Pakistan
Pakistan is a land of rich cultures and amazing diversity. From the mountainous areas of northern Pakistan to the southern seaports of Karachi, every destination along the way is a chance to discover another chapter of history.
Karachi
The year 1947 heralded the creation of Pakistan and Karachi became the capital city. In the following years, the population increased rapidly due to influx of refugees and immigrants from nearby regions. Despite the rise in population, the city managed to maintain its cultural diversity, and continued to experience tremendous economic and cultural growth.Being the main seaport of the country, Karachi boasts two of the region’s largest and busiest ports. It is Pakistan’s premiere centre of Banking and trade, as well as home to the country’s largest industries including textile, shipping, automotives and medical research.
HyderabadHyderabad, the city of three hillocks, was founded in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro upon the ruins of Mauryan fishing village along the banks of River Indus.
It is regarded as the cultural capital of Sindh and is home to some of the province’s most talented artists who specialize in designing Ajraks. One of the most widely recognized symbols of honor in Sindhi tradition, the Ajrak is block printed fabric presented to guests on special occasions.Hyderabad prides itself on being one of the largest bangle producers in the world and also boasts the longest bazaar in Asia, the Shahi Bazar. It is also home to the renowned Bombay Bakery, whose cakes and sweets recipes are a tightly kept family secret.
Sukkur
The city of Sukkur is affectionately called Darya Dino (gift of the River), as without the River Indus, the city would be a desert. The name itself originates from the Sindhi word Sakharu, which means ‘superior’. This fertile piece of land claim 80% of the variety of dates grown in Pakistan.Sukkur is also home to one of the largest irrigation system in the world. The Sukkur Barrage, formally called Lloyd Barrage, was built under the British Raj on the River Indus and can water nearly 10 million acres of farmland through its seven large canals.
Larkana
Larkana is the fourth largest city in the north-western part of Sindh Province. Larkana is surrounded by fertile land in which all kind of fruits and vegetables are cultivated, including potatoes, melons, olives, oranges, peas, carrots, cucumber, mangoes and guava. Some 10 km from the city, sugarcane is cultivated and processed at the sugar mill established in 1990 in Nau Dero village, the birthplace of the former prime minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and where Benazir Bhutto was raised.One of the world's oldest archaeological sites, Mohen-jo-daro lies 28 km away from the Larkana City. As a major archaeological site, it has its own airport, which is shared by Larkana. In Larkana District there are other archaeological sites, such as Jhoker Jo Daro.
QuettaThe name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word Kuatta, meaning fort, as the city is surrounded by three towering hills. It is an important trade and communication centre between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as a vital strategic location for the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Due to its horticultural diversity, Quetta is known as the “Fruit Garden of Pakistan” and is home to a variety of delicious fruits including plums, apples, peaches, apricots and guavas.When in Quetta, one must try the Balochi specialty of “Sajji”, which is meat roasted to a delightful degree of tenderness and seasoned with mild spices.
BahawalpurOnce known as the “City of Nawabs”, Bahawalpur today remains dotted with Palaces and Forts. Apart from its stately architecture, the city is an important trading centre for the surrounding and is located on the crossroads between Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi. Due to its central location, one can easily journey into Cholistan, a sandy wasteland dotted with nomadic communities and lonely forts, or the Lal Suhanra National Park, an important wildlife reserve.
The areas surrounding Bahawalpur are fertile, which allow for agricultural exports to many parts of the world. The city also boasts a large market town known for its oranges, dates, wheat, sugarcane and cotton.
MultanKnown for its bazaars, mosques, shrines and ornate tombs, Multan is one of the oldest cities in the Asian sub-continent. It has traditionally been a melting pot of several distinct ethnic groups due to its location at the intersection of all four of Pakistan’s provinces. As a result, Multan today consists of Saraiki, Haryanvi, Punjabi, Baloch, Pashtun, Sindhi and Urdu-Speaking settlers who arrived at the time of independence in 1947.
The city has grown to become an influential political and economic hub for the country, with a dry port and excellent transport links. Multan is also famous for its handicrafts, cottage industries and most importantly livestock, which has led to development of dairy, meat and poultry processing as well as leather manufacturing industries.
Faisalabad
The original name of Faisalabad was Chenab Colony, followed by Sandalbar. It later came to be known as Lyallpur, in honour of its founder, Sir Charles James Lyall. In 1977, the name of the city was changed to Faisalabad, in honour of the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who was held in high regard in Pakistan.In 1880, the city was redesigned based on the Union Jack, with eight roads radiating from a centrally located grand clock tower or ghanta ghar. Each of these roads lead to a different bazaar. Faisalabad also has a strong industrial base including textile, jewellery, home furniture and pharmaceuticals, assisted by the expanding transport network which includes newly built motorways to Lahore and Rawalpindi. In fact, the textile industry of Faisalabad contributes more than 20% of the textile export market of Pakistan.
LahoreOnce known as the ‘Paris of East’, Lahore is a hub of cultural activities, fashion and post-modern art. A trip to this memorable city is an experience involving rich history, vibrant culture and delicious food.
Lahore is divided into two parts, Old Lahore and New Lahore. Old Lahore is the historical part where the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque are situated. The lanes around these monuments are dotted with ancient havelis, or traditional mansions.New Lahore is outlaying sub-urban area, which is home to politicians, actors, models, artists and socialities. It is a sparkling contrast to Old Lahore, with broad avenues, trendy boutiques and chic restaurants.
Gujranwala
The city of Gujranwala was named after the ancient tribe of Gujjars that settled in the area centuries ago. Located on the historical Grand Trunk Road, the city plays a vital role in the trade and industrial sectors of Pakistan.
Known for its wrestlers and bodybuilders, Gujranwala has produced some of the finest champions in sub-continent, which has led to its Punjabi nickname ‘Pehlwana da Shehar’ or city of wrestlers. Beside hosting a number of bodybuilding tournaments, Gujranwala also produces a large variety of agricultural goods, including rice, wheat, cotton, potatoes, barley, grains, melons and sugarcane. The city is also known for its manufacturing of ceramics, iron safes, metal utensils, textile, sanitary and tannery production.
Islamabad
In 1960, President Ayub Khan moved the capital of Pakistan from Karachi to the more central and logistically viable location of Islamabad. The city became a hub for all government activities, while its twin city Rawalpindi became the centre of all industrial, commercial and military activities.
Islamabad has also seen an expansion in information and communication technology with the addition of two software technology parks that house several national and foreign technological and IT companies.Apart from being a net contributor to Pakistan’s economy, Islamabad is known for its stately architecture, which is a combination of modernity and old Islamic traditions such as Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque.
PeshawarCapital of the Khyber-Pkahtunkhwa province and the administrative centre for the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas of Pakistan, Peshawar originally belonged to Gandhara and the Eastern Iranian Tribe of Scythian origin.
Pakistan is a condervative Islamic city with a rich history. The old city of Peshawar was once a heavy guarded citadel with high walls. Today, not much remains of the walls, but the houses are havelis still bear a vivid resemblance to an era gone by. Most of the houses are made of unbaked bricks, beautifully carved wooden doors are latticed wooden balconies.The city boasts a wide array of goods ranging from gold and silver jewellery to traditional carpets, pottery and clothing. Artworks in wood, brass or semi-precious stones are also widely appreciated.
