Tourism

Holiday Inn Islamabad

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G-6,Civic Centre Islamabad

Islamabad Holiday inn is a 4 star Hotel in the heart of Islamabad. It is very conveniantly located near the business areas and office ares. There are 230 rooms Including standard executive and suit rooms. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are also available. The Hotel was previously known as Islamabad Hotel

Hotel Crown Plaza

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Hotel Crown Plaza
99-E,Jinnah Avenue,Blue Area Islamabad

The hotel is a 4 star hotel in Islamabad. It offers TV Hot & Cold water Direct dialing phone from room wireless internet and business center. Located in the close vicinity of all the offices and important land marks of Islamabad. Only 15 minutes away from Islamabad airport.
Hotel offers special packages for groups and conferences.

Marriott Hotel Islamabad

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Marriott Hotel Islamabad
Aga Khan Road,Shalimar 5,P.O.Box No.1251 Islamabad

The Marriott Islamabad is located at the foot steps of Margalla hills, and is close to Rawal Lake & the town centre, President & Prime Minister's House, Foreign Missions, World Bank, and Government Offices. Choice of smoking and non-smoking rooms, suites and executive level rooms equipped with modem ports. The Health Club offers separate gyms for ladies and gents , sauna and steam bath, all-weather swimming pool. There is a round-the-clock Business Centre, as well as 32000 square feet of banquet facilities that can cater to the needs of 15 to 1500 people.

Hotel's List and Contact in Capital Islamabad

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1-Serena Hotel Islamabad Pakistan
Khayaban-E-Suhrawardy, Sector G-5, Islamabad, 44000,Pakistan

Serena Hotel Islamabad is the finest hotel in Pakistan. The hotel is owned and operated by TPS Tourism Promotion Services division of Aga Khan. The Serena Hotel Islamabad is a treat for visitors and business travellers in Islamabad. The hotel has the most exclussive room amenities and top of the line services in restuarants.

Islamabad Serena Hotel can be a vanue for a small or the largest event or conference. Please contact us to organise your meeting at the Serena Hotel Islamabad

Hotels in Pakistan

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There are a number of luxurious hotels in Pakistan. These hotels provide an ideal base to tourists traveling to Pakistan. Some of these hotels in Pakistan belong to different hotel chains while a number of other hotels in Pakistan are independent hotels. Some of the hotel chains that have their hotels in various Pakistani cities are Pearl Continental Hotels, Avari Hotels, Serena Hotels and Sheraton Hotels.

Ziarat

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Places To Go

Famous for the second largest Juniper Forest in the world and only 3 hours drive from Quetta,lies Ziarat. Along the 133 km drive to Ziarat, one gets a glimpse of the rugged topography of Baluchistan province, broken by visions of green orchards. Situated at a height of 2449 meters, the Ziarat valley remains snowbound during the winter. The PTDC Motel is situated in the heart of this picturesque town.

Its rooms, comprising both comfortable huts and blocks, overlook the lawns. Its restaurant caters to both local and western tastes, special Baluchi delicacy ‘Sajji’, is available on request. The Motel also offers Rent-a-Car, Satellite TV, Telephone, Fax and Laundry services. Places of local interest including the Ziarat Residency, where the Quaid-I-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Father of the Nation, spent his last days. ‘Prospect Point’, from where the entire valley can be viewed in all its splendor and Sandemn Tangi are places worth visiting. Tel: 0833-356 Fax: 0833-320

Taxila

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Tourism Sites

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.

Skardu

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The Valley

The largest district of the Northern Areas, Baltistan is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, the Karakoram Range, and is very popular with Mountaineering Expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers, with treks to Baltoro Glacier, K-2 Base Camp and Concordia being especially renowned. The major city in Baltistan is Skardu which by road, lies approximately 5 hours away from Gilgit. A daily flight to and from Islamabad is also in operation.

The PTDC Motel overlooking the Mighty Indus is located in the heart of the city at a breath-taking location. The comfortable rooms and a fine restaurant make the stay at this motel memorable. In addition, Rent-a-Jeep, Satellite TV, Fax and Curio Shop facilities are available on the premises. Places of interest in and around Skardu include Shigar, Kherpachuo Fort, Satpara and Kachura Lakes, famous for deep blue waters and brown trout making them an anglers delight. Visit to Deosai plains is an experience of a lifetime.

Saidu Sharif

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The lush green valley of Swat with its gushing waters, fruit laden orchards and snow clad peaks is ideal for holiday makers. It has rich cultural heritage too. The valley was a premier center of Buddhism where Gandhara art flourished. The ruins and stone carvings are still reminiscent of the glorious past. Saidu Sharif is the District Headquarter of Swat, with its twin city Mingora, which is a big commercial and trading center. The main attractions of twin cities are the Swat Museum, Gulkada Archaeological site, Marghazar and Golf Course at Kabal.

PTDC’s newly constructed motel is a grand air conditioned tourist complex of 22 rooms, tastefully furnished. It has a spacious restaurant with sitting capacity of 100 guests, reception lobby, conference rooms and a craft shop offering traditional craft items and embroidery for sale. The motel is equipped with all the modern facilities such as in room satellite TV and telephone, heating, laundry and rent-a-car. The motel remains open all the year round and is terminal to regular coaster service for tourists during peak season which operates between Rawalpindi and Swat under management of PTDC. Saidu Sharif can be conveniently.

The Old City of Rawalpindi

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Tourism Places
The Rawalpindi city has two main roads: the Grand Trunk Road which runs from east to west and is known as The Mall as it passes through the cantonment, whereas the Murree Road breaks north from The Mall, crosses the railway and brushes the east end of the old city on its way to Islamabad.

Rawalpindi Cantonment

The Cantonment gives a hint of British Raj with its Christian Churches and Cemetery, spacious bungalows, club, cricket ground, Mall and the colonial-style Flashman's Hotel. Close to Flashman's is Saddar Bazaar, the center not only for shopping but also for hotels, banks, airlines and travel agents. The heart of the bazaar is along Kashmir Road and Massey Gate.

The Army Museum

The Army Museum, near the Pearl Continental Hotel, houses a fine collection of weapons, uniforms and paintings depicting Pakistan's military history. Hours are 9 am to 3 pm in winter, 8 am to noon and 5.30 pm to 7 pm in summer.

Recreation Spots In Rawalpindi

Ayub National Park

Ayub National Park is located a little beyond the old Presidency on Jhelum Road. It covers an area of about 2, 300 acres and has a play-land, lake with boating facility, an aquarium and a garden-restaurant.

Rawalpindi Public Park

Rawalpindi Public Park is located on Murree Road near Shamsabad. The Park was opened for public in 1991. It has a play land for children, grassy lawns, fountains and flowerbeds.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

A cricket stadium was built in 1992 just opposite the Rawalpindi Public Park. The stadium is equipped with all modern facilities.

Rawalpindi Golf Course

Rawalpindi Golf Course is situated near Ayub National Park. It 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 but after several phases of development, it is now been converted into a 27-hole course.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Naran

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The Valley

At Naran, 23 kms. From Kaghan you reach the half-way point. Naran also serves as the base for the whole valley. From here you can ride a jeep or horse or hike in excursions to several picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks.

Naran is the middle point of Kaghan Valley and it is a place where you defiantly want to spend few days of your leisure. This is the place of out-door pleasure. Here you'll depart from the river Kunhar and on both sides of road there are vast fields.

Don't look here and there the melody you are hearing is provided by the river Kunhar who is with you on same level. If you like climbing this is a place for you because there are mountains all around you. You can explore the scenic and picturious landscape and valley's by climbing up hiking. If you like fishing get your fishing license we have trout and mahasheer for you fishing here for tourist is must.

Murree Hills

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Hills

Murree is known as Malika-e-Kohsar, which means the Queen of Hills. Murree is only an hour's drive northeast of Islamabad. From Rawalpindi it is only 64 km and at an altitude of 2,286 meters. Murree where lofty peaks tower above green pine-covered slopes, is one of the most popular summer resorts in Pakistan.

Murree spreads along the top of a ridge for about five kilometers (three miles). At the northeast end is Kashmir Point, with views across the valley of the Jhelum River into Azad Kashmir. At the southwest end is Pindi Point, looking back towards Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Between the two runs The Mall, at the center of, which is the main shopping area, where most people congregate. Chair Lifts in Murree give a ride from Bansara Gali (below Murree) to Pindi Point, the other to the top of Patriata hill (on the road to Karor).

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.

Salgran

Driving through pine country on the smoothly carpeted road to Murree, the Salgran roadside facility is situated 29 km from Rawalpindi. Salgran has a well-developed parking area, snack bar and washroom for travelers. The well laid out lawns with shaded seating areas blend with the tranquil environment.

Charra Pani

At Charra Pani, 40 km from Rawalpindi, the landscape becomes more spectacular. The TDCP roadside facility is very tastefully set on the densely wooded slopes of the Murree Hills, the architecture blending unobtrusively with the natural surroundings. Charra Pani has a snack bar as well as washroom facilities for travelers.

Bhurban

Bhurban is a minor resort eight kilometers (five miles) from Murree on the road leading northeast to Kohala and the Jhelum Valley. The golf course here is open only to members. From near the Pearl Continental Hotel you can take one of the many delightful paved walks through the woods.

Patriata

Patriata is 25 km from Murree. It has become a new tourist resort. There is a chairlift and cable car system, which takes visitors upto Patriata Ridge in two stages from Gulehra Gali. The first stage is by chair lift up to Patriata Bazaar. From here visitors transfer to cable car gondolas for the ride up to Patriata Ride. A restaurant has also been established. Further plans include development of a wildlife park at the mid-station.

Ayubia

Khairagali, Changlagali, Khanspur and Ghora Dhaka, these four mini resorts spread over an area of 26 km have been developed into a resort complex called Ayubia. In addition to riding trails, hiking places and picnic spots, Ayubia has a chair lift, which like a ski-lift, takes you up to the summit of the nearby range for a panoramic view of the forested hills. Ayubia is 26 km from Murree.

The Galis

Nathiagali

Perhaps the most sought after is the beautiful Nathiagali perched 2501 meters high about 32 km away from Murree. The bracing air of the surrounding mountains is as pure as fresh spring water.

Dungagali

Dungagali is a picturesque small resort situated on the slopes of the Mukshpuri hill (2376 m.). It commands a charming view of a series of wooded spurs projecting towards the River Jhelum on the western side. From Dungagali one can climb the 2813-m peak of Mukhshpuri, which is the highest point in the range. Natural springs abound on the slopes. It is 30 km from Murree.

Khairagali

Khairagali is 16 km from Murree at an elevation of 2346 m and commands a panoramic view on either side of the ridge.

Changlagali

Changlagali is 16 km from Murree at an altitude of 2559 m. There is a rest house located in the most picturesque surroundings.

Multan, A beautiful historical City

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Tourism Sites
About 966 km from Karachi and more or less right in the centre of the country lies the ancient city of Multan. Multan, the 'City of Pirs and Shrines' is a prosperous city of bazaars, mosques, shrines and superbly designed tombs. It is also a city of dust, summer heat and beggars. It has a long history. Alexander the Great added it to his list of Indus conquests.

In 641 AD Xuang Tzang found it 'agreeable and prosperous' - Mohammad Bin Qasim obviously agreed, he was the next to conqueror Multan in 712 AD. Mahmud of Ghazni invaded in 1006, Timurlane in 1398. In the 16th century it was the Moghuls turn, followed by the Sikhs in 1752 and the British in 1849.

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

Places Worth Visiting

Multan Fort

Multan Fort was built on a detached, rather high mound of earth separated from the city by the bed of an old branch of River Ravi. There is no Fort now as it was destroyed by the British Garrison, which was stationed there for a long time but the entire site is known as the Fort. Nobody knows when Multan Fort came into being but it was there and it was admired and desired by kings and emperors throughout centuries.

It was considered as one of the best forts of the sub-continent from the defence as well as architectural points of view. When intact its circumference was 6,600 feet or, say, about one and a half mile. It had 46 bastions including two flanking towers at each of the four gates named as the De, Sikki, Hareri and Khizri Gate.

When it was intact the Fort consisted of a hexagonal wall from forty to seventy feet high, the longest side of which faced the northwest and extended for 600 yards, and which isolated it from the town. A ditch twenty-five feet deep and forty feet wide was on the side of the wall, behind which was a glacis exhibiting a face of some eighteen feet high, and so thick as to present an almost impregnable rocky mound. Within the fort, stood the citadel. The walls were flanked by thirty towers, and enclosed numerous houses, mosques, a Hindu temple of high antiquity, and a Khan's palace, the beauty of which was severely damaged by the battering it got from the guns of Ranjeet Singh in 1818.

Once this was the position of the Multan Fort, but during the British occupation everything was lost and finished forever.

Mausoleum of Hazrat Baha-ud-Din Zakaria

Standing at the north-eastern fringe of the ancient fort of Multan, is the eternal abode of Al-Sheikh Al-Kabir Sheikh-ul-Islam Baha-ud-Din Abu Muhammad Zakaria Al-Qureshi Al-Asadi, one of the greatest saints of the Suhrawardiya Silsila and one of the most distinguished disciples of Sheikh Al-Shuyukh Shahab Al-Din Suhrawardy. He was the founder of Suhrawardiya Silsila in the Sub-Continent. He was born in 1170 AD.

The prime attraction of the Fort area is the Mausoleum generally known as Bahawal Haq (the ornament of the Faith). The dome of the Mausoleum is visible from miles and dominate the skyline of Multan.

Sheikh Baha-ud-Din Zakariya known as Bahawal Haq was born at Kot Kehror a town of District Laiah near Multan, around 1170 AD. For fifteen years he went from place to place to preach Islam and after his wanderings Bahawal Haq settled in Multan in 1222 AD. This great man passed away in 1267 AD. The Mausoleum is a square of 51 feet 9 inches, measured internally. Above this is an octagon, about half the height of the square, which is surmounted by a hemispherical dome. The Mausoleum was almost completely ruined during the siege of 1848, but was soon afterwards restored by the Muslims.

Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-i-Alam

The tomb of Shah Rukn-i-Alam grandson of Shaikh Bahauddin Zakaria, which was built between 1320 and 1324, is an unmatched pre-Moghul masterpiece. The Mausoleum of Rukn-i-Alam is the glory of Multan.

From whichever side the city is approached, the most prominent thing that can be seen from miles all around is a huge dome. This dome is the Shrine of Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fath commonly known by the title Rukn-i-Alam (pillar of the world). The tomb is located on the southwest side of the Fort premises. This elegant building is an octagon, 51 feet 9 inches in diameter internally, with walls 41 feet 4 inches high and 13 feet 3 inches thick, supported at the angles by sloping towers. Over this is a smaller octagon 25 feet 8 inches, on the exterior side, and 26 feet 10 inches high, leaving a narrow passage all round the top of the lower storey for the Moazzan, or public caller to prayers. The whole is surmounted by hemispherical dome of 58 feet external diameter. The total height of the building, including a plinth of 3 feet, is 100 feet. As it stands on the high ground, the total height above the road level is 150 feet.

Besides its religious importance, the mausoleum is also of considerable archaeological value as its dome is reputed to be the second largest in the world after 'Gol Gumbad' of Bijapur (India), which is the largest. The mausoleum is built entirely of red brick, bounded with beams of Shisham wood, which have now turned black after so many centuries. The whole of the exterior is elaborately ornamented with glazed tile panels, stringcourses and battlements. Colors used are dark blue, azure, and white, contrasted with the deep red of the finely polished bricks. The tomb was said to have been built by Ghias-ud-Din Tughlak for himself, but was given up by his son Muhammad Tughlak in favor of Rukn-i-Alam, when he passed away from this world during 1330 AD.

Mosques

Multan also boasts of having some of the oldest mosques, which were once considered as the jewels of the city. These mosques now remind us of the glorious past of Multan as it was governed by Muslims for more than a thousand years

Jamia Mosque

The first mosque ever built in Multan was the Jamia Mosque, which was constructed on the orders of Mohammad Bin Qasim. Ruins of this mosque were visible till 1954 at Qasim Bella which have now been washed away by the repeated floods of the river Chenab.

Eid Gah Mosque

This grand mosque of Multan is located on the main Multan-Lahore highway in the Northeast of the city. It was built in 1735 AD by Nawab Abdul Samad Khan when he was the governor of Multan. It is a very spacious mosque provided with a vast courtyard and a huge prayer chamber measuring two hundred and fifty feet long and fifty-four feet broad crowned by seven domes. Its exterior was faced with glazed blue tiles and interior was ornamented with colorful mosaics. After independence it was found insufficient to accommodate the increased number of people so its courtyard was enlarged further.

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Moenjodaro, A Historical Place

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Sites Worth Visiting
Moenjodaro literally meaning Mound of the Dead lies in Sind Province. It is most important archaeological site presenting 2500 B.C. old remains of the Indus Valley. This archaeological site has been placed on the UNESCOs World Heritage list.

PTDC has 9 rooms and a Restaurant other facilities include TV and telephone. Ideal for an overnight stay during visit to Moenjodaro ruins. PIA operates daily flight from Karachi. Moenjodaro is also linked by road and railway. The motel remains open round the year.

Lahore, A beautiful City Of Pakistan

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Sites Worth Visiting In The Lahore Region

Situated on the east bank of the Ravi River, Lahore is very old. Legend traces its origin to Loh, the son of Rama Chandra, the hero of the Ramayana, but history records that it began as a dependency of the 8th century AD Hindu ruler, Lalitiditya. In the early 11th century it came under Muslim rule and evolved as a centre of Islamic culture and learning as well as trade and commerce. In the 13th century it was depopulated and razed to the ground by the Tartar-Mongol hordes of Genghis Khan. Timurlane and his Muslim Turks also arrived and destroyed the city. Lahore was a cultural and intellectual centre during both the Moghul and British eras, and it's an atmosphere which still pervades today, but it is the diversity and contrast of the different sections of the

city which make Lahore interesting. Apart from local tourists with their blaring transistors, you could almost be back in the Moghul era. Lahore is 213 metres above sea level and has a population of approximately 3 million. The temperature here drops down to 10C in winter, but in summer can soar to 40C or more. The best time to visit is straight after the monsoon period when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Minar-e-Pakistan

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Minar-e-Pakisan is a new landmark in Lahore and stands in the Iqbal Park to commemorate the date when a resolution was passed there back in 1940 demanding the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of this sub-continent. The Minar is a blend of Mughal and modern architecture and stands 60 meters tall.

Lahore Fort

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The massive walls of Lahore Fort, built by Akbar in the 1560s, tower over the old city of Lahore, and the huge rectangle they define, 380 by 330 meters (1,250 by 1,080 feet), is filled with buildings from a variety of periods. A complete tour of the fort takes about two hours.

The entrance to the fort is through Alamgiri Gate The inscription outside the Fort tells that Jehangir built it in 1618.
Shish Mahal

Shish Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, which stands on the fort's north side, is by far the most splendid. It consists of a row of high domed rooms, the roofs of which are decked out with hundreds of thousands of tiny mirrors in the fashion of the traditional Punjabi craft of "Shishgari" (designs made from mirror fragments). A fire-brand lit inside any part of the Palace of Mirrors throws back a million reflections that dizzy the eye and seem like a galaxy of far-off stars turning in an ink-blue firmament.

Kim's Gun

Out side the museum, not far away, Zamzama, the 18th century fire piece immortalized by Kipling as "Kim's Gun", takes up a surprising length of space in the middle of road.

Jehangir's Tomb

The tomb of the fourth great Mughal Emperor, Jehangir, lies three miles north-west of Lahore across the River Ravi. It has a majestic structure made of red sand-stone and marble. The outer entrance to the tomb opens out into a court-yard which was used as a caravan Serai during Mughal times. An entrance to the right leads into a Mughal garden with exact geometrical pattern balancing each side. The marble tomb is approached from four corridors leading from the garden.

Allama Iqbal's Tomb

Outside the Badshahi Mosque, near its steps, lies the Tomb of Allama Iqbal, the poet-philosopher of the East. The mausoleum is a blend of Afghan and Moorish styles of architecture and is constructed entirely of red sandstone which was quarried and brought from Rajasthan.

Noor Jehan's Tomb

The Empress Nur Jehan, "Light of the World", was the only empress whose name appeared on the coins of the Mughal empire. She was buried in 1845 AD at Shahdara (Lahore) outside Jehangir's mausoleum across the railway line.

Qutub-ud-Din Aibak

He was appointed Governor of India in 1191 AD by Muhammad Ghauri. He established the Slave Dynasty on the death of Muhammad Ghauri in 1206 when he assumed independence of his reign and was followed by nine other slave kings. He was a patron of the building art and is known to have erected some monumental stone buildings in Delhi and elsewhere. A very avid player of polo, he died in Lahore in 1210 AD while playing the game. His tomb can be visited in Anarkali Bazaar.

Tomb of Asif Khan

In the courtyard near Jehangir tomb lies buried his brother-in-law, Asif Khan, father of Shah Jehan's beloved Queen Arjumand Bano. He lies in a tomb that today shows little of its former splendor.

Shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajvery

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13 Gates of Lahore

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The shrine of this renowned saint of Lahore (d. 1071 C.E.), is close to the junction of the Lower Mall and the Circular Road. Data Sahib was a great Sufi saint whose well-known work, "Kashf-ul-Mahjub" has been translated from original Persian into several European languages and is considered a classic. His grave is surrounded by a beautiful mosque.

Raushnai Gate

The Raushnai Gate, or the "Gate of Light" is between the royal mosque and the citadels.

Kashmiri Gate

The Kashmiri Gate is so called because it faces the direction of Kashmir.

Masti Gate

The Masti Gate is not the actual name but is rather twisted and pronounced instead of "Masjidi," which means a mosque.

The Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate

The Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate. As already noted, the river in former times flowed by the city walls, and the ferry was near this spot. The gate was, therefore, named Khizri, after the name of Khizr Elias, the patron saint, according to the Mahomedan belief, of running waters and streams, and the discoverer of the water of immortality.

Yakki Gate

The Yakki Gate. The original name was "Zaki," which was derived from the name of a martyr saint, who, according to tradition, fell fighting against the Moghal infidels from the north, while gallantly defending his city

Dehli Gate

The Dehli Gate is so called because of its opening on to the highway from Lahore to Delhi.

Mochi Gate

The Mochi Gate is the name wrongly pronounced. It was name was actually Moti meaning a pearl. It was called so after the name of Moti Ram, an officer of Akbar, who resided here at that time.

Shah 'Almi Gate

The Shah 'Almi Gate was named after Mohomed Mo'azzam Shah 'Alam Bahadur Shah (the son and successor of Aurangzeb). He was a mild and generous Emperor, who died in Lahore on the 28th February 1712.

Lahori Gate

The Lahori Gate also known as the Lohari gate has been named after the city of Lahore.

Mori Gate

The Mori Gate is the smallest of the gateways and as its name implies, was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings of the city.

The Mori Gate

The Mori Gate is the smallest of the gateways and as its name implies, was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings of the city.

Bhatti Gate

The Bhatti Gate was named after the Bhatis, an ancient Rajput tribe who inhabited these quarters in old times.

Taxali Gate

The Taxali Gate was named after the Taxal or royal mint, that used to be in its neighborhood during the period of the Mahomedan Emperors.

Mosques in Lahore

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Badshahi Masjid

The Imperial or the Badshahi Mosque is across the courtyard from Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort. The Mosque, which is made up entirely of red sandstone was built by Emperor Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughals, in a record time of two and-a-half years. Its construction was completed by 1674 AD.

It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers. The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.

Golden Mosque or Sunehri Masjid

The founder of the mosque was Nawab Shah Bhikari Khan, son of Raushan-ud-Daula Turrabaz Khan, deputy governor of Lahore during the reign of Muhammad Shah and the viceroyalty of Mir Noin-ul-Malik. Golden Mosque is situated in the Kashmiri Bazaar. It was built in 1753 AD. It is remarkably beautiful with three golden domes. The mosque is elevated on a higher plinth, surrounded by old bazaars. Because of its color the mosque glitters in the sunshine as if it is a golden miniature place to bow before the Almighty Allah.

It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers. The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.

Pearl Mosque

Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque, beyond the audience hall, was for the exclusive use of royal ladies. It is carved from marble having the luster of pearls. Nearby "Naulakha", a marble pavilion is inlaid with floral motifs and precious gems.

Wazir Khan's Mosque

Wazir Khan's Mosque is in the old city, 300 meters from Delhi Gate. This unique mosque is one of the most beautiful in Pakistan. It was built in 1634 by Hakim Ali-ud-din, popularly known as Wazir Khan, who was governor of the area during the reign of Shah Jahan. The Mosque is justifiably famous for the colorful fresco and tile decoration which adorns both the interior and exterior of the building

Gardens and Parks

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Hiran Minar

Hiran Minar is set in peaceful environs near Lahore. Hiran means deer. It used to be favorite hunting sport of all Muslim kings, especially of Moghals. Jehangir erected this minaret to commemorate the death of his pet deer (Maans Raaj). It served a double purpose as from it top the hunters could locate the habitations of deers. It is a beautiful picnic as well as a historic spot. A high Bara Dari Ghat is constructed right in middle of a Talab. A man made big lake, boating facility is also available. A good garden lay out is surrounding the place.

Shalimar Gardens

Three miles east of Lahore are the famous Shalimar Gardens laid out by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in 1642 AD. The Gardens are spread out in typical Mughal style and are surrounded by high walls with watch towers at the four corners. Originally, the gardens were spread over seven ascending terraces, but only three remain now, which cover an area of about 42 acres.

Chhanga Manga

Chhanga Manga is a man-made forest 68 kms from Lahore. There is a lake, and a miniature railway, which winds its way through its forest. Chhanga Manga has 12,510 acres of plantations. It is a popular picnic spot spread over 50 acres with a lake and rowboats, motorboats, children's park, swimming pool, cafeteria, canteen and rest houses.

Bagh-e-Jinnah

Bagh-e-Jinnah was formerly known as Lawrence Gardens. It is opposite to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is amongst the biggest gardens of Lahore.

Jallo Park

The Park is 28 kms from Lahore. It can be visited by road and by rail. A rail car leaves for Jallo Railway Station every half hour. Spread over an area of 450 acres it has expanses of lawns, a forest research center, a children's park, zoo, a small museum and a gift shop.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park

Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Allama Iqbal Town.

Iqbal Park

Iqbal Park is around Minar-e-Pakistan.

Model Town Park

Model Town Park in Model Town.

Race Course Park

Situated on Jail Road, Race Course Park deservedly attracts not only town dwellers but visitors as well.

Museums in Lahore

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Lahore Museum

This museum was established during the British Raj in 1864. It displays a complete cross-section of the Culture and History of the region with rare and best collection of the Buddhist art from the Gandhara Period, Islamic artifacts, Calligraphy, Old Manuscripts, Arms, Costumes and Jewelry.

Fakir Khana Museum

A very large and interesting private Museum known as Faqirkhana lies inside the Bhatti Gate and is worth visiting. The museum houses a variety of old paintings, including some by great masters, original manuscripts in different languages and artifacts from South East Asia and the Indo-Pak sub-continent.

Shakir Ali Museum

This museum was actually Shakir's House at 93, Tipu Block, New Garder Town, Lahore, which he made for himself. After his death it was bought by Idara-I-Saqafat-e-Pakistan and formally turned into a museum on April 3rd, 1976. The idea behind it was not only to preserve the great artist's paintings and other masterpieces under one roof but also to open this combination of modern and traditional archietecture to the public.

Mughal Museum

Situated at Poonch house, Multan Road, Lahore it was established in 1950. This is an Industrial and commercial Museum, which is meant to depict country's economic resources both in the form of raw products and worked objects. Its collection is arranged in one gallery and one large hall of the building. The main hall displays a range of variety of material such as well plated musical instruments, table lamps of camel skin from Multan and Bhawalpur, cotton, silken-woolen and embroidered textiles from all important cites of Pakistan.

University of The Punjab

Lahore is the seat of University of the Punjab (1882), which is the oldest university in Pakistan. At one end of The Mall stands the University - perhaps the largest center of education in Asia. The city has built a new Campus in the quieter environments on the Canal Bank, but the old University buildings are still functioning.

Lahore Zoo

Located in the heart of the town and set in modern style is the Lahore zoo founded in 1872. It is one of the oldest Zoos in the sub continent. The material used in some of the construction even bears the marks of 1853. The Lahore zoo attracts a large crowd throughout the year. Driving along the Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, just ahead of the charring cross and opposite to the WAPDA House is the main gate of the Zoo.

Wagah
Pakistan-India Border

This check-post is about 30 kms from Lahore and is the cross-over point for travelers into India by the land route. It is open daily to foreigners only (except Indian and Pakistani nationals) from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. PST

Summit Minar

In front of the Punjab Assembly Hall stands a sleek column known as the Summit Minar. This was erected in distinction of staging the second Islamic Summit in 1974.

Kalam

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Tourism sites

Fifty kilometers from Miandam lies Kalam, the heart of the Swat valley. Located along the Swat River, Kalam is by far the most popular destination in these parts. The PTDC Motel overlooks the entire Kalam Township. The panoramic view is simply breath taking and the ideal place to see it is from the Motel restaurant, famous for its traditional food.

A days’ excursion to the charming Ushu and Gabral valleys can be conveniently arranged. Visit to Mohodand Lake is a lifetime experience.

Tel: 0936-830014/830235

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The Valley

A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away, north-east of the Hazara district of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience.

Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in unbelievable pristine state, and unspoiled paradise. That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan. The Valley extends for 155 kms. Rising from an elevation of 2,134 metres to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173 metres. Kaghan is at its best in the summer months (May to September). In May the temperature is: maximum 11 C and the minimum 3 C. From the middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran, snow-bound throughout the winter, is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon season also.

Drive to Kaghan, you switch over at Balakot to a jeep. Your first stop is 34 kms. away at Shogran at 2,362 metres above sea level. At Kaghan, the little village that gives the valley its name-61 kms. from Balakot- you get down to stretch your legs.

How to Get There?

The Kaghan Valley is accessible by road from Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Peshawar.You can drive in your own or a rented car, taxi, station-wagon or bus to Abbottabad which is 122 kms. from Rawalpindi and 217 kms. from Peshawar. Abbottabad is a charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.

Balakot

From there you drive 72 kms. to Balakot, the gateway to the Kaghan Valley. Balakot has the shrines of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Ismail Shaheed Brelvi, the South Asia great freedom fighters.

Kawai

13 miles away from Balakot to Kaghan is Kawai in these 13 miles you'll reach the altitude of 4000 feet starting from 3000 feet which means that you have covered 1000 feet of altitude in just 13 miles. The main place here to visit is Shogran, which is 5 miles jeepable trek now in these 5 miles you'll go up another 3000 feet. Now you are 7000 feet above the sea level and rightly so because Shogran means "Forest in the sky". You'll be able to view the some of the lofty peaks from here which are " Moosa Ka Musalla " and " Makra "having height of 14000 feet, and Malika-e-Parbat (Queen of the Mountains) (17000 feet). Then comes Mahandri village the altitude here is 5,800 feet now the landscape and the scene changes here and becomes wilder the river Mahandri is still with you but you'll feel it much closer to you. Another 11 miles from here is the village Kaghan at 7000 feet is the wonderland here river is 800 feet below the road.

Babusar Pass

The Kaghan Valley is blocked at the end by high mountains but a pass lets the jeep-able road snake over into the Chilas Valley. This is the 4,173 metres high Babusar Pass which commands the whole Kaghan panorama as well as gives you, on a clear day, glimpses of the Nanga Parbat (The Naked Mountain) glistening at 8, 126 metres.

Lake Saiful Maluk

Lake Saiful Muluk has a touch of the unreal about it, nestling 3,200 metres high in the shadow of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains) 5,291 metres high. You can go boating on the lake and hear the local legend about Prince Saiful Muluk who fell in love with a fairy. Further up are quaint woodland villages; Battakundi, Burawai, Besal Gittidas and Lalazar.

Malkandi Forest

Malkandi Forest is 8 miles on the western slopes of Kaghan is Kamalban, a heavily populated forest of black bears and leopards, which do incalculable harm to the crops and young trees. Killing a bear is a big game and you'll get reward for shooting down a bear from forest officer as well as from the peasants. Besides these you'll be able to find Muskdeer, thar and goral, Chikore and Himalayan pheasants all over the valley. And if you'll go a little higher you'll be able to find red bear, snow leopard and ibex and occasionally a snow partridge or Ram Chikore or Murgh-I-Zarrin.

Lulu Sar Lake

Lulu Sar Lake is 48 kilometers away from Naran, on Naran-Babusar road is Lulu Sar Lake which is wreathed in blue and gold wild flowers, and is the main source of river Kunhar.

Angling

Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown Trout and Mahasher are stocked in the pure silvery waters of Kunhur river between Kaghan and Naran. The Kunhar river trout is considered the best in the South Asia Fishing licenses are issued by either the Fisheries Department at Naran or the Trout Hatchery at Shinu.

Where to Stay

There is the comfortably furnished PTDC Motel Complex at Naran and Balakot, beside hotels and reasonably priced rest-houses.

What To Buy

Kaghan is noted for its artistically-carved walnut handicrafts, embroidered shawls, shirts, woolen blankets and "namdas" (woolen felt rugs).

Daman-e-Koh

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A low hill overlooking Islamabad is known as Daman-e-Koh. It offers panoramic view of Islamabad. The place is ideal for afternoon and evening outing.

Murghzar Mini Zoo and Children's Park

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Murghzar Mini Zoo is located at the foot of Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. A display corner of Pakistan Museum of Natural History and a Japanese style children's park have also been established near the Zoo. The Park is a gift to Pakistani children from the children of Japan.

Shakarparian Hills

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Shakarparian Hills are situated near Zero Point at a height of about 609 meters. Its terraced garden offer pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Snack Bar facility is also available.
Fatima Jinnah Park

The entire sector of F-9 is being developed as an attractive urban park, which will have a profusion of lakes, rock gardens, aquariums, fountains etc. It has been named after Miss Fatima Jinnah, sister of the founder of Pakistan.

Margalla Pass

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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.

Art Galleries

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Idara Saqafat-e-Pakistan

Idara Saqafat-e-Pakistan also known as the Pakistan National Council of the Arts runs two art galleries. First the National Gallery which is located at House # 77, Street # 48, F-7/4, Islamabad. Here contemporary Pakistani art is on permanent display besides revolving exhibitions and paintings available for sale.

Children Art Plaza

It is situated at # 77, School Road, F-7/4, Islamabad, where Children's art is on display and regular art classes are held for children.

Islamabad Sports Complex

A Sports Complex comprising of Liaquat Gymnasium for indoor games and Jinnah Stadium for outdoor games has been built with the Chinese assistance. It is located on Shahra-e-Kashmir near Aabpara. Regular national and international sports events are held in the Complex.

Museums

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Lok Virsa

The Lok Virsa also known as the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage works towards preserving the living folk and traditional culture of Pakistan. This Folk Heritage Museum, located near Shakarparian Hills, has a large display of embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work. Traditional architecture facades exhibiting such skills as fresco, mirror work, marble inlay, tile's mosaic and stucco tracery are also displayed. Lok Virsa Heritage Reference Library is equipped with resource data on ethnography, anthropology, folk music, art, history and crafts.

Pakistan Museum of Natural History

This Museum of Natural History is located opposite the Women's College on College Road in F-7/2, Commercial Area. The Museum depicts early human history, geology, and wildlife of Pakistan. The exhibits are of particular interest to students and children.

Islamabad Museum

Islamabad museum presents a long historic sequence of the land where Pakistan is situated today. Pakistan has been a seat of the world's leading civilizations from the time immemorial. There is plenty of evidence to support this argument now on display in Islamabad Museum. For example, 20 million years old fossil remains, 2 million years old man-made stone tools, 7000 years old early human settlements, which lead to the world famous Indus Civilization, Gandhara Grave Culture and Gandhara art, early Islamic settlement and Mughal period, their art and craft.

Fatima Jinnah University for Women, Rawalpindi

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Fatima Jinnah Women University is named in commemoration of the contributions made by "Madr-e-Millat" to the cause of women emancipation. It is housed in a building which was old presidency and it is through this University that our heritage has been beautifully interlinked with the education of women for next millennium. The building has an architectural splendor. This gift to the nation, its daughters, and their families has been conceived and presented in an outstanding academic as well as architectural environment. As it stands, it is a symbol of the commitment of the nation to women's Education.

University Of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi

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In Pakistan, since its independence in 1947, the emphasis has been on irrigated agriculture, while rain fed agriculture remained neglected. With rapid increase in population, the irrigated areas failed to provide sufficient food requirements and it became imperative to find out ways to make use of the huge part of cultivable land in the rained region. In the 1970s, the Government of Pakistan constituted a Barani Commission to review and recommend measures for the development of rained Agriculture and uplift of the poor masses through education, research and development of technology and manpower. Pursuant to the recommendation of the Barani Commission, the Government of Punjab established Barani Agricultural College, Rawalpindi that was later upgraded to the level of university in 1994.

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

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The National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

NUST was founded in 1991.And try to their Best to latterate People.

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

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The National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

NUST was founded in 1991.And try to their Best to latterate People.

International Islamic University (IIU), Islamabad

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International Islamic University (IIU)

International Islamic University (IIU) was founded in November 1980 and is located in the vicinity of Shah Faisal Mosque. President of Pakistan is the Chancellor. This University aims at re-constructing human thought in all its forms on the foundations of Islam.

Quaid-e-Azam University (QUA)

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Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU)

Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) was established in 1965 in Islamabad. President of Pakistan is the Chancellor. The University offers postgraduate degrees.

Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad

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Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)

This University (AIOU) was established in 1974 as People's Open University and was renamed as Allama Iqbal Open University in 1977. It is in sector H-8. President of Pakistan is the Chancellor of the University. This University is a Semi-Governmental/State-owned enterprise. The University offers doctorate, master, degree, diploma and certificate programs.

Pir Meher Ali Shah (Golra Sharif)

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Shrine of Syed Meher Ali Shah (Golra Sharif)

The shrine of Syed Meher Ali Shah of Golra Sharif is located 18 km from Rawalpindi, in sector E-11 of Islamabad. He was descendant of a Syed family and had links with Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani of Baghdad. He was born in 1859, preached and spread the message of Islam during the turbulent times in South Asia. He also wrote beautiful prose and poetry in Persian, Arabic and Punjabi languages, mostly in praise of God and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He died on May 11, 1937. His mausoleum was recently reconstructed. Devotees assemble here on the occasion of annual Urs.

Pir Meher Ali Shah (Golra Sharif)

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Shah Abdul Latif (Bari Imam Surkar)

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Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif (Barri Imam)

Nurpur Shahan, a village situated at the foot of Margalla Hills, near Quaid-e-Azam University, is famous for the mirror-studded shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, popularly known as Bari Imam. The shrine was originally built on the order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The death anniversary (Urs) of Bari Imam is observed in the first week of May beginning Monday through Thursday with lots of festivities representing the culture of Potohar and attracts people from all over the country.

Shah Faisal Mosque, Islamabad

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Shah Faisal Mosque

This beautiful mosque was designed by a renowned Turkish Architect, Vedat Dalokay and named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. It is spread over an area of 1,89,705 sq. meters with 88 meters high minarets and 40 meters high main prayer hall. The main prayer hall has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 persons while the covered porticos and verandahs can take over 24,000 people. The main courtyard has space for 40,000 people.

Hunza, A very Beautiful Place

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Hunza

Tourism sites

Ninety Kilometer and 2-½ hours traveling time from Gilgit, lies Ganesh, directly under Karimabad, the principal town of the Hunza valley. Spreading over the mountain, opposite the world famous Rakaposhi Peak in Nagar across Hunza, Karimabad is renowned for the Altit and Baltit Forts, built by the rulers of this former princely state.

The panoramic view of the KKH and the valley of Nagar across the river, PTDC Motel situated in its very center, is absolutely stunning. From the PTDC Motel one can take a day’s trip to Nagar valley overlooking the magnificent Hoper Glacier.

The village of Passu adjacent to the Passu Glacier can also be visited in a day’s trip. The PTDC Motel offers comfortable rooms with its excellent restaurant (serving both local and western cuisine) and the fairy tale view of Rakaposhi Peak on a moonlit night. The Motel also offers Rent-a-Jeep, Telephone, Dish Antenna and Laundry facilities.

Tel: 0572-77069

Hassan Abdal, A tourist Place

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Hasan Abdal

Tourism sites

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 hand print 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 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.

Rohtas Fort is 109 km from Rawalpindi. It is located about 6 km south-west 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. During rainy season, you need a four-wheel-drive to cross the river. The fort is one of the most impressive historical monument 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.

Harrapa, A Historical Place

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Harappa

Tourism sites
This was the first of the Indus Valley Civilisation sites to be discovered, but in size and condition it is inferior to Moenjodaro.

Located 186 km south-west of Lahore, Harappa is reached via the station at Sahiwal, formerly known as Montgomery.

Situated beside an earlier course of the Ravi River, Harappa was discovered in 1920/21, but through the ages the site was quarried for bricks and most of the buildings so far excavated are in poor condition.

Like Moenjodaro the excavations have revealed a series of cities, stacked one upon another.

The site, with its citadel and great granary, seems similar in many ways to Moenjodaro and like its southern sister-city appear to have thrived around 2000 to 1700 BC with an economy based largely on agriculture and trade.

The Harappan society seems to have been egalitarian, pursuing a rather simple way of life.

The cementeries discovered at Harappa confirm that the Indus Valley people buried their bead, many of them wearing finger rings, necklaces of steatite beads, anklets of paste bead, earnings and shell bangles.

Copper mirrors, antimony rods, sheer spoons and vessels and urns of various shapes and size lay in the graves. Some of the female skeletons had anklets of tiny beads and girdles studded with some-precious stones. Excavations have recalled evidence of some pre-Harappa material which shows strong affinity with the Kot Diji finds.

On display at the Museum are excavated material, including terracotta toys, gamesman, jewellery, animal figurines, bronze utensils statuettes etc.

Places in Bahawalpur City

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Places To Visit

Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is 889 kms from Karachi. The founder of the state of Bahawalpur was Nawab Bahawal Khan Abbasi I. The Abbasi family ruled over the State for more than 200 years (1748 to 1954).

During the rule of the last Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, Bahawalpur State was merged with Pakistan in 1954. Bahawalpur was formerly the capital of the state and now is the District and Divisional Headquarters of Bahawalpur Division.

Places In Bahawalpur

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 Daniel Issacs on March 8, 1924 to mark the installation of Late Nawab of Bahawalpur, Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V. The Central Library was established in 1947 in this building. It has a vast collection of books and manuscripts. It is one of the best libraries in Pakistan and visited by students and scholars from within the country and abroad.

Bahawalpur Museum

Bahawalpur has a modest museum having 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 carving etc. of Islamic and pre-Islamic period. There is a complete set of medals of all classes issued by the ex-state to its military officers/civilians and to other important citizens of the ex-State.

The Zoological Garden

The zoological garden of Bahawalpur is considered to be one of best in the country. Spread over an area of 25 acres 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 an aquarium and a good collection of stuffed rare birds and animals.

Adamwahan Bridge

Bahawalpur is also the site of the Adamwahan (Empress) Bridge, the only railway bridge over the Sutlej River in Pakistan.

Palaces

Two of the three palaces of the Nawabs - the Nur Mahal and Gulzar Mahal - are located in Bahawalpur.

An Italian-style Nur Mahal palace of the ex-rulers of Bahawalpur, a small museum, and Gulzar Mahal, which presents beautiful synthesis of traditional and Islamic architecture, are worth seeing.

Patt

East of Bahawalpur is the Patt, or Bar, a tract of land considerably higher than the adjoining valley. It is chiefly desert irrigated by the Sutlej inundation canals and yields crops of wheat, cotton, and sugarcane.

Dring Stadium

Bahawalpur has one of the best Stadiums in Pakistan having fine cricket ground, two football grounds, one basketball ground and six lawn tennis courts and a covered swimming pool. The hockey stadium is considered to be the second best in the country after Karachi stadium. It can accommodate 13,000 people. It is at this stadium that the great Hanif Muhammad known as the 'little master' in cricket made 499 not out in first class cricket, which remained an unbeaten record in the world for a very long 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 here annually.

Jamia Masjid Al-Sadiq

It was made by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V at the elevation of more than 12 feet from earth. It can house 50,000 to 60,000 people at a time, during the Eid festivals. It is a well reputed mosque in Pakistan.

Educational Institutions

The city is the seat of several educational institutions such as:

» Islamia University established in 1975
» Quaid-e Azam Medical College
» Sadiq Public School (SPS)
» Sadiq Egerton College
» Other Govt. Institutes (Schools and Colleges)
» In fact, Bahawalpur is an important agricultural training and educational center.

Bahawalpur, A Historical City

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Places Around Bahawalpur

Cholistan

Farther east, the Rohi, or Cholistan, is a barren desert tract, bounded on the north and west by the Hakra depression with ruins of old settlements along its high banks; it is still inhabited by nomads. It is at a distance of 30 km. from Bahawalpur. The word 'Cholistan' is derived from the word 'cholna' which means moving.

It covers an area of about 16,000 square km and extends into the Thar Desert of India. The region was once watered by the Hakra River, known as the Saravati in vedic times.

At one time there were 400 forts in the area and archaeological finds around the Darawar Fort, the only place with a perennial waterhole.

The average annual rainfall is only 12 cm, and the little cultivation is made possible by underground wells, drawn up by the camels. The water is stored in troughs, built by the tribes, between sandhills and din waterholes called tobas.

The forts here were built at 29 km intervals, which probably served as guard posts for the camel caravan routes. There were three rows of these forts. the first line of forts began from Phulra and ended in Lera, the second from Rukhanpur to Islamgarh, and the third from Bilcaner to Kapoo. They are all in ruins now, and you can see that they were built with double walls of gypsum blocks and mud. Some of them date back to 1000 BC, and were destroyed and rebuilt many times. Cholistan also boasts of many old forts such as Derawar,Vingrot, Banwar, Marcot, Wilhar, Maujgharh, Mao, Phuira and Din-gharh etc.

Derawar Mosque

Also worth visiting is the Derawar Mosque, which is 100 years old and is built with white marble stone. The Derawar mosque of marble is a thing of beauty, an exact replica of the Moti Masjid of the Red Fort of Delhi.

Channan Pir

From Bahawalpur at a distance of 1 hour drive is Channan Pir in Cholistan desert. Channan Pir is a shrine of a Muslim saint, which lies in the desert between Derawar and Din Gargh Forts.

Burial Ground

Another interesting place worth visiting here is the Nawab Family burial ground where many of the old Nawabs and their families are buried. The tomb here is attractive, built with marble and decorated with blue glazed style.

Uch Sharif

Uch Sharif, 75 km from Bahawalpur is a very old town. It is believed that it came into existence way back in 500 BC. Some historians believe that Uch was there even before the advent of Bikramajit when Jains and Buddhist ruled over the sub-continent. At the time of the invasion by Alexander the Great, Uch was under Hindu rule.

The surviving shrines, sanctuaries, cemeteries, and mausoleums, including the Bibi Jawandi tomb, incorporate glazed tile and brick revetments, lime plaster panels, terra-cotta embellishments, brick structural walls laid in earth mortars, and ingenious corner tower buttresses. The famous shrines existing at Uch include those of Hazrat Bahawal Haleem, Hazrat Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari, Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht, Shaikh Saifuddin Ghazrooni and Bibi Jawanadi. The shrine of Bibi Jawandi is a Central Asian design, titled in the blue and white faience.

Uch is a small town today and divided into three different quarters known as:

(i) Uch Bukhari, after Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari Surkhposh
(ii) Uch Jilani, after the name of Hazrat Shaikh Mohammad Ghaus Qadri Jilani (Bandagi), who came from Halab in 887 AH
(iii) Uch Mughlan after the Mughal rulers.

Mosque at Bhong

Bhong Mosque is in the Rahim Yar Khan district and is about 200 km from Bahawalpur. This mosque was built by Rais Ghazi, a local landlord of Bhong. Gold leaves have been used for the intricate decorative work in the mosque which has made it famous. It is a site worth visiting for its beauty and the stylish calligraphic work.

Lal Suhanra National Park

This park is ideal for recreation, education or research but shooting is forbidden. This park, 36 km to the east of Bahawalpur is a combination of a natural lake and forest. It covers an area of 77,480 acres of land and is spread over on both sides of Bahawalpur canal. It has watch-towers, catching ground, tourist huts, rest house, camping grounds, TDCP Resort and treks for the visitors and lovers of nature. Hog deer, ravine deer, black buck and nilgai are common. Fox, jackals, hares, porcupines, mongoose, larks, owls and hawks are also found. Wild boars are in large number in the forest areas.

Sadiq Garh Palace

In Ahmadpur East is situated another palace called Sadiq Garh Palace. It is in the use of the ex-royal family's descendants. This palace can be termed as the prettiest of the other palaces and is embellished with most delicate and intricate paintings. It displays chandeliers and a collection of carpets, coming from all over the world, apart from armaments of European and Asian make and a number of other gifts that must have been showered on the ex-royal family of Bahawalpur from time to time.

Dera Nawab Sahib

The palaces of the Amirs are located mainly in Dera Nawab Saheb at a distance of 22 miles from Bahawalpur; while, Derawar was the ancestral seat of the rulers of Bahawalpur. It is the gateway to Cholistan, which comprises 1,000 square miles.

Panjnad Head Works

Panjnad is located 12 km. away from Uch Sharif where all the five rivers of Punjab meet. It is a nice picnic spot with scenic beauty.

Forts

The old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 km. from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort are considered to be antiquities. A place outside the Marot Fort is known as 'Baithuk Maula Ali'. The tomb of 'Naugaza' is located in the Munde Shahid Fort.

Some Shrines

Other shrines of Bahawalpur region are that of

» Khawaja Noor Muhammad known as Qibla-e-Alam at Chistian
» Shrine of another saint at Chachran
» Shrine of Hazrat Mohkam Din known as 'Sahib-us-Sair' (great traveler) at Khanqah Sharif, 20 km. from Bahawalpur.

Pattan Minara

8 km. east of Rahim Yar Khan railway station is an extensive site of ruins known as 'Pattan Minara'. There is a tower in the center of four smaller towers at this place, which are believed to have been a Buddhist Monastery.

Bhutta Wahan

It is 15 km. from Rahim Yar Khan. It is believed to be the birthplace of 'Sassi', one of the legendary lovers. Also it is believd to be the birthplace of 'Abu-ul-Fazal and Faizi', the sons of Mullah Mubarak and famous courtiers of Akbar the Great. But nobody knows the exact history of this place precisely.

Musafir Khana

It is at a distance of 30 km. from Bahawalpur. There are seven tombs known as 'Ali Ashab'. These tombs are said to be of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A fair is held in the village in the month of May (Jeth) and on Fridays in the month of June (Har).

Wildlife

Hog deer, ravine deer, black buck and blue bull are common. Fox, jackals, hares, porcupines, mongoose, arks, owls and hawks are also found. Wild boars are found in large numbers in the forest areas.

Bazaars of Bahawalpur

The main shopping centers of Bahawalpur are Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and the Mall.

Chitral, A Tourist site

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Chitral

Tourism sites

Traveling from Swat via Chakdara and Dir, over the Lowari Pass which is snowbound in winter, one reaches Chitral in 8 to 9 hours from Saidu Sharif. The flying time between Chitral and Peshawar is 40 minutes with two flights daily. The valley of Chitral has a lot to offer and is a popular destination with both foreign and domestic tourists. Lying in the shadow of majestic Tirich Mir Peak, Chitral is home to the famous valleys of the Kalash, Barir, Bumburet, Rambur in the South West and the hot springs at Garam Chashma in the North East. Chitral is linked with Gilgit via Mastuj and the famous Shandur Pass, venue for the world’s only annual Polo Festival at 12,500 feet above sea level.

The PTDC Motel at Chitral is located in the center of the city with well-furnished, comfortable rooms and a restaurant offering Pakistani and western cuisine. The Motel also offers Rent-a-Jeep, Telephone, Fax, Satellite TV and Laundry facilities.

Once in PTDC Motel, you will love to come again. Visit to Kalash Valley, Garam Chashma, Birmoglasht and Mastuj valleys is an experience to be remembered for long.

Tel: 0933-412683 Fax: 0933-412722

Dams and Lakes in and around Rawalpindi/Islamabad

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Dams And Lakes In And Around

Rawalpindi/Islamabad

Khanpur Dam, Mangla Dam, Misriot Dam, Rawal Lake, Simli Dam, Tarbela Dam.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful Locations in Islamabad

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Beautiful locations

Cappital City Islamabad

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Pakistan's new Capital ISLAMABAD nestles against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills at the northern end of Pothowar Plateau. 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. There are rarely crowds or traffic jams and few narrow lanes or slums; the walkways are shaded & safe and seperated from the traffic by rows of flame trees, jacarnda and hibiscus. Rosed, Jasmine & bougainvillea fill the parks and scenic viewpoints shoe the city to its best advantage.

The city is divided into eight basic zones Administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors. commercial areas, rural and green areas. Each sector has its own shopping area and public park.

Islamabad today is the heart and soul of Pakistan, a city which symbolizes the aspirations of a young and dynamic nation that looks forward to a glorious future for its people, a city which welcomes modern ides but at the same time recognizes and cherishes its traditional values and its past history.

Pakistan time Zone

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Pakistan Standard Time is GMT plus 5 hours. It gets dark at about 5 p.m. in winter and at 7.30 p.m. in summer

Religions in Pakistan

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Muslims 97%
Hindu 1.5%
Cristian 1%
Others 0.5%

Electercity

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In Pakistan Voltage of Electricity is

220 V

50 Hz AC

Driving In Pakistan

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All traffic in Pakistan runs on the left side. International or own national license is valid. All vehicles must be insured and registered. Minimum age for driving is 18 years. Speed limit is 65 km/h at most roads and Highways and 120 km/h on Motorways.

Business hours

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BANKS:
Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 09:00 - 13:30 Friday: 09:00 - 12:30
Government Departments
Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 08:00 - 15:00 Friday: 08:00 - 12:00
Private Business:
Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00 Friday: 09:00 - 12:00
Weekly Holiday:
Sunday is weekly holiday. Shorter hours during Ramadan (fasting month) are observed throughout Pakistan

Langueges in Pakistan

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National Language: Urdu

Official Language: English

Main Regional Languages: Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi, Pashto,Saraiqi
and kashmiree

Newspapers Of Pakistan

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There are thousent,s of newspapers and magzines in Pakistan.Top news
-papers are....
              Daily Jang Pakistan                        http://www.jang.com.pk/
              Daily Nawa-i-waqt Pakistan       http://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/
              Daily Khabrain Pakistan                http://www.khabrain.com.pk/
              Daily Express Pakistan                  http://www.express.com.pk/
and English Newspapers are
               Daily Nation Pakistan                    http://nation.com.pk/
               Daily Dawn Pakistan                     http://www.dawn.com/
               Daily Frointier Post                       http://frontierpost.com.pk/
These and many other newspapers are published in daily and weekly
Popular Magzines are
               Monthely Akhabar-e-Jahan         http://www.akhbar-e-jehan.com/
               Monthely Family                            http://www.family.nawa-i-waqt.com.pk

Entertainment

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Telecast entertainment programmes of music, plays/dramas and stage shows/talks from 05 TV Stations; Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. PTV has also started Ptv World which can be viewed in the Middle East and South Asia. A private Channel, Shalimar Television Network (STN), besides telecast of similar programmes, also re-telecast programmes of BBC, CNN, TNT Movies etc.
Many other Private TV channels are providing the entertainment and news information. News
channels like Geo, ARY and Aaj are very popular. Geo Sooper and many other news channels are
providing entertainment to the people.

Weather Of Pakistan

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Pakistan has well defined seasons; Winter (December - February), Spring (March - April), Summer (May - September) and Autumn (October - November). During summer in central and southern parts of the country, the temperature may go as high as 45C. However, the Northern regions have very pleasant weather during summers. Between July and August, the monsoon brings an average 38 to 51 cm of rain to plains and 152 to 203 cm in lower Himalayan valleys of Murree, Kaghan, Swat and Azad Kashmir.

Currency Of Pakistan

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Exchange Rates:
Pakistan observes floating exchange rate system.

US$ 1 = Rs. 60.00 (August 2007)
Credit Cards:
American Express, Master Card, Visa Card are the most widely accepted card.
Travellers Cheques:
Generally accepted at most banks, 4 and 5-star hotels and major shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Notes:
Basic unit of currency is Rupee which divides into 100 Paisa. Currency notes of 5000,1000, 500, 100, 50 ,20 and 10 rupees are in use. Coins of 5 ,2 and 1 rupeese are in circulation.

Postal Service in Pakistan

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Postcards:
Approx. US$ 0.37
Airmail letters:
from US$0.41, depending on weight.
Mail boxes are yellow.

Airmail ExpressUrgent Mail ServiceLocal Express Delivery ServiceInternational Speed PostFax MailInternational Fax MailFax Money Order ServiceUrgent Money Order Service,Postal Draft Service and Saving Bank Mobile Account, are being offered by Pakistan Post Office.
PAKISTAN POST

Geography Of Pakistan

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Government Of Pakistan

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Pakistan is an Islamic Republic. It has four provinces; Balochistan, North West Frontier (NWFP), Punjab and Sindh. In addition to provinces, are the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Pakistan has a federal structure. Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate.
Members of the National Assembly are directly elected on adult franchise basis and their term of office is 05 years. The National Assembly determines the major policy issues and passes annual budget and legislation. It elects the Prime Minister from among its members. The Prime Minister forms his/her cabinet from among members of the National Assembly and the Senate. Provinces have their own elected legislative assemblies and Chief Ministers. Majority of the members of the Senate are elected by the Provincial Assemblies.Note Please:For the current Government Structure, Please Visit http://www.pak.gov.pk/

History Of Pakistan

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Pakistan traces its history back to 2,500 years B.C., when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. Excavations at Harrappa, Moenjodaro, Kot Diji and Mehr Garh have brought to light, the evidence of an advanced civilization existing even in more ancient times. Around 1,500 B.C., the Aryans overwhelmed this region and influenced the Hindu civilization, whose centre moved to Ganges valley, further east. Later, the Persians occupied the northern region in the 5th century B.C. up to the 2nd century AD. The Greeks came in 327 B.C., under Alexander of Macedonia, and passed away like a meteor. In 712 AD, the Arabs, led by Muhammad Bin Qasim, landed somewhere near modern Karachi and ruled the lower half of Pakistan for 200 years. During this time, Islam took roots in the soil and influenced the life, culture and traditions of the people.

In the 10th century AD, began the systematic conquest of South Asia by the Muslims from Central Asia, who ruled here up to the 18th century. Then the British came and ruled for nearly 100 years over what is Pakistan now.

Independence Movement

The Muslim revival began towards the end of the last century when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a renowned Muslim leader and educationist, launched a movement for intellectual renaissance of the Muslims of South Asia. In 1930, the well-known poet-philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, conceived the idea of a separate state for the Muslims of South Asia. In 1940, a resolution was adopted by the All-India Muslim League, demanding a separate independent home land for the Muslims. After 07 years of un-tiring struggle under the brilliant leadership of Quaid-e-Azam (the great leader) Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan emerged on the world map as a sovereign state, on 14th August, 1947.
CHRONOLOGY OF IMPORTANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
This is the summary of important historical events of the subcontinent.

Ancient Empires

3000-1500 B.C. Harappan culture in the Indus Valley and elsewhere
500-500 B.C.Migrations of Aryan-speaking tribes; the Vedic Age
550-486 B.C.Life of Gautama Buddha, founding of Buddhism
320-180 B.C.Mauryan Empire; Asoka most famous emperor; spread of Buddhism
180 B.C - 150 A.D.Saka dynasties in Indus Valley and northwest
78-200 A.D. Kushan Empire; Gandharan art flourishes
300-700 A.D Gupta Empire; Classical Age in northern India

Coming of Islam

711Arab Muslims in Sindh
998-1030 Mahmud of Ghazni raids into the subcontinent from Afghanistan
1192 Muhammad of Ghor defeats Rajputs
1206 Establishment of Delhi Sultanate
1398 Destruction of Delhi by Timur

Mughal Period

1526 Babur victorious in first Battle of Paniput
1530-1556 Wars of succession
1556 Akbar victorious in second Battle of Paniput
1556-1605 Reign of Akbar the Great
1605-1627 Reign of Jahangir; in 1612 East India Company opens first trading center
1628-1658 Reign of Shah Jahan
1658-1707 Reign of Aurangzeb
1761 Third Battle of Panipat; an Afghan victory over a Maratha army
1707-1858 Decline of the Mughal Empire

British India

1757 Battle of Plassey - British victory over Mughal forces in Bengal; conventional date for beginning of
British rule in India
1784 William Pitt's India Act
1799-1839 Sikh kingdom in the Punjab under Maharaja Ranjit Singh
1830s Institution of British education and other reform measures
1838-1842 First Afghan war
1843 British annex Sindh, Hyderabad and Khairpur
1845-49 Sikh Wars; British annex the Punjab and sell Kashmir, Gilgit, and Ladakh "Package," known as Kashmir

1857-1858 Uprising, variously known as the first war of independence, the Mutiny,and the Sepoy Rebellion
1858 British Raj begins
1878-1880 Second Afghan War
1885 Indian National Congress formed
1893 Durand Line established as boundary between Afghanistan and British India
1905 Partition of Bengal
1906 All-India Muslim League founded
1911 Partition of Bengal annulled
1919 Montague-Chelmsford Reforms; Third Afghan War
1935 Government of India Act of 1935
March 23, 1940 Muslim League adopts Pakistan Resolution

Pakistan

August 14, 1947 Partition and independence; Mohammad Ali Jinnah becomes Governor General; Liaqath Ali Khan becomes Prime Minister
September 11, 1948 Jinnah dies; Khwaja Nazimuddin becomes Governor General
October 1951 Liaqath Ali Khan assassinated; Ghulam Mohammad becomes Governor General
August 1955 Ghulam Mohammad dies; succeeded by Iskander Mirza
October 1955 One Unit established, incorporating the four provinces of West Pakistan
March 23, 1956 Constitution adopted; Mirza becomes President
October 7, 1958 President Mirza abrogates constitution, declares martial law
October 27, 1958 Mirza sent into exile; General Mohammad Ayub Khan begins rule
September 1965 War with India over KASHMIR ISSUE.
March 25, 1969 Ayub resigns as result of public pressure; General Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan assumes power.
July 1, 1970 One unit abolished, four provinces reestablished in West Pakistan
December 1970 First general elections; Awami League secures majority in East Pakistam & People’s Party in West Pakistan.
March 25, 1971 East Pakistan attempts to secede; civil war begins
December 1971 Indo-Pakistani War; East Pakistan becomes the independent state of Bangladesh; Yahya resigns; President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto takes charge as the Civilian Martial Law Administrator.
July 2, 1972 Bhutto and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi conclude Simla Agreement
August 14, 1973 New Constitution goes into effect with Bhutto as Prime Minister
February 22-25, 1974 Islam Summit Conference held in Lahore
March 1977 General elections; massive victory by Bhutto's party evokes widespread rioting and protest
July 5, 1977 Marial law proclaimed
September 1978 Mohammad Zia ul Haq becomes President
April 4, 1979 Bhutto hanged
March 4, 1981 Provisional Constitutional Order, which in effect suspended 1973 Constitution
August 12, 1983 President Zia announces that martial law will be lifted in 1985,

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brief Facts About Pakistan

Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Capital: Islamabad.
Area: 796,096-sq. km. [Punjab 205,344; Sindh 140,914; Northwest Frontier Province 74,521; Balochistan 347,190; Federally Administered Tribal Areas 27,220 and Islamabad (Capital) 906 sq. km.]
Population: 130.60 million (1998 Census)
Ethnic Composition: 95% Muslims, 5% others
Per Capita Income: US $ 460
Currency: Pak. Rupee
Language: Urdu (National language), English (Official)
Archaeological Sites: Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Taxila, Kot Diji, Mehar Garh, and Takht Bahi
Major Cities: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad and Multan.

About Pakistan
A trip through Pakistan is a face to face encounter with a fascinating land that has withstood countless invasions and preserved the essence of its conquerors in the form of present day monuments and archaeological heritage.

See for yourself the excavated sites at Mohenjodaro and Taxila - seats of the ancient Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations; the architectural monuments of the Moghuls; the Khyber Pass - the historic inlet to South Asia - or the ancient unchanging traditions of the Kafir Kalash of the Chitral Valley.

For those with an intrinsic love of mountains, Pakistan offers the unique pleasure of its northern mountain ranges, the Himalayas, the Hindukush and the Karakorams - a mountain wonderland unrivalled in the entire world with such formidable peaks as the K-2, the Nanga Parbat, the Rakaposhi, and the Trichmir. These ranges present an awesome challenge for those looking for trekking, mountaineering, angling, or jeep safaris. The resorts in these remote valleys make for an ideal summer get-away.

Some words about Pakistan

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Pakistan emerged on the world map as an independent sovereign state in August 1947, as a result of the division of the British Indian Empire. With a land area of 796,095 sq. km. [including FATA (Federal Administered Tribal Areas) and FANA (Federal Administered Northern Areas)], its population stands at nearly 130.60 million, according to the 1998 Census. Historically, this is one of the most ancient lands known to man. Its cities flourished before Babylon was built; its people practiced the art of good living and citizenship before the celebrated ancient Greeks.

The region traces its history back to at least 2,500 years before Christ, when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. Excavations at Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Kot Diji have brought to light evidence of an advanced civilization flourishing here even in most ancient times. Around 1,500 B.C. the Aryans conquered this region and slowly pushed the Hindu inhabitants further east, towards the Ganges Valley. Later, the Persians occupied the northern regions in 5th century B.C. The Greeks came in 327 B.C., under Alexander of Macedonia, and ran through the region like a meteor. In 712 A.D. the Arabs, led by Mohammed Bin Qasim, landed somewhere near what is now Karachi, and ruled the lower half of Pakistan for two hundred years. During this time Islam took root and influenced the life, culture and traditions of the inhabitants of the region.

From 10th century A.D. onwards, a systematic conquest of Indo-Pakistan by the Muslims from Central Asia began and lasted up to 18th century A.D., when the British colonized the Sub-continent and ruled for nearly 200 years (for 100 years over what is now Pakistan). The Muslim revival began towards the end of the last century when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a renowned leader and educationist, launched a movement for intellectual renaissance of the Indian Muslims. In 1930, the well-known poet/philosopher, Dr. Mohammed Iqbal conceived the idea of a separate state for the Muslims of the Sub-continent, and in 1940, the All-India Muslim League adopted the famous Pakistan Resolution.

After seven years of untiring struggle, under the brilliant leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Pakistan emerged on the world map as a sovereign state on August 14, 1947, when the British Indian Empire was partitioned into two independent states - India and Pakistan.