAN Cholistan, a well-known desert - 30 kms from Bahawalpur, covers an area of 16,000 sq. kms and extending up to the Terar desert which spreads across into India. Cholistan is derived from the word "Chalna" which means moving but locally the area is known as "Rohi".

BAHAWALPUR

BAHAWALPUR

The founder of the state of Bahawalpur was Nawab Bahawal Khan Abbasi I. The abbasi family ruled over the state more than 200 years (1748 to 1954). During the rule of the last Nawab Sir Sadiq Khan Abbasi V, Bahawalpur State was merged with Pakistan in 1954. Bahawalpur was formerly the capital of the state and now is the District Divisional Headquarters of Bahawalpur division. It is an important marketing center for surrounding areas and is located on the crossroads between Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi. Saraiki is the local language of the area. Urdu, Punjabi and English are also spoken and understood by most of the people.

What to see

Central Library: It is housed in a building having fine architectural value. The foundation stone of this building was laid by the then governor and viceroy of India Sir Rufus Danial Issacs on 8 March, 1924 to mark the installation of late Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Mohammad Khan Abbasi V. The central library was established in 1947 in this building. It has a vast collection of books and rare manuscripts. It is one of the best libraries in Pakistan and visited by students and scholars from within the country and abroad.

Bhawalpur Museum

Bahawalpur has a modest museum with a fine collection of coins, medals, postage stamps of former state of Bahawalpur, manuscripts, documents, inscriptions, wood carvings, camel skin paintings, historical models and stone carvings etc. of Islamic and pre-Islamic period. There is a complete set of models of all classes issued by the ex state to its military officers civilians and to other important citizens of the ex state.

Zoological Garden

The zoological garden of Bahawalpur is considered to be one of the best in the country. Spread over an area of 25acres of land, it has an interesting collection of 120 animals and 750 birds of tropical areas, particularly those found in this region. The zoo has the distinction of occasional breeding of lions and supply of beasts to other zoos in the country. It also has a aquarium and zoological museum with stuffed rare birds and animals.

Dring Stadium

Bahawalpur has one of the finest stadiums in the country having fine cricket grounds, two football grounds one basket ball  court and lawn tennis courts and covered swimming pool. There is also a hockey stadium, which is considered to be the second best in the country after Karachi Stadium. It can accommodate 13000 people at a time.

Shrine of Muluk Shah

The shrine of Muluk Shah, a popular saint of his time, is located in the city and visited by devotees on every Thursday ashura and Eid days. A small fair is also held annually.

Jamia Masjid Al Sadiq

It was made by the Nawab Sadiq Mohammad Khan Abbasi V at the elevation of more than 12ft from earth. It can house 50,000 to 60,000 people at a time, during the Eid festivals. It is well-reputed mosque in Pakistan like other prominent mosques of Pakistan.

Uch Sharif 

Uch, 75 km from Bahawalpur, is a very old town, it is believed that it existed even in 500 B.C. Some historians believe that Uch was there even before the advent of Bikramajit when Jains and Bhudhists ruled over sub continent. At the time of the invasion by Alexander the Great, Uch was under Hindu rule. Some historians say that Alexander came to Uch after conquering northern parts of India and spent over a fortnight in the city and renamed it Alexandariya. Some have mentioned Uch by the name of Sikandara or Iskalanda. They have decided it as the most flourishing and beautiful town perched upon the Plateau near the confluence of the Chanab and Rave rivers. Famous shrines existing at Uch include those of Hazrat Bahawal Haleem, Hazrat Jalal-ud-din Surkh Bokhari, Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht, Bibi Jawindi and Sheikh Saif-ud-din Ghazrooni etc.

         Uch is a small town today and divided into three different quarters known as (i)Uch Bokhari, after Hazrat Syed Jalal-ud-din Bokhari Surkhposh, (ii) Uch Jilani (Bandagi), who came from Halab in 887A.H., and (iii) Uch Mughlan after the Mughal rulers.

        Makhdoom Sahib of Uch Bokhari has some rare Islamic relics in his possession for example, (i) Turban of Holy Prophet (PBUH), (ii) a mantle of the Prophet (PBUH)

(iii) “Samsam” (sword) of Hazrat Imam Hasan, (iv) a cap and turbine of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani of Baghdad and (v) mantle of Hazrat Salman Farsi.

        Makhdoom Sahib Uch  Jilani is the custodian of (i) Holy Prophets footprints (ii) a few chapter of the Holy Quran written by Hazrat Imam Hussain and (iii) a tooth of Hazrat Awais Qarni

RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD

RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD

HISTORY :

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad lie against the backdrop of Margalla Hills on the Potohar plateau. On the basis of archaeological discoveries, archaeologists believe that a distinct culture flourished on this plateau as far back as 3,000 years.

The material remains found on the site of the city of Rawalpindi prove the existance of a Buddhist establishment contemporary to Taxila but less celebrated than its neighbour. 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 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 defeeated 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. It then become the General Headquarters of British Army and they established a cantonment south of the old city. In 1879, the Punjab Northern Railway was extended to Rawalpindi but the train service was formally inaugurated on January 01, 1886.

Over the years, Rawalpindi has retained its traditional flavor. However, some modern residential areas and buildings have come up all over the town since the creation of Pakistan. Pakistan's new capital, Islamabad being the twin city of Rawalpindi, equally shares the same archaeological and historical background.

RAWALPINDI :
Old City and Bazaars
The bazaars of the old city offer exciting bargains. You can leisurely browse in the quaint old shops in Saddar bazaar, Moti bazaar, Raja bazaar and Kashmiri bazaar while Sarafa bazaar is famous for beaten gold and silver jewellery, brass and copper-ware.

Rawalpindi specializes in handicrafts such as inlaid sheesham and walnut furniture, Kashmiri shawls and jackets, embroidered and woolen 'Kurtas' and household linen, Potohar Jooties and Chappals (slippers), cane baskets and furniture, walking sticks and hand-woven Kashmiri and Bokhara carpets. You can go shopping for these items at handicraft and carpet shops in Saddar bazeer, especially around Flashman's Hotel and Rawalpindi Club building on the Mall.

Liaquat Memorial Hall and Garden
This hall was built in memory of late Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan the first Prime Minister of Pakkistan. It has a large auditorium and library. Art exhibitions, cultural shows and stage plays are performed here frequently. A well-laid garden with sports facilities and children's park has been developed near the hall.

Ayub National park
Ayub National park is located beyond the old presidency on Jehlum Road. It covers an area of about 2,300 acres and has a playland, lake with boating facility, an aquarium and a garden-restaurant.

Rawalpindi Golf Course
Situated near Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi Golf Course was completed in 1926 by Rawalpindi Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs of Pakistan, founded on 2nd November 1885. The facility was initially developed as a nine-hole course. After several phases of development, it is now converted into a 27-hole course. The club is being patronized by the successive Presidents of Pakistan.

Rawalpindi Public Park and Cricket Stadium
Rawalpindi Public Park is located on Murree Road near Shamsabad. The Park was opened for public in 1991. It has a play-land for for children, grassy lawns, fountains and flower beds. A cricket stadium was built in 1992 just opposite the Public Park. The 1992 World Cup Cricket matches were held on this cricket ground. The stadium is equipped with all modern facilities.

ISLAMABAD :
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located against the backdrop of Margalla Hills at the northern edge of Potohar Plateau. In contrast to its twin city Rawalpindi, it is lush green, spacious and peaceful. The master plan of this most modern was presented in 1960 by M/S Constantinos Doxxiades, a Greek firm of Architects. Construction was started in October 1961. The city came into life on 26 October 1966, when the first office building of Islamabad was occupied. It is a modern and carefully planned city.
There are ample opportunities for walking, jogging, hiking and trekking around Islamabad in the Margalla hills.

Rose and Jasmine Garden
This 20,360 sq.meters rose garden is famous for its roses. It has 250 different varieties of roses as well as a dozen types of Jasmines. Flower shows are occasionally held here, particularly during spring. Nearby is the Tourist Camping Site.

Shakarparian Hills
Shakarparian hills are situated near Zero Point, at a height of 6009 meters. Its terraced garden offers pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Snack Bar facilities are available.

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. The PTDC Jaltarang restaurant offers snack bar facilities for visitors.

Damen-e-Koh
This low hill over looking Islamabad, known as Damen-eKoh, offers panoramic view of Islamabad. Snack bar facilities are available here. The place is ideal for afternoon and avaning outing with family and friends.

MULTAN

MULTAN

The above couple let by a Persian poet describes the primordial environment of the historic city of Multan. But that has changed now and not only the city of Multan but the district itself has been transformed into a green, fertile area. It is fact becoming an industrial town. The city has its own charm, culture and crafts. The origin of the name ‘Multan’ is obscure and so is the period of its founding. It has been Mulosan pulu by Hiuen Tsang and Alberuni called it Multana, which ultimately came to be called Multan.

History

The history of Multan prior to the arrival of Arabs in the 8^th century A.D is obscure. Alexander is said to have passed through the district in about 325-326 B.C, but his route cannot be traced. It is probable that Multan was the city of Malli which Alexander stormed and where he was wounded.

        About 327 B.C. the Macedonians were ousted by Chandragupta and the Maurya dynasty remained in power till the beginning of the second century A.D. From 30 B.C to 470 A.D., the Kushan dynasty ruled over the area, and from 470 A.D to 550 A.D., the White Huns are believed to have held sway.

        Multan figured as the capital of an important province of the kingdom of Sindh in the writings of the early Arab geographers. At the time the Arabs first came to Sindh, the country was ruled by Raja Chach, a Brahmin. Multan was conquered by Arabs under Muhammad Bin Qasim in 712 A.D . After  defeating Raja Dahir, a descendant of Chach.

        Thereafter, the town remained for the three centuries the out post of Islam in India, under the caliph of Baghdad. It remained nominally subject to the Lodhies, Ghaznavids and Muhammad Ghauri upto the end of 12^th century. From the beginning of the 13^th century for the next three centuries , the history of Multan is practically the history of   the incursions from western and central Asia.

         In 1397 came the invasion by Taimur, whose troops occupied Uch and Multan, sacked Tulamba, raided the Kohkhars of Ravi and past across Biass to Pakpattan and Delhi. In 1528, comes the peace full transfer of the province of Multan to the emissaries of the Mughal Emperor Babar. Under the Mughal Emperors, Multan enjoyed a long period of peace between 1528-1748 and was known as Dar-ul-Aman.

        In 1752 Multan became a province owing allegiance to Afghan kings. It was then ruled by Pathan governors and Daud Putra chiefs of Bahawlpur for some time. After 1771, Multan witnessed continued warfare between Sikhs and the Nawabs of Multan. Between 1818 and 1845, it remained under the Sikh rule and finally came under the British rule in 1849.

The City

Multan city has the distinction of being the birthplace of three distinguished man in history Muhammad Tughlaq is said to have been born in 13^th century in a hamlet and the place, which is known as “ Kotla Toleh Khan “. Emperor Bahlole Lodhi was born in Qazian Wala Makan near Hussain Agahi. Ahmed Shah Abdali, the first Durrani sovereign of Afghanistan , was also born at Multan in 1722.

        The city of Multan is bound on the north by the depression lying between it and the front and on all other sides by a brick wall. It has six gates i.e. Lohari gate, Pak gate, Bohar gate, Delhi gate, Haram gate and Daulat gate.

        The old city has narrow colorful bazaars full of local handicrafts and narrow winding lanes. There are many places of historical, cultural and recreational interest in the city.

The Fort

Multan Fort was built on a mound separating it room the city by old bed of river Ravi. Its date cannot be fixed with accuracy. When intact, its circumference was 6,600 ft. having 46 bastions, including two towers at each of the four gates i.e., Delhi gate, Khizri gate, Sikhi gate and Rehri gate. The fort was ravaged by the British to avenge the murder of one Mr. Agnew in 1948. At present it is survived by some parts of the old rampart and bastions besides the shrines of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria and Shah Rukne-e-Alam, an obelisk in memory of Agnew and a Hindu temple. The famous Qasim Bagh and a stadium are located within the walls of the fort. A panoramic view of Multan city can be had from the highest point in  the fort.

Shrines

The devastation of Khorasan and Western Iran was to the benefit of this part of Pakistan, for it led to the setting in this city of a large Gardezi Syeds and Qureshis from Khwarizm, amongst whom Shiekh Bahauddin Zakaria is a famous saint. About the same time Pir Shams Sabzawari from Sabzwar and Kazi Qutubuddin from Kashan came to Multan. Baba Farid Shakar Ganj was born in a village of Multan , and settled in Pakpattan.

Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki passed through Multan to Delhi and Syed Jalal, the spiritual leader of many families in Multan, Muzaffargarh and Bahawalpur came to Uch.

Sultan Sikhi Sarwar’s father also emigrated form Bukhara to Sarwar Shah Kot in Multan district. These venerable men contributed greatly to spreading Islam in this area. The saints and shrines of Multan have been attracting a large number of devotees all year round.

        One of the foremost scholars of Islam, Sheikh Baha-ud-din Zakaria’s shrine is located in the fort. He was  born in 1170 A.D., studied in Turan and Iran and received instructions from Sheikh Shahab-ud-din Suharwardi at Baghdad. His mausoleum was built by the saint himself. It was a unique style of architecture of that period, a only other being at Sonepat in India. It also houses the graves of  most of the eminent members of the Qureshi family, including that of Nawab Muzaffar Khan.

        The mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e –Alam, the grand son of Sheikh Bahauddin Zakaria, this also located near the main gate of the Multan fort. He was also a man of great religious and political influence during the Tughlaq region and was in Multan when it was visited by Ibn-e-Batuta. The Mausoleum was originally built by emperor Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq but was given up by his son Muhammad Tughlaq in favor of Shah Rukn-e-Alam . Besides its religious importance, the mausoleum has a unique architectural value. Its dome is considered to be the second largest in the world. The mausoleum has recently being given the Agha Khan award for the best Muslim architecture. Some of the interesting statistics of its architecture are:

(a)            Total height of the road level is 150ft

(b)            Total height of building is 100ft

(c)             Octagonal upper structure diameter is 26ft

(d)            Octagonal lower structure diameter is 52ft

(e)            The dome on top has a diameter of 58ft

The mausoleum has very rich geometric pattern, calligraphy and colorful floral, mosaic and glaze tile work. The shrine is visited by devotees all year around.

The shrine of Hazrat Shams Sabzwari is located near Aam-khas garden. A descended of Imam Jaffar, he was born in 1165 A.D., the saint died in 1276 A.D., and is shrine was built by his grand son in 1330 A.D.

Other Shrines

Other shrines in Multan include those of Mohammad Yousaf Gardezi near Bohar Gate, Musa Pak Shaheed inside the Pak Gate, Totla Mai Haram Gate, Shah Ali Akbar, a descendant of Shah Shams Sabzwari, in Suraj Miani and Baba Safra near Eidgah.

Mosques of Multan

The famous mosques of Multan are Wali Mohammad Mosque in Chowk Bazar built by Ali Mohammad Khakwani in 1758 A.D., Mosque Phulhatt in Chowk Bazar built by Emperor Farrukh Siyar, Baqarabadi Mosque built by Baqar Khan in 1720 A.D. and the beautiful Eidgah Mosque built by Nawab Abdul Samad Khan in 1735 A.D.

Other Places

Multan has some beautiful modern buildings such as Nishtar Medical College, University Campus, Arts Council building with and auditorium, Multan Railway Station building the famous Clock Tower building of the Multan Municipal Corporation and State Bank of Pakistan etc.

        There are places of recreation in Multan such as the Stadium, the Lake Chaman zar-e-Askari and Company Bagh in the Multan Fort, Lange Khan Garden, Aam-Khas Garden and the parks at Bohar Gate, Chowk Shaheedan, Tabbi Sher Khan and the Nawan Shaher in and around Multan.

Festivals, Fairs and Meals

Religious festivals in Multan are a peculiar mixture of devotion and recreation. Multan is famous for its shrines. Annual Urs is held on every shrine. Well known are the Urs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakaria, Shah Shams Sabzwari, Shah Jamal, Sher Shah and Mela Ludden Pir, etc.