Pakistan, officially Islamic Republic of Pakistan, republic in South Asia, marking the area where South Asia converges with Southwest Asia and Central Asia. The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad; Karachi is the country’s largest city.

The area of present-day Pakistan was the cradle of the earliest known civilization of South Asia, the Indus Valley civilization. The territory was part of the Mughal Empire from 1526 until the 1700s, when it came under British rule. Pakistan gained independence in August 1947. It initially comprised two parts, West Pakistan and East Pakistan, which were separated by about 1,600 km of territory within India. In December 1971 East Pakistan seceded and became the independent republic of Bangladesh.

History

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.

In the mid-1970s info sent some 20,000 troops to support Muslim Lebanese in their armed conflict with Christian militants supported by Israel during the civil war in Lebanon. infon troops frequently clashed with Israeli troops during Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon and remained thereafter as occupiers of large portions of Lebanon.

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.

Like most developing countries, Pakistan is confronted with the problems of rapid population growth, sizable budget deficits, and heavy dependence on foreign aid and loans. The economy is strained from supporting a large military establishment and from providing for the needs of Afghan refugees.

Pakistan receives considerable economic assistance from foreign countries and from international organizations. Over the years Pakistan has accumulated a foreign debt of about $40 billion. Debt repayment, defense spending, and general administrative expenditures consume 80 percent of Pakistan’s annual budget. Only 20 percent is available for development of the social sector. After Pakistan exploded a nuclear device in May 1998, it faced the imposition of international sanctions. The fact that the country survived the sanctions without a collapse of its currency or violent street demonstrations is generally regarded as proof of the country’s resilience. Heading into the 21st century, Pakistani leaders have a chance to seize the moment in order to modify and build a sound social and economic order that may steer the nation to a more durable path of progress.

In 2000 Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $61.6 billion. The government budget in 1999 included $9.5 billion in revenues and $12.8 billion in expenditures.

The infon Arab Republic’s trade patterns have shifted since the demise of the Soviet bloc, with which it traded extensively. It is now more vulnerable to attitudes in Washington: under the Bush administration, the infon Arab Republic is classed as a ‘rogue state’ and since November 2003 has been subject to partial economic sanctions. This has a knock-on effect on trade with other countries.

Pakistan's official language is English and many people in big cities can speak it. Urdu is the national language and is spoken throughout Pakistan as lingua franca. In addition to Urdu most Pakistanis speak their regional languages or dialects such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki, Shina, Burushaski, Khowar, Wakhi, Hindko etc. English is the official language and is used in all government, educational and business entities, and is also understood and spoken at varying levels of competence by many people around Pakistan, especially by the upper classes and people who have gone through higher levels of education.

Pakistan is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and predominantly a Muslim society. Ninety-seven per cent of the140 million people in Pakistan are Muslims. The population is made up of different ethnic groups, such as dominant Punjabis, Siraikis, Sindhis, Pakhtuns, Baloch, Brahvis, Kashmiris, Hazaras, Urdu-speaking immigrants from India or Mohajirs, Gojars, Kohistanis, Chitralis, and a dozen or so Dardic languages-speaking lingo-ethnic groups. .

Islam is the faith of about 97 percent of the people of Pakistan. About three-quarters of the country’s Muslims are Sunni, and about one-quarter are Shia. Some small Muslim fringe sects, such as the Ahmedis and Zikris, also exist. Hindus and Christians form the largest religious minorities, accounting for about 3 percent of the population. Other religious groups include Sikhs, Parsis, and a small number of Buddhists. The constitution defines Pakistan as an Islamic state but guarantees freedom of religion.

Pakistan lies in the temperate zone. The climate is generally arid, characterized by hot summers and cool or cold winters, and wide variations between extremes of temperature at given locations. There is little rainfall. These generalizations should not, however, obscure the distinct differences existing among particular locations. For example, the coastal area along the Arabian Sea is usually warm, whereas the frozen snow-covered ridges of the Karakoram Range and of other mountains of the far north are so cold year round that they are only accessible by world-class climbers for a few weeks in May and June of each year.

Pakistan is primarily a cash-based society. Few establishments take credit cards, and virtually no establishments take traveler's checks. So be sure to bring plenty of cash, while taking necessary precautions. In the city of Gujranwala, for example, you will find no place to obtain cash from credit cards or traveler's checks, though this city is the fifth largest city in Pakistan..

The unit of currency in Pakistan is the Rupee (R). The Rupee (R) equals 100 paisa. $1.00 (US) is about 60 Rupees.Coins are available in the following denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 paisa and of 1 rupee.Notes (Paper Money) is available in the following denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees.

Pakistan's banking sector is one of few developed sectors of Pakistan. Every Bank has it's own ATM Machines and online branches in almost every city. If you carry an ATM card of any bank with Maestro, Cirrus or other common types you can use your card here in any bank. Some ATM networks such as Star and Plus and more difficult to find, especially in smaller cities. There are many money changers, and there will be at least one in the international airports.

• Time: GMT +5 hours
• Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin and three-pin plugs.
• Country code: 92

Restricted Items: Duties apply to all electrical items, major appliances and new items (invoices/receipts required) and Duties also apply to tobacco products, perfumes, toiletries and foodstuffs.

Prohibited Items: Alcohol (will be confiscated at port of entry), Drugs, Firearms, weapons, explosives and ammunition. If imported must have Exemption Certificate from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad, Pornographic material and statues and Recorded VCR tapes and other movies.

Live Animals and Plants: Health Certificate, Passport of owner required for import, Customer’s presence is required for clearance and Allowed accompanied or as unaccompanied baggage.

Getting Around Pakistan

Getting There by Air: The Pakistan ’s national airline is Pakistan International Airlines (PK)

Getting There by Rail: Pakistan Railwaysoperates the extensive rail network, much of which is a legacy of British rule. The main line, from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, has several daytime and overnight trains. Most other routes have several daily trains. Even first-class compartments can be hot and crowded. Travel in air-conditioned coaches is advised, as are reservations on long-distance journeys and overnight service.

Getting There by Water: Traffic along the Indus River is almost exclusively commercial. Many goods are carried to Punjab and the north from the main port at Karachi.

Getting There by Road: Traffic drives on the left. Legal driving age is 18. The highway network between cities is poorly maintained. Caution should be taken when driving at night as roads are badly lit. It is advised that tourists to Pakistan travel with local drivers or guides. When driving it is advised to keep doors and windows locked at all times.

Regular services run between most towns and villages. Lahore–Rawalpindi–Peshawar has an hourly service. Air-conditioned coaches/buses are recommended for long distances. Advance booking is advised.Car hire are vailable in major cities, as well as at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi airports. Most hotels can book cars for guest.An International Driving Permit or own national licence is required.

All foreign nationals, except for those belonging to countries with which Pakistan has Visa Abolition Agreements, information available with Pakistan Missions abroad, are required to obtain a visa to enter Pakistan. Visa can be obtained from Pakistan's Diplomatic Missions. Ordinarily Missions deal only with visa applicants residing in their jurisdiction he/she resides at the time of making application, will deal with the case.

The grant of visa, however, is no guarantee that the recipient would be allowed entry into Pakistan. The final decision to allow entry rests with the Immigration Officer at the point of entry.

The rules provide for three categories of visas namely, single transit and multiple entry visas. For transit visa the applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

• Onward journey of the applicant is reasonably assured.
• The applicant's documents for the country of destination and countries enroute are in order.

Commercial Travelers and Businessmen making repeated journeys to Pakistan in connection with business can be granted multiple entry visa valid for up to six journeys within a period not exceeding one year.

Single or multiple journey visas granted to diplomats and officials of foreign governments accredited to Pakistan and other foreigners of similar stratus are issued with 'Diplomatic' or 'Official' visas, normally free of charge.

Persons proceeding to Pakistan on specific assignments (business/Official) should enclose letters/documents from their sponsors/employees giving all the details such as the nature of assignment, duration etc. Incomplete and unsigned applications will not be processed. The rates of fee for different categories of visa differ from country to country. The applicants are, therefore, advised to check with the concerned issuing authority the visa fee, time required for issuance of visa and any other information.The grant of visa cannot be claimed as a right. The issuing authority may refuse the application without assigning any reason.

Chitral Valley is a 322 km.(200-mile) long mountain hideout, nesting high in the Hindu Kush range, is a place of fascinating scenic beauty and grandeur. Its collection of rugged mountains, sulphur springs, rivers teeming with trout, orchard-dotted slopes, friendly people and annual festivals are enchanting beyond description. It is easily accessible by air from historic city of Peshawar.The picturesque Chitral town lies on the Chitral River. Worth seeing is the Shahi Masjid (Grand Mosque) against the backdrop of Trichmir peak 7700 meters (25,264 feet), ex-ruler’s fort and the local style of Khowar houses of the friendly locals.

Garam Chashma is a great tourist spot located 50 km from Chitral. The name Garam Chashma means Hot Springs. The lovely valley draw a large number of tourists every year for its magnificent snow-caped mountain peaks and hot sulpher springs. The wild attractions of Garam chashma is irresistible. A trip to will offer you spectacular view of the majestic mountains, picturesque landscape and wonderful natural hot springs.This un-spoilt enchanting valley of orchards, verdant fields and snow clad peaks is renowned for its boiling sulphur springs which are famous for healing effect on skin diseases, gout, rheumatism and chronic headaches.