Attractions
Karachi
The former capital Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan. It is located on the Arabian Sea near the Indus estuary. The capital of Sind province is now a modern industrial city and the largest port in Pakistan. It offers some sights such as the fishing port. A trip to Paradise Point is worthwhile, here you can rent camels and horses. You can also go out by boat to fish for crabs after sunset. Undoubtedly the most beautiful building is the Quaiz-e-Azam’s Mazar, the mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan, which is made of white marble. The best time to visit is when the changing of the guard takes place three times a day. Also worth visiting are the National Museum, parks, zoo and the beach near Clifton.
- Top-engineering-schools: Provides detailed population data for major cities of Pakistan. Also covers geography information including rivers, mountains, lakes, and national borders.
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan since 1963, and Rawalpindi are the largest cities of the Potowar plain. With the decision to move the capital to Islamabad, the neighboring city of Rawalpindi gained in importance. Many government officials currently reside in Rawalpindi . The old part of the city boasts traditional architecture and in the narrow streets there are bazaars where artisans work using traditional methods. Islamabad is a modern and planned city that has numerous parks and beautiful gardens with fountains. Damam-e-Koh is a terraced garden nestled in the nearby Margalla Hills. theShah Faisal Masjid, which is said to seat 100,000 worshipers, is also worth a visit. 8 km from the city is Rawal Lake with many recreational opportunities and nice picnic spots. The Swat Valley north of Rawalpindi offers high mountain scenery. The region is known for the many ruins of large Buddhist stupas, monasteries and statues. Mingora, Miandam, Kalam, Behrain attract numerous visitors every year.
The Punjab
Lahore is a venerable city with impressive buildings. Sights include the bazaars, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, National Museum of Archeology and the Gate of Chauburji. Other interesting cities are Lyallpur, Taxila, Attock, Harappa, Multan and Bahawalpur.
Tatta
The most interesting towns in this beautiful region are the 5000 year old Mohenjo Daro and Tatta with its mausoleums and mosques. A variety of water sports are available at Haleji Lake, 14 km away.
Cashmere
This province is home to some of the highest mountains in the world, the most famous being Nanga Parbat. The second highest mountain is K2. Gilgit and Skardu are popular stopping points for climbers. The Karakoram Highway is passable from Gilgit to Hunza, over the Khunjerab Pass and on to Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang Province. This route follows the Silk Road and is one of the most spectacular travel routes in the world.
Peshawar
The capital of the North-West Frontier Province is home to the Pathans. Peshawar City is surrounded by high walls with 20 city gates. The lawns and parks are reminiscent of British colonial times. In some of the surrounding areas, tribal law still prevails. They can only be visited with official approval. This region is home to the famous Khyber Pass, which is 1200m high and is made of bare rock and forms the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Shopping
Overview
Trays, screens, silverware, ceramics, bamboo, brass and rattan items, glass bracelets, gold ornaments, hand-embroidered scarves, rugs and carpets. Trading is common. Shop opening hours: Sat-Thurs 09.30-13.00 and 15.00-18.30. The bazaars are open longer.
Nightlife
Introduction
The top hotels have bars with dancing, but western-style nightlife is hard to find. Cinemas are very popular with Pakistanis, with international and Pakistani films being shown in major cities.
Culinary
Overview
Specialties include biryani (spiced rice with meat or vegetable curry), pilao (similar but less spicy), sag gosht (juicy curry with spinach), and niramish (roasted vegetables with herbs). Lahore is the center of excellent Mughal cuisine known as Moghlai. Typical are chicken tandoori (chicken from the »tandoor« oven), shish kebabs (skewers of meat grilled over charcoal), shami kebabs (pies with minced meat fried in ghee or butter), tikka kebabs (grilled spicy mutton or beef) and Chicken Tikka (spicy charcoal grilled chicken pieces). Desserts include cakes, shahi tukray (slices of bread baked in milk with syrup, sprinkled with nuts and saffron), Halwa or Firni (distant resemblance to custard). Drinks: The national drink is tea, which is boiled with milk and spices and often served very sweet. Alcohol can be purchased at the larger hotels, but requires a liquor permit from the Excise and Taxation Office. Pakistani beer is available everywhere. Due to strict alcohol laws, there are no bars and drinking is prohibited in public. however, a liquor permit is required from the Excise and Taxation Office. Pakistani beer is available everywhere. Due to strict alcohol laws, there are no bars and drinking is prohibited in public. however, a liquor permit is required from the Excise and Taxation Office. Pakistani beer is available everywhere. Due to strict alcohol laws, there are no bars and drinking is prohibited in public.
Accommodation
Hotels
In the larger cities there are modern hotels with all comforts such as swimming pools and other sports facilities. Furthermore, you will find holiday homes, dak bungalows and rest houses in all major hill stations and resorts. 15% tax will be added to all nightly rates. It is advisable to reserve rooms well in advance and to have the booking confirmed. For further information, please contact Pakistan Hotels Association, PO Box 7448, Shafi Court, Ground Floor, Merewether Road, Civil Lines, PK-Karachi 4. Tel: (021) 568 64 07. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates two hotels in Lahore and Rawalpindi. PTDC also operates well-appointed mid-range motels in 15 resort towns across the country.
Other accommodation options
The Youth Hostel Association of Pakistan operates nine youth hostels which are open to members of the affiliated youth hostel organisations. For details, please contact Pakistan Youth Hostel Association, Shaheed-e Millat Road, Aabpara, Sector G-6/4, PK-Islamabad. Phone: (051) 82 68 99.
Culture
Religion
Almost 100% Muslim (90% Sunni, 5-10% Shia), minorities of Hindu, Christian and Buddhist.
Social Rules of Conduct
They shake hands to greet each other. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings; one should always ask permission before lighting a cigarette. Casual attire is appropriate for most occasions. Women should not wear tight dresses and make sure their arms and legs are covered. Pakistani society is divided into classes, and within each class there are subtle social differences. The Koran, on which the prevailing Islamic law is also based, influences all aspects of daily life. Tipping: Most top hotels and restaurants charge a 10% service charge; Gratuity at discretion.
Climate
Best travel time
There are three seasons. Winter (December – March) is warm, on the coast sea breezes bring cooling. Summer (April – June) has extreme temperatures. During the monsoon season (June – September and October – November) it rains the most in the mountainous parts of the country.
Country data
Phone prefix
+92
Area (sq km)
796095
Population
220,892,340 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
250
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
115
