| FACTS AND FIGURES
Area:
796,096 Sq. km.
Punjab: 205,344
Sindh: 140,914
North West Frontier Province: 74,521
Balochistan: 347,190
Federally Administered Tribal Areas: 27,220
Islamabad Capital Territory: 906
Population:
150,694,740 (July 2003 est.)
Population Growth rate 2.01% (2003 est.)
Ethnic composition 97% Muslims(Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), 3% Christian, Hindu and others
National Anthem Approved in June, 1954
Duration: 80 seconds
National Flower: Jasmine
National Bird: Dove
National Animal: Markhor
Flora: Pine, Oak, Poplar, Deodar, Maple, Mulberry
Fauna: The Pheasant, Leopard, Deer, Ibex, Chinkara, Black buk, Neelgai, Markhor, Marcopolo sheep, Green turtles, River & Sea fish, Crocodile, Water Fowls
National Game: Hockey
Games Cricket, Snooker, Squash, Tennis, Wrestling, Volleyball, Football, Sailing
Agriculture:
Major crops are cotton, wheat, rice and sugarcane
Total cropped area 22.14 million hectares
Economy:
Per capita income US$ 700
Currency Pak Rupee
Foreign Reserves US$ 7b
Total Foreign Debt US$ 32.3 billion (2002 est.)
Exports Cotton, textile goods, rice, leather items carpets, sports goods, fruits, handicrafts, Sea Food (Fisheries)
Imports Industrial equipment, electronics, iron ore, petroleum, edible oil
Industries Textiles, sports goods, carpets, cement, fertiliser, steel, sugar, electric goods, shipbuilding, shipbreaking, defence products
Energy Major sources:
Oil, Coal, Hydel, Thermal, Nuclear and Liquid Petroleum Gas
WAPDA's total installed power generating capacity: 11,246 MW
Oil - production: 62,870 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption: 365,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - proved reserves: 297.1 million bbl (37257)
Gas - production: 23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Gas - consumption: 23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Gas - proved reserves: 695.6 billion cu m (37257)
Exports - partners: US 24.5%, UAE 8.5%, UK 7.2%, Germany 4.9%, Hong Kong 4.8% (2002)
Imports - partners: UAE 11.7%, Saudi Arabia 11.7%, Kuwait 6.7%, US 6.4%, China 6.2%, Japan 6%, Malaysia 4.5%, Germany 4.4% (2002)
Employment:
Total Labour force: 40.4 million
Agriculture sector: 44%
Industry: 17%
Services: 39% (1999 est.)
Unemployment rate: 7.8% plus substantial underemployment (2002 est.)
Industrial production growth rate: 7.8% (FY04/05 est.)
HEALTH:
Health Hospitals: 920
Beds: 88,921
Doctors(registered): 92,300
Dentists(registered): 6,380
Nurses(registered: 24,250
Life Expectancy at birth: 62.2 years
HIV/AIDS prevalence: 0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS cases: 78,000 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS deaths: 4,500 (2001 est.)
EDUCATION:
Literacy rate: 45.7% ;
male: 59.8%,female: 30.6% (2003 est.)
Education Primary schools: 152,230
Middle schools: 18,950
High schools: 10,180
Arts & science colleges: 928
Professional colleges: 184
Universities: 46 plus 35 in Private sector
Transport & Communications:
Length of roads: 254,410 km
Railway network: 8,163 km
Railway stations: 781
Airports: 124 (2002)
Heliports: 23 (2002)
Pakistan International Airlines: Covers 55 international and 38 domestic stations
Major Airports: 5 - Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar
Seaports International : 3 - Karachi, Gwadar and Bin Qasim
Domestic: 5 - Pasni, Ormara, Jiwani, Somniani, Manora
TeleCommunications:
Post Offices: 17,110
Telephone connections: 2.861 million (Mar 1999)
Mobile connections: over 10 million (2004)
Mobile operators: 6 (2005)
Public Call Offices: 19,200
Telegraph offices: 480
Internet country code: .pk
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 43 (2002)
Internet users: 2.1 million (2002)
Media:
Dailies: 531
Weeklies: 720
Fortnightlies: 112
Monthlies: 558
TV covering 92%
Registered TV sets: 2,823,800
Viewership: 115 million
Radio coverage 96%
TV stations (GOV): 4
TV stations (PVT): 23 (2004)
FM stations: 33 (2004)
Military:
Branches:
Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard
manpower - military age: 17 years of age (2003 est.)
expenditures: $2.964 billion (FY02)
TOURISM:
Famous Mountain Peaks:
K-2 (Mt. Godwin Austin): 28,250 ft./8611 m (2nd in World)
Nanga Parbat (Killer Mountain): 26,660 ft./8126 m (8th in World)
Gasherbrum-I: 26,470 ft./8068 m (11th in World)
Mountain Passes:
Khyber Pass [NWFP]
Kurram Pass [NWFP]
Tochi Pass [NWFP]
Gomal Pass [BALOCHISTAN]
Bolan Pass [BALOCHISTAN]
Lowari Pass [NWFP]
Khunjrab Pass [NORTHERN AREAS]
Rivers:
The Indus 2896 km
Jhelum 825 km
Chenab 1242 km
Ravi 901 km
Sutlej 1551 km
Beas (tributary of Sutlej) 398 km
Famous Glaciers:
Siachin 75 km
Batura 55 km
Baltoro 62 km
Saltoro 34 km
Deserts:
Thar: Sindh
Cholistan: Punjab
Thal: Punjab
Dasht: Baluchistan
Lakes:
Manchar [Sindh]
Keenjar [Sindh]
Hanna [Balochistan]
Saif-ul-Maluk [NWFP]
Satpara [Northern Areas]
Kachura [Northern Areas]
Major Dams:
Mangla Dam [Punjab]
Tarbela Dam [NWFP]
Warsak Dam [NWFP]
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MAJOR CITIES OF PAKISTAN
Islamabad:
The capital
of Pakistan, is in the north of the country; on the Potwar Plateau, near
Rawalpindi.
The site of
Islamabad was chosen to replace Karachi as the capital of Pakistan in 1959.
Urban planners set to work, and the new city became the official capital
in 1967.
A lot of the
construction work wasn't completed until the mid-1970s though.
Of the modern
buildings in Islamabad, the most notable are the ones lining the Constitution Avenue like the National Assembly Building, the President House known as "Aiwan-e-Sadar", the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and the New PM Secretariat Building. The hub of commercial activity in the capital, the Blue Area is also lined by dozens of grand plazas and some skyscrapers too.
Rawalpindi:
The Twin City of Islamabd, this
small town has flourished under the Modern developments of Islamabad and
keeping its old traditions, the Headquarters of Pakistan Army, having one
of the Most Beautiful Cantonments of Pakistan and a traditional Punjabi
City with a Potohari touch, Rawalpindi today is an extravagant blend of
Traditional and Modern.
Rawalpindi was used as the provisional
capital of Pakistan from 1959 to 1967, while construction was being completed
in Islamabad.
Places Of
Interest:
The Faisal
Mosque, built in 1985, was designed to look like a desert tent. Its
four surrounding minarets are all about 90 m high.
Margalla
Hills; Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa presents a breathtaking
view of the Twin Cities. You can see most prominently the Parliament House,
Aiwan-e-Sadar,the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Grand Buildings of
the Constitution Avenue ,Faisal Mosque,the Rawal Lake, towering plazas
at the Shahrah-e-QuaideAzam,Blue Area, the Capital Park, all Lit luxuriously at night.
Eatouts: Islamabad has a long list of resturants specializing in foods from the world over owing to the huge diplomatic presence in the city. Best ones include Dynasty- Chinese, Mezzo- French, The Royal Elephant- Thai, Papasallis- Italian, Serena- Moroccan, Melody Food Park- Pakistani.
Murree, the
queen of Hills, Malk-e-Kohsar as it is called, is 2 hours drive from
Islamabad. The greatest Tourist Attraction presenting Lush Green hills
and valleys which are geographically the Foothills of Himalayas.
Preferred Hotels:
Marriott, Holiday Inn, Pearl Continental, Serena, Best Western
Taxila:
Ruins of the Gandhara civilisation and Bhuddist sites including one large stupa are near the small town of Taxila, about 38 km northwest of Islamabad.
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Karachi:
Karachi is Pakistan's largest city,
located on the Arabian Sea. The port, centred on the island of Kiamari,
also serves as an outlet for landlocked Afghanistan.The City of Lights
never sleeps, with a population of about 16 Million, Karachi is one of the
Mega Cities of Asia and an Emerging Economic Metropolitan.
Karachi was a small fishing and trading
centre when the British captured it in 1839. Karachi grew in importance
under the British; for the export of cotton and grain from the Indus Valley.
There is a long beach in Karachi,
but it is rather dirty and better suited to camels. It can get busy on
a Sunday.
After independence many Muslim refugees
from India settled in Karachi, and in recent years the former capital has
seen bombings and riots between rival political, religious, and ethnic
groups.
Places Of
Interest:
The tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder
of Pakistan, is in Karachi. His sister Mohterma Fatima Jinnah's mansion,the Mohatta Palace has now been restored completely and is a must visit site for all art lovers. Karachi has a bustling social scene with dozens of art galleries and theatre groups and musical concerts almost every day. Clubs including DHA Club, Marina Club and Creek Club offer health and family activites.
The only Commercial Beach of Pakistan,
Clifton,SeaFood
Restaurants, go to the Manorra Island if u like fishing,Scuba,advenrure! Latest addition being the huge supermarket called Park Towers
The Zamzama
Lane on Tariq Road- posh Boutiques
to Exotic Pakistani Foods and just everything this world has to offer! Shop for latest stuff at best prices in Dolmen Center.
Grand Five
Star Hotels include Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Marriott,
Pearl Continental, Avari Towers, Regent Plaza and Beach Luxury hotel.
Indus Valley
civilizations:
The National Museum of Pakistan displays
important materials from the Indus Valley civilizations -- one of the world's
first great civilizations, similar to the Bronze Age cultures of ancient
Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Crete.
Mohenjo-daro
Ruins:
The Indus Valley ruins of the ancient
city, Mohenjo-daro -- in the southern province of Sind, south of Sukkur
--, date back to 2500 BC.
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Lahore:
Lahore was probably at its greatest
during the time of the Mughal Empire (1526- 1707). There are many architecturally
significant buildings and monuments from this time including Shahi Mosque,
Shalimar Garden, Jahangir's Tomb, Lahore Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Old Walled City and many others.
Places Of
Interest:
The 17th century
Badshahi
Mosque, made by Moughal Emperor Jahangir,
is in Lahore. At the Eastern Gate is the Tomb of The
Visualisor of
Pakistan, Poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Just across the road is the Iqbal
Park with a tower named Minar-e-Pakistan or Pakistan Tower,
built in commemoration
of the 1940 Resolution passed by All India Muslim League.
Lahore also
has the credit of being the city of Exotic and Spicy Foods, you'll find all around the city especially
on The Main Boulevard,Gulberg and Liberty
For a more traditional
treat, go to Old Walled City
of Lahore, Anarkali, Bano Bazar-specializing
in women's shopping, and the many shopping plazas at The
Mall and
Defence Lahore can provide you with everything
you could eat, latest addition are the sumptous delights of Food Street, an old city street lined with BarBQ shops and desi snacks.. Happy Eating!
Lahore hold many festivals annually, best one being the Basant Bahar Spring Festival featuring kite flying mania all across the city. People from all over Punjab come for the Basant in Lahore, as it is one thing worth not missing.
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Peshawar:
You're entering another world when
you come to the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan; it's almost Afghanistan.
The religion of Islam is so strong
here, that even the three-wheeler motorbike taxis have covers on the passenger
sections to hide the women from view. Women's faces are seldom seen over here, and head-to-toe Burqa clad women are a common sight in the bazars.
Near the entrance to the Khyber Pass,
this ancient trading settlement was known as Purushapure. Today there are
many gun shops in Peshawar, and they do a roaring trade with their neighbours.
The Peshawar
Museum houses an important collection of sculpture from the
ancient Gandhara civilization.The Qissa Khawani Bazar is one of the historical places in the city, also the Balahissar Fort and the Mohabbat Khan Mosque are worth visiting sites in the city.
Khyber Pass:
This is the most important pass connecting
Afghanistan and Pakistan; Peshawar to Kabul.
For centuries the Khyber Pass was
used by aggressors heading to India.
During the Afghan Wars, in the 19th
century, there were many skirmishes here between the armies of the British
Raj and native Afghans.
In January 1842, about 16,000 British
and Indian troops were killed.In 1964, Bab-e-Khyber, the famous Khyber Gate was built nearby the Jamrud Fort.
In the 1980s, when Afghanistan was
occupied by the Soviets, the Khyber Pass was a major supply route to the
Afghan guerrillas.
The Khyber Steam Safari is a major tourist attraction as the only train with twin steam engines from the British era running twice a week to the end of the line near border with Afghanistan through the Khyber Pass. Usually the service is pretty full so you need to book in advance by a week or two the trip.
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OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Northern Areas
Karakorum:
The Karakorum mountain range is in
the Himalayas, between the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, and
north-western Pakistan. The range includes K2 (8,611 m), the second highest
peak in the world.
Chitral and Kalash:
This region of the north has protected and preserved the Kalash tribes and their rich Greek culture for centuries ever since Alexander the Great passed through these mountains. This area is renowned for its lush green valleys and rocky Hindu Kush mountains extending through
parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Over twenty peaks exceed
7,000 m. The highest point, Tirich Mir (7,690 m) and Nanga Parbet (8,126
m) are in Pakistan making it a heaven for Trekking, Mountaineering and Rock climbing. White Water Rafting is also picking up in rivers like Indus, Chitral, Swat and Neelum.Mallam Jabba Skiing Resort is the only one in the country.
Best time
to visit are the Summers as roads are cleared early June till late August.After
that its usually dangerous and snowy.Arranged tours to the Mountains
are getting increasingly popular both with locals and Foreigners.
The Kashmir border area between
Pakistan and India had been the scene of snowy gun-battles between
the two disputing neighbours but for quite a while now the guns have silenced and major highways open for tourists particularly the infamous Korakoram Highway [KKH] which is popular amongst trekkers and cyclists.
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PLEASE NOTE:
Facts and Figures are updates with Official Statistics and hence updated on yearly basis. General Information regarding various cities of Pakistan is regularly updated every three months. Please note that this information is gathered from various sources and is meant for tourism promotion in Pakistan. hPK Online shall not be held responsible for any damages caused emotionally, mentally, physically or by any other means or case under any circumstances.
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