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Pakistan
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This article is about the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. For other uses, see Pakistan
(disambiguation).
Not to be confused with West Pakistan.

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

‫کستان‬
ِ ‫اسلمی جم ہوری ہ پا‬
Islāmī Jumhūrī-ye Pākistān

Flag State Emblem

Motto: ‫محکم‬ ُ ‫ يقين‬،‫ تنظيم‬،‫اتحاد‬

Ittehad, Tanzim, Yaqeen-e-Muhkam (Urdu)
"Unity, Discipline and Faith"

Anthem: "Qaumi Tarana"

 Islamabad
Capital
33°40′N 73°10′E33.667°N 73.167°E

Largest city Karachi

Urdu (National)
Official language(s)
English (Government)

Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Seraiki and

Regional languages
Balochi

Demonym Pakistani

Government Federal semi-presidential republic

- President Asif Zardari (PPP)

- Prime Minister Yousaf Gillani (PPP)

- Chair of Senate Farooq Naek (PPP)

- House Speaker Fahmida Mirza (PPP)

- Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry

Formation

- Independence from the United Kingdom

- Declared 14 August 1947

- Islamic republic 23 March 1956

Area

803,940 km2 (36th)

- Total
340,403 sq mi

- Water (%) 3.1

Population

- 2010 estimate 168,764,000[1] (6th)

 - 1998 census 132,352,279[2]

209.9/km2 (55th)
- Density
495.8/sq mi

GDP (PPP) 2008 estimate

- Total $422.392 billion[3] (27th)

- Per capita $2,624[3] (133rd)

GDP (nominal) 2008 estimate

- Total $164.557 billion[3] (48th)

- Per capita $1,022[3] (142nd)

Gini (2002) 30.6 (medium)

HDI (2007) ▲ 0.572[4] (medium) (141st)

Currency Pakistani Rupee (Rs.) (PKR)

Time zone PST (UTC+5)

- Summer (DST) PDT (UTC+6)

Drives on the left[5]

Internet TLD .pk

Calling code 92

Pakistan (Urdu: ‫کستان‬ ِ ‫)پا‬, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South
Asia. It has a 1,046 kilometres (650 mi) coastline along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman in the
south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far
northeast.[6] Tajikistan also lies very close to Pakistan but is separated by the narrow Wakhan
Corridor. Thus, it occupies a crossroads position between South Asia, Central Asia and the
Middle East.[7] The region forming modern Pakistan was at the heart of the ancient Indus Valley
Civilisation and then later was the recipient of Vedic, Persian, Indo-Greek, Turco-Mongol,
Islamic and Sikh cultures. The area has witnessed invasions and/or settlements by the Indo-
Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, Afghans, Mongols and the British.[8]
In addition to the Indian independence movement which demanded an independent India, the
Pakistan Movement (led by Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah of the Muslim League), in
addition to independent India, sought independent states for the majority Muslim populations of
the eastern and western regions of British India as well. The British granted independence and
also the creation of one Muslim majority state of Pakistan that comprised the provinces of Sindh,
North-West Frontier Province, West Punjab, Balochistan and East Bengal. With the adoption of
its constitution in 1956, Pakistan became an Islamic republic. In 1971, a civil war in East
Pakistan resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.

Pakistan's history has been characterized by periods of military rule and political instability. It is
also the sixth most populous country in the world and has the second largest Muslim population
after Indonesia.[9] Pakistan also has the second largest Shia Muslim population.[10] It is the only
Muslim-majority nuclear state. Pakistan is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Next
Eleven economies, D8, the United Nations, and a Major non-NATO ally of the United States.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Etymology
• 2 History
o 2.1 Ancient History
o 2.2 Arrival of Islam
o 2.3 Independence Movement
• 3 Government and politics
o 3.1 Subdivisions
• 4 Demographics
o 4.1 Languages
o 4.2 Religions
• 5 Military
• 6 Geography and climate
o 6.1 Flora and fauna
• 7 Economy
• 8 Education
• 9 Culture
• 10 Tourism
• 11 Sports
• 12 Outline of Pakistan
• 13 See also
• 14 References
• 15 Bibliography

• 16 External links

Etymology
The name Pakistan (Urdu pronunciation: [paːkɪsˈtaːn] ( listen)) means Land of (the) Pure in
Urdu and Persian (Farsi). It was coined in 1934 as Pakstan by Choudhary Rahmat Ali, a Pakistan
movement activist, who published it in his pamphlet Now or Never.[11] The name is a
portmanteau representing the "thirty million Muslims of PAKISTAN, who live in the five
Northern Units of British Raj — Punjab, Afghania (now known as North-West Frontier
Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Balochistan."[12]

History
Ancient History

Main articles: History of Pakistan and History of South Asia

"The Priest King" Wearing Sindhi Ajruk, ca. 2500 BC. National Museum, Karachi, Pakistan

A picture of King Porus, of the Pauravas Dynasty meeting with Alexander the Great.

The Indus region, which covers a considerable amount of Pakistan, was the site of several
ancient cultures including the Neolithic era's Mehrgarh and the bronze era Indus Valley
Civilisation (2500 BCE – 1500 BCE) at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.[13]

Waves of conquerors and migrants from the west — including Harappan, Indo-Aryans, Persians,
Greeks, Sakas, Parthians, Kushans, Hephthalites, Afghans, Arabs, Turks and Mughals — settled
in the region throughout the centuries, influencing the locals and being absorbed among them.[14]
Ancient empires of the east — such as the Nandas, Mauryas, Sungas, Guptas and the Palas —
ruled these territories at different times from Patliputra.[15]
However, in the medieval period, while the eastern provinces of Punjab and Sindh grew aligned
with Indo-Islamic civilisation, the western areas became culturally allied with the Iranian
civilisation of Afghanistan and Iran.[16] The region served as a crossroads of historic trade routes,
including the Silk Road, and as a maritime entreport for the coastal trade between Mesopotamia
and beyond up to Rome in the west and Malabar and beyond up to China in the east.[17]

Modern day Pakistan was at the heart of the Indus Valley Civilisation; that collapsed in the
middle of the second millennium BCE and was followed by the Vedic Civilisation, which also
extended over much of the Indo-Gangetic plains. Successive ancient empires and kingdoms ruled
the region: the Achaemenid Persian empire around 543 BCE,[18] the Greek empire founded by
Alexander the Great in 326 BCE and the Mauryan empire thereafter.[19]

The Indo-Greek Kingdom founded by Demetrius of Bactria included Gandhara and Punjab from
184 BCE, and reached its greatest extent under Menander, establishing the Greco-Buddhist
period with advances in trade and culture. The city of Taxila (Takshashila) became a major
centre of learning in ancient times — the remains of the city, located to the west of Islamabad,
are one of the country's major archaeological sites.[20] The Rai Dynasty (c.489–632) of Sindh, at
its zenith, ruled this region and the surrounding territories.[21]

Arrival of Islam

Main articles: Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire

In 712 CE, the Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh and Multan in southern
Punjab.[22] The Pakistan government's official chronology states that "its foundation was laid" as
a result of this conquest.[23] This Arab and Islamic victory would set the stage for several
successive Muslim empires in South Asia, including the Ghaznavid Empire, the Ghorid
Kingdom, the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. During this period, Sufi missionaries
played a pivotal role in converting a majority of the regional Buddhist and Hindu population to
Islam.

17th Century Badshahi Masjid built during Mughal rule

The gradual decline of the Mughal Empire in the early eighteenth century provided opportunities
for the Afghans, Balochis and Sikhs to exercise control over large areas until the British East
India Company gained ascendancy over South Asia.[24] The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also
known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was the region's last major armed struggle against the British Raj,
and it laid the foundations for the generally unarmed freedom struggle led by the Indian National
Congress in the twentieth century. In the 1920s and 1930s, a movement led by the Hindu
politician Mahatma Gandhi, and displaying commitment to long enshrined Hindu tenet of
ahimsa, or non-violence, engaged millions of protesters in mass campaigns of civil disobedience.
[25]

Independence Movement

Main article: Pakistan Movement

The All India Muslim League rose to popularity in the late 1930s amid fears of under-
representation and neglect of Muslims in politics. On 29 December 1930, Allama Iqbal's
presidential address called for an autonomous "state in northwestern India for Indian Muslims,
within the body politic of India."[26] Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah espoused the Two
Nation Theory and led the Muslim League to adopt the Lahore Resolution of 1940, popularly
known as the Pakistan Resolution. In early 1947, Britain announced the decision to end its rule in
India. In June 1947, the nationalist leaders of British India — including Nehru and Abul Kalam
Azad on behalf of the Congress, Jinnah representing the Muslim League, and Master Tara Singh
representing the Sikhs — agreed to the proposed terms of transfer of power and independence.

The first Governor General Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah delivering the opening address
on 11 August 1947 to the new state of Pakistan.

The modern state of Pakistan was established on 14 August 1947 (27 Ramadan 1366 in the
Islamic Calendar), carved out of the two Muslim-majority wings in the eastern and northwestern
regions of British India and comprising the provinces of Balochistan, East Bengal, the North-
West Frontier Province, West Punjab and Sindh.[27] The controversial, and ill-timed, division of
the provinces of Punjab and Bengal caused communal riots across India and Pakistan — millions
of Muslims moved to Pakistan and millions of Hindus and Sikhs moved to India. Disputes arose
over several princely states including Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir, whose Hindu ruler
had acceded to India following an invasion by Pashtun tribal militias, leading to the First
Kashmir War in 1948.[28]
The two wings of Pakistan in 1970; East Pakistan separated from the West wing in 1971 as an
independent Bangladesh.

From 1947 to 1956, Pakistan was a Dominion in the Commonwealth of Nations. It became a
Republic in 1956, but the civilian rule was stalled by a coup d’état by General Ayub Khan, who
was president during 1958–69, a period of internal instability and a second war with India in
1965. His successor, Yahya Khan (1969–71) had to deal with a devastating cyclone — which
caused 500,000 deaths in East Pakistan — and also face a civil war in 1971. Economic
grievances and political dissent in East Pakistan led to violent political tension and military
repression that escalated into a civil war.[29] After nine months of guerrilla warfare between the
Pakistan Army and the Indian backed Bengali Mukti Bahini militia, Indian intervention escalated
into the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, and ultimately to the secession of East Pakistan as the
independent state of Bangladesh.[30]

Civilian rule resumed in Pakistan from 1972 to 1977 under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, until he was
deposed and later sentenced to death in 1979 by General Zia-ul-Haq, who became the country's
third military president. Zia introduced the Islamic Sharia legal code, which increased religious
influences on the civil service and the military. With the death of President Zia in a plane crash
in 1988, Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was elected as the first female Prime
Minister of Pakistan. Over the next decade, she fought for power with Nawaz Sharif as the
country's political and economic situation worsened. Pakistan got involved in the 1991 Gulf War
and sent 5,000 troops as part of a U.S.-led coalition, specifically for the defence of Saudi Arabia.
[31]

Military tensions in the Kargil conflict with India were followed by a Pakistani military coup
d'état in 1999 in which General Pervez Musharraf assumed vast executive powers.[32][33] In 2001,
Musharraf became President after the controversial resignation of Rafiq Tarar. After the 2002
parliamentary elections, Musharraf transferred executive powers to the newly-elected Prime
Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali, who was succeeded in the 2004 prime-ministerial election by
Shaukat Aziz. On 15 November 2007, the National Assembly, for the first time in Pakistan's
history, completed its tenure and new elections were called. The exiled political leaders Benazir
Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif were permitted to return to Pakistan. However, the assassination of
Benazir Bhutto during the election campaign in December led to postponement of elections and
nationwide riots. Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the largest number of seats in the
elections held in February 2008 and its member Yousaf Raza Gillani was sworn in as Prime
Minister.[34] On 18 August 2008, Pervez Musharraf resigned from the presidency when
threatened to faced with impeachment,[35] and was succeeded by current president Asif Ali
Zardari. By the end of 2009, more than 3 million Pakistani civilians have been displaced by the
on going conflict in North-West Pakistan between the government and Taliban militants.[36]

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Pakistan, Politics of Pakistan, and Foreign relations of Pakistan

Prime Minister's Secretariat, Islamabad

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani was elected on 25 March 2008

Pakistan is a semi-presidential federal democratic republic with Islam as the state religion.[37] The
first Constitution of Pakistan was adopted in 1956, but was suspended in 1958 by General Ayub
Khan. The Constitution of 1973 — suspended in 1977, by Zia-ul-Haq, but re-instated in 1985 —
is the country's most important document, laying the foundations of the current government.[14]

The bicameral legislature comprises a 100-member Senate and a 342-member National

Assembly. The President is the Head of State and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
and is elected by an electoral college. The prime minister is usually the leader of the largest party
in the National Assembly. Each province has a similar system of government with a directly
elected Provincial Assembly in which the leader of the largest party or alliance becomes Chief
Minister. Provincial Governors are appointed by the President.[37]

The Pakistani military has played an influential role in mainstream politics throughout Pakistan's
history, with military presidents ruling from 1958–71, 1977–88 and from 1999–2008.[38] The
leftist Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, won support after the loss of East
Pakistan but was overthrown amidst riots in 1977.[39] Under the military rule of Muhammad Zia-
ul-Haq, during the 1980s, the anti-feudal, pro-Muhajir Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was
started by unorthodox and educated urban dwellers of Sindh and particularly Karachi. A
politically nationalist insurgency in Balochistan was
also bloodlessly quelled by military governor
National Symbols of Pakistan[41]
Rahimuddin.[40] The 1990s were characterized by
coalition politics dominated by the Pakistan Peoples Flag Flag of Pakistan
[37]
Party and a rejuvenated Muslim League. Emblem Faith, Unity, Discipline
Anthem Qaumi Tarana
Pakistan is an active member of the United Nations Animal Markhor
(UN) and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference
Bird Chukar
(OIC), the latter of which Pakistan has used as a
forum for Enlightened Moderation, a plan to Flower Jasmine
promote a renaissance and enlightenment in the Tree Cedrus deodara
[37]
Muslim world. Pakistan is also a member of the Juice Sugarcane juice
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Sport Field hockey
(SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation
Dress Shalwar Kameez
Organisation (ECO).[37] In the past, Pakistan has had
mixed relations with the United States; in the early
1950s, Pakistan was the United States' "most allied ally in Asia"[42] and a member of both the
Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO).

During the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s Pakistan was a major U.S. ally.[43] But relations
soured in the 1990s, when sanctions were imposed by the U.S. over Pakistan's refusal to abandon
its nuclear activities.[44] However, the American War on Terrorism, as an aftermath of 11
September 2001 attacks in U.S.A., led to an improvement in U.S.–Pakistan ties, especially after
Pakistan ended its support of the Taliban regime in Kabul. Its positive side was evidenced by a
major increase in American military aid, providing Pakistan $4 billion more in three years after
the 9/11 attacks than before.[45] On the other hand, Pakistan is presently burdened with nearly 3
million displaced civilians due to the ongoing Afghan war. Since 2004, Pakistan has been
referred to as part of the Greater Middle East by the U.S.[46]

On 18 February 2008, Pakistan held its general elections after Benazir Bhutto's assassination
postponed the original date of 8 January 2008.[47] The Pakistan Peoples Party won the majority of
the votes and formed an alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League (N). They nominated and
elected Yousaf Raza Gilani as Prime Minister of Pakistan.[48] On 18 August 2008, Pervez
Musharraf resigned as President of Pakistan amidst increasing calls for his impeachment.[49] In
the presidential election that followed, Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan People's Party won by a
landslide majority and became President of Pakistan.[50]

Subdivisions

Main articles: Subdivisions of Pakistan, Districts of Pakistan, and List of most populated
metropolitan areas in Pakistan
Pakistan is a federation of four provinces, a capital territory and federally administered tribal
areas. The government of Pakistan exercises de facto jurisdiction over the western parts of the
disputed Kashmir region,[6] organized as two separate political entities (Azad Kashmir and
Gilgit-Baltistan). The third tier of government was composed of 26 divisions with two further
tiers (districts and tehsils) administered directly from the provincial level. The divisions were
abolished in 2001[51] and a new three-tiered system of local government came into effect
comprising districts, tehsils and union councils with an elected body at each tier. There are
currently 107 districts in Pakistan proper, each with several tehsils and union councils. The tribal
areas comprise seven tribal agencies and six

Provinces:

• Balochistan
• North-West Frontier Province
• Punjab
• Sindh

Federal Territories:

• Islamabad Capital Territory

Autonomous State:

• Azad Jammu and Kashmir

• Gilgit-Baltistan

Territory:

• Federally Administered Tribal Areas

 Gilgit-Baltistan
Azad Kashmir
FATA
Balochistan
Punjab
Sindh
North-West Frontier Province
Islamabad Capital Territory
Afghanistan
Iran
China
Republic of India
Arabian Sea

Demographics
Main articles: Demographics of Pakistan and Ethnic groups in Pakistan
Population density in Pakistan

The estimated population of Pakistan in 2009 was over 180,800,000[52][53] making it the world's
sixth most-populous country, behind Brazil and ahead of Russia. By the year 2020, the country's
population is expected to reach 220 million, owing to a relatively high growth rate.[54] About 20%
of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.[55] Population
projections for Pakistan are relatively difficult because of the differences in the accuracy of each
census and the inconsistencies between various surveys related to the fertility rate, but it is likely
that the rate of growth peaked in the 1980s and has since declined significantly.[56] Life
expectancy at birth was 63 for females and 62 for males in 2006.[57] Healthy life expectancy at
birth was at 54 for males and 52 for females in 2003.[57] Expenditure on health was at 2% of the
GDP in 2006.[57] The mortality below 5 was at 97 per 1,000 live births in 2006.[57]

The majority of southern Pakistan's population lives along the Indus River. By population size,
Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan.[58] In the northern half, most of the population lives about
an arc formed by the cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot,
Gujrat, Jhelum, Sargodha and Sheikhupura. In the past, the country's population had a relatively
high growth rate that has, however, been moderated by declining fertility and birth rates.
Dramatic social changes have led to rapid urbanization and the emergence of megacities. During
1990–2003, Pakistan sustained its historical lead as the most urbanized nation in South Asia,
with city dwellers making up 36% of its population.[59]

Pakistan has a multicultural and multi-ethnic society and hosts one of the largest refugee
populations in the world as well as a young population. About 8 million Muhajirs—then roughly
one-fourth of the country’s population—arrived from India after independence in 1947.[60] The
Urdu-speaking Muhajirs make up nearly half of Karachi's 17 million residents,[61] with Punjabis
and Pashtuns also having sizable communities in the city.[62] Approximately 1.7 million Afghan
refugees remain in the country, about half of them were born and grew up in Pakistan during the
last 30 years.[63] They are not counted in the national census, even the ones born in Pakistan,
because they are still considered citizens of Afghanistan.

Cities by population (2010 estimate)[64]

 Ran City Location Populatio Ran City Locatio Populatio view • talk • edit

k n k n n

1 Karachi Sindh 13,205,33 11 Sargodha Punjab 600,501

9
2 Lahore Punjab 7,129,609 12 Bahawalpu Punjab 543,929
r
Karachi, Sindh
3 Faisalaba Punjab 2,880,675 13 Sialkot Punjab 510,863
d
4 Rawalpin Punjab 1,991,656 14 Sukkur Sindh 493,438
di
5 Multan Punjab 1,606,481 15 Larkana Sindh 456,544
6 Hyderaba Sindh 1,578,367 16 Sheikhupu Punjab 426,980 Lahore, Punjab
d ra
7 Gujranwal Punjab 1,569,090 17 Jhang Punjab 372,645
a
8 Peshawar NWFP 1,439,205 18 Rahim Yar Punjab 353,112
Khan
9 Quetta Balochista 896,090 19 Mardan NWFP 352,135
n
10 Islamabad Capital 689,249 20 Gujrat Punjab 336,727
Territory

Languages

Pakistan is a multilingual country with more than sixty languages being spoken. English is the
official language of Pakistan and used in official business, government, and legal contracts,[14]
while Urdu is the national language.

Major Ethnic Groups in Pakistan

Punjabi is the provincial language of Punjab. Pashto is the provincial language of North-West
Frontier Province. Sindhi is the provincial language of Sindh and Balochi is the provincial
language of Balochistan.[65]

Other languages include Aer, Badeshi, Bagri, Balti, Bateri, Bhaya, Brahui, Burushaski, Chilisso,
Dameli, Dehwari, Dhatki, Domaaki, Farsi (Dari), Gawar-Bati, Ghera, Goaria, Gowro, Gujarati,
Gujari, Gurgula, Hazaragi, Hindko (two varieties), Jadgali, Jandavra, Kabutra, Kachchi (Kutchi),
Kalami, Kalasha, Kalkoti, Kamviri, Kashmiri, Kati, Khetrani, Khowar, Indus Kohistani, Koli
(three varieties), Lasi, Loarki, Marwari, Memoni, Od, Ormuri, Pahari-Potwari, Pakistan Sign
Language, Palula (Phalura), Sansi, Savi, Shina (two varieties), Torwali, Ushojo, Vaghri, Wakhi,
Waneci, and Yidgha.[66] Some of these are endangered languages with a relatively small number
of speakers and others have hundreds of thousands of speakers. Most of the languages belong to
the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family. The exceptions are Burushaski, which is a
language isolate; Balti, which is Sino-TIbetan; and Brahui, which is Dravidian.

Religions

Main article: Religion in Pakistan

Religion in Pakistan
Religion Percent
Islam   96%
Hinduism   1.85%
Sikhism   0.001%
Christianity   1.6%
Other   0.549%

Pakistan is the second-most populous Muslim-majority country[9][67] and also has the second-
largest Shi'a population in the world.[10] About 95% of the Pakistanis are Muslim, of which
nearly 75% are Sunni and 20% are Shi'a.[14] Although the two groups of Muslims usually coexist
peacefully, sectarian violence occurs sporadically.[68]

The religious breakdown of the country is as follows:[14]

• Islam 173,000,000 (96%) (nearly 70% are Sunni Muslims and 20% are Shi'a Muslims).
• Hinduism 3,200,000 (1.85%)
• Christianity 2,800,000 (1.6%)
• Sikhs Around 20,000 (0.001%)
• The remaining are Parsis, Ahmadi Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Bahá'ís, and Animists
(mainly the Kalasha of Chitral).[69]

Military
Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft

Pakistan's nuclear capable Babur cruise missile

Main article: Military of Pakistan
Further information: War in North-West Pakistan

The armed forces of Pakistan are an all-volunteer force and the sixth-largest in the world. The
three main services are the Army, Navy and the Air Force, supported by a number of
paramilitary forces which carry out internal security roles and border patrols. The National
Command Authority is responsible for exercising employment and development control of all
strategic nuclear forces and organizations.

The Pakistan military first saw combat in the First Kashmir War, gaining control of what is now
Azad Kashmir. In 1961, the army repelled a major Afghan incursion on Pakistan's western
border.[70] Pakistan and India would be at war again in 1965 and in 1971. In 1973, the military
quelled a Baloch nationalist uprising. During the Soviet-Afghan war, Pakistan shot down several
intruding pro-Soviet Afghan aircraft and provided covert support to the Afghan mujahideen
through the Inter-Services Intelligence agency. In 1999, Pakistan was involved in the Kargil
conflict with India. Currently, the military is engaged in an armed conflict with extremist Islamic
militants in the north-west of the country.

The Pakistani armed forces contributed to United Nations peacekeeping efforts, with more than
10,700 personnel deployed in 2009,[71] and are presently the largest contributor. In the past,
Pakistani personnel have volunteered to serve alongside Arab forces in conflicts with Israel.
Pakistan provided a military contingent to the U.N.-backed coalition in the first Gulf War.[72]

Pakistan's military employs armaments that include atomic weapons, mobile vehicle ballistic
missile systems, laser communication systems, armored cars and tanks, and multi-role
fighter/bomber jets.
Since 2004, Pakistani armed forces are engaged in fighting against Pakistani Taliban groups.
Ever since the militant groups have been retaliating by suicide bombings in Pakistani cities,
killing more than 3,000 civilians and armed personnels only in 2009.[73]

Geography and climate

Main article: Geography of Pakistan

The Lansdowne Bridge Rohri goes over the Indus River at Sukkur

The Baltoro Glacier, Northern Pakistan, is one of the longest glaciers outside of the polar
regions.

Pakistan covers 340,403 square miles (881,640 km2),[74] approximately equalling the combined
land areas of France and the United Kingdom. Its eastern regions are located on the Indian
tectonic plate and the western and northern regions on the Iranian plateau and Eurasian landplate.
Apart from the 1,046-kilometre (650 mi) Arabian Sea coastline, Pakistan's land borders total
6,774 kilometres—2,430 kilometres (1,509 mi) with Afghanistan to the northwest,
523 kilometres (325 mi) with China to the northeast, 2,912 kilometres (1,809 mi) with India to
the east and 909 kilometres (565 mi) with Iran to the southwest.[14]

The northern and western highlands of Pakistan contain the towering Karakoram and Pamir
mountain ranges, which incorporate some of the world's highest peaks, including K2 (28,250 ft;
8,611 m) and Nanga Parbat (26,660 ft; 8,126 m).
Kund Malir beach

The Balochistan Plateau lies to the West, and the Thar Desert in the East. An expanse of alluvial
plains lies in Punjab and Sindh along the Indus river. The 1,000-mile-long (1,609-km) Indus
River and its tributaries flow through the country from the Kashmir region to the Arabian Sea.[75]

Pakistan has four seasons: a cool, dry winter from December through February; a hot, dry spring
from March through May; the summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon period, from June
through September; and the retreating monsoon period of October and November. The onset and
duration of these seasons vary somewhat according to location.[76] Rainfall can vary radically
from year to year, and successive patterns of flooding and drought are also not uncommon.[77]

Flora and fauna

Main articles: Flora of Pakistan and Fauna of Pakistan

Markhor, Pakistan's national animal

The national animal of Pakistan is the Markhor and the national bird is the Chukar, also known
as Chakhoor in Urdu.[78] The wide variety of landscapes and climates in Pakistan allows for a
wide variety of wild animals and birds. The forests range from coniferous alpine and subalpine
trees such as spruce, pine, and deodar cedar in the northern mountains to deciduous trees such as
the mulberry-type Shisham in the Sulaiman range in the south. The western hills have juniper
and tamarisk as well as coarse grasses and scrub plants. Along the southern coast are mangrove
forests which form much of the coastal wetlands.[79]

In the south, there are crocodiles in the murky waters at the mouth of the Indus River whilst on
the banks of the river, there are boars, deer, porcupines, and small rodents. In the sandy
scrublands of central Pakistan are found jackals, hyenas, wild cats, panthers, and leopards while
the clear blue skies abound with hawks, falcons, and eagles. In the southwestern deserts are rare
Asiatic cheetahs. In the northern mountains are a variety of endangered animals including Marco
Polo sheep, Urial sheep, Markhor and Ibex goats, black and brown Himalayan bears, and the rare
Snow Leopard. During August 2006, Pakistan donated an orphaned snow leopard cub called Leo
to the United States.[80] Another rare species is the blind Indus River Dolphin of which there are
believed to be about 1,100 remaining, protected at the Indus River Dolphin Reserve in Sindh.[81]
In recent years, the number of wild animals being killed for fur and leather trading led to a new
law banning the hunting of wild animals and birds as well as the establishment of several wildlife
sanctuaries and game reserves. The number of hunters have greatly dwindled since then.[82]

Economy
Main article: Economy of Pakistan

A View of I. I. Chundrigar Road road, Karachi, which is the financial hub of pakistan

Pakistan has a semi-industrialized economy.[83][84] The growth poles of the Pakistani economy are
situated along the Indus River,[84][85] diversified economies of Karachi and Punjab's urban centers,
coexist with lesser developed areas in other parts of the country.[84] Despite being a very poor
country in 1947, Pakistan's economic growth rate has been better than the global average during
the subsequent four decades, but imprudent policies led to a slowdown in the late 1990s.[86]
Recently, wide-ranging economic reforms have resulted in a stronger economic outlook and
accelerated growth especially in the manufacturing and financial services sectors.[86] Since the
1990s, there has been great improvement in the foreign exchange position and rapid growth in
hard currency reserves.[86]

The 2005 estimate of foreign debt was close to US$40 billion. However, this has decreased in
recent years with assistance from the International Monetary Fund and significant debt-relief
from the United States. Pakistan's gross domestic product, as measured by purchasing power
parity, is estimated to be US$475.4 billion[87] while its per capita income stands at $2,942.[87] The
poverty rate in Pakistan is estimated to be between 23%[88] and 28%.[89]
Inside the Karachi Stock Exchange

GDP growth was steady during the mid 2000s at a rate of 7%;[90][91] however, slowed down
during the Economic crisis of 2008 to 4.7%.[14] A large inflation rate of 24.4% and a low savings
rate, and other economic factors, continue to make it difficult to sustain a high growth rate.[92][93]
Pakistan's GDP is US$167 billions, which makes it the 48th-largest economy in the world or
27th largest by purchasing power adjusted exchange rates. Today, Pakistan is regarded as to
having the second largest economy in South Asia.[94]

GDP by Province

The structure of the Pakistani economy has changed from a mainly agricultural base to a strong
service base. Agriculture now only accounts for roughly 20% of the GDP, while the service
sector accounts for 53% of the GDP.[95] Significant foreign investments have been made in
several areas including telecommunications, real estate and energy.[96][97] Other important
industries include apparel and textiles (accounting for nearly 60% of exports), food processing,
chemicals manufacture, and the iron and steel industries.[98] Pakistan's exports in 2008 amounted
to $20.62 billion (USD).[14] Pakistan is a rapidly developing country.[99][100][101]

However, the Economic crisis of 2008 led Pakistan to seek more than $100 billion in aid in order
to avoid possible bankruptcy.[102][103] This was never given to Pakistan and therefore it had to
depend on a more aggressive fiscal policy, backed by the IMF. A year later Asian Development
Bank Reports Pakistan economic crisis easing in 2009.[104] Furthermore it is projected that in
2010 Pakistan economy would grow at least 4 percent and could grow more with strong
international economic recovery.[105]

Education
Main article: Education in Pakistan
Punjab University Old Campus, also known as Allama Iqbal Campus

Education in Pakistan is divided into five levels: primary (grades one through five); middle
(grades six through eight); high (grades nine and ten, leading to the Secondary School
Certificate); intermediate (grades eleven and twelve, leading to a Higher Secondary School
Certificate); and university programmes leading to graduate and advanced degrees.[106]

Pakistan also has a parallel secondary school education system in private schools, which is based
upon the curriculum set and administered by the Cambridge International Examinations, in place
of government exams. Some students choose to take the O level and A level[107] exams through
the British Council.

There are currently 730 technical & vocational institutions in Pakistan.[108] The minimum
qualifications to enter male vocational institutions, is the completion of grade 8.

Literacy Rate – Pakistan, Sources:[109][110]

The programmes are generally two to three years in length. The minimum qualifications to enter
female vocational institutions, is the completion of grade 5.[111] All academic education
institutions are the responsibility of the provincial governments. The federal government mostly
assists in curriculum development, accreditation and some financing of research.

English medium education is to be extended, on a phased basis, to all schools across the country.
[112]
Through various educational reforms, by the year 2015, the ministry of education expects to
attain 100% enrolment levels amongst primary school aged children, and a literacy rate of 86%
amongst people aged over 10.[113]
Pakistan also has madrassahs that provide free education and also offer free boarding and
lodging to students who come mainly from the poorer strata of society.[114] After criticism over
terrorists using them for recruiting purposes, efforts have been made to regulate them.[115]

Culture
Main article: Culture of Pakistan

Muhammad Iqbal was a poet and a key figure in the Pakistan Movement

A sitar workshop in Islamabad

View of Food Street in Lahore

Pakistani society is largely hierarchical, with high regard for traditional Islamic values, although
urban families have grown into a nuclear family system because of the socio-economic
constraints imposed by the traditional joint family system.[116] Recent decades have seen the
emergence of a middle class in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad,
Multan and Peshawar that wish to move in a more centrist direction, as opposed to the
northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan that remain highly conservative and dominated by
centuries-old regional tribal customs. Increasing globalization has resulted in ranking 46th on the
A.T. Kearney/FP Globalization Index.[117]

The variety of Pakistani music ranges from diverse provincial folk music and traditional styles
such as Qawwali and Ghazal Gayaki to modern forms fusing traditional and western music, such
as the synchronisation of Qawwali and western music by the world renowned Nusrat Fateh Ali
Khan. In addition Pakistan is home to many famous folk singers such as the late Alam Lohar,
who is also well known in Indian Punjab. However, majority of Pakistanis listen to Indian music
produced by Bollywood and other Indian film industries. The arrival of Afghan refugees in the
western provinces has rekindled Pashto and Persian music and established Peshawar as a hub for
Afghan musicians and a distribution centre for Afghan music abroad.[118]

State-owned Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation

were the dominant media outlets, but there are now numerous private television channels.
Various American, European, and Asian television channels and films are available to the
majority of the Pakistani population via private television networks, cable, and satellite
television. There are also small indigenous film industries based in Lahore and Peshawar (often
referred to as Lollywood). And while Bollywood films have been banned from being played in
public cinemas since 1965 they have remained popular in popular culture.[119]

The architecture of the areas now constituting Pakistan can be designated to four distinct periods
—pre-Islamic, Islamic, colonial and post-colonial. With the beginning of the Indus civilization
around the middle of the 3rd millennium B.C.,[120] an advanced urban culture developed for the
first time in the region, with large structural facilities, some of which survive to this day.[121]
Mohenjo Daro, Harappa and Kot Diji belong to the pre-Islamic era settlements. The rise of
Buddhism and the Persian and Greek influence led to the development of the Greco-Buddhist
style, starting from the 1st century CE. The high point of this era was reached with the
culmination of the Gandhara style. An example of Buddhist architecture is the ruins of the
Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi in the northwest province.

The arrival of Islam in today's Pakistan meant a sudden end of Buddhist architecture.[122]
However, a smooth transition to predominantly pictureless Islamic architecture occurred. The
most important of the few completely discovered buildings of Persian style is the tomb of the
Shah Rukn-i-Alam in Multan. During the Mughal era design elements of Islamic-Persian
architecture were fused with and often produced playful forms of the Hindustani art. Lahore,
occasional residence of Mughal rulers, exhibits a multiplicity of important buildings from the
empire, among them the Badshahi mosque, the fortress of Lahore with the famous Alamgiri
Gate, the colourful, still strongly Persian seeming Wazir Khan Mosque as well as numerous
other mosques and mausoleums. Also the Shahjahan Mosque of Thatta in Sindh originates from
the epoch of the Mughals. In the British colonial period, predominantly functional buildings of
the Indo-European representative style developed from a mixture of European and Indian-
Islamic components. Post-colonial national identity is expressed in modern structures like the
Faisal Mosque, the Minar-e-Pakistan and the Mazar-e-Quaid.

A Kalash man dances during the Uchau Festival.

The literature of Pakistan covers the literatures of languages spread throughout the country,
namely Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Baluchi as well as English[123] and Persian as well. Prior to
the 19th century, the literature mainly consisted of lyric poetry and religious, mystical and
popular materials. During the colonial age the native literary figures, under the influence of the
western literature of realism, took up increasingly different topics and telling forms. Today, short
stories enjoy a special popularity.[124]

The national poet of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, suggested the creation of a separate
homeland for the Muslims of India. However, Iqbal had also wrote the Tarana-e-Hind which
stated the belief of a strong united India. His book The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in
Islam is a major work of modern Islamic philosophy. The most well-known representative of the
contemporary Urdu literature of Pakistan is Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Sufi poetry Shah Abdul Latif,
Bulleh Shah and Khawaja Farid are also very popular in Pakistan.[125] Mirza Kalich Beg has been
termed the father of modern Sindhi prose.[126]

Tourism
Main article: Tourism in Pakistan

PTDC Motel at Malam Jabba Ski Resort.

Despite having an image problem, hyped particularly in the West, and once alleged as one of the
most dangerous countries in the world by the British magazine "The Economist",[127] tourism is
still a growing industry in Pakistan because of its diverse cultures, peoples and landscapes.[128]
The variety of attractions ranges from the ruins of ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo-daro,
Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill-stations, that attract those interested in field and
winter sports. Pakistan also has several mountain peaks of height over 8,000 metres (26,250 ft),
that attract adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially to K2.[129] Starting in
April to September, domestic and international tourists visit these areas helping tourism become
a source of income for the local people.

In Balochistan there are many caves for cavers and tourists to visit especially the Juniper Shaft
Cave, the Murghagull Gharra cave, Mughall saa cave, and naturally decorated cave. Pakistan is a
member country through Hayatullah Khan Durrani to the Union International de Spéléologie
(UIS).[130]

The 1872-built Noor Mahal (Diamond Palace), is one of several palaces in the city of
Bahawalpur

The northern parts of Pakistan are home to several historical fortresses, towers and other
architecture including the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the latter being home to the Kalash, a small
pre-Islamic Animist community.[131] Punjab is also the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum
River. The historic city of Lahore is considered Pakistan's cultural centre and has many examples
of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and
the Lahore Fort.[132] The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) also helps promote
tourism in the country.[133] However, tourism is still limited because of the lack of proper
infrastructure and the worsening security situation in the country. The recent militancy in
Pakistan's scenic sites, including Swat in NWFP province, have dealt a massive blow to the
tourism industry. Many of the troubles in these tourist destinations are also blamed on the frail
travel network, tourism regulatory framework, low prioritization of the tourism industry by the
government, low effectiveness of marketing and a constricted tourism perception.[134][135] After
these areas were being cleared off the militant groups in late 2009, the government of Pakistan
with the financial support from the USAID have started a campaign to reintroduce tourism in
Swat valley. Pakistan receives 500,000 tourists annually, and almost half of them head to
northern Pakistan.[136]

Sports
Main article: Sports in Pakistan

A view of the National Stadium, Karachi

The national sport of Pakistan is field hockey, although cricket is the most popular game across
the country. The national cricket team has won the Cricket World Cup once (in 1992), were
runners-up once (in 1999), and co-hosted the games twice (in 1987 and 1996). Pakistan were
runners-up in the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20 held in South Africa and are the
champions of 2009 ICC World Twenty20 held in England. However, cricket here has suffered
heavily due to teams refusing to tour Pakistan fearing terrorism; no team having toured Pakistan
since March 2009, when militants attacked the touring Sri Lankan cricket players.[137] Squash is
another sport that Pakistanis have excelled in. Successful world-class squash players such as
Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan won the World Open several times during their careers.

Polo is regarded as a traditional sport and played widely in the northern areas

At an international level, Pakistan has competed many times at the Summer Olympics in field
hockey, boxing, athletics, swimming, and shooting. Pakistan's medal tally remains at 10 medals
(3 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze) while at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games it stands at
61 medals and 182 medals respectively. Hockey is the sport in which Pakistan has been most
successful at the Olympics, with three gold medals in (1960, 1968, and 1984). Pakistan has also
won the Hockey World Cup a record four times (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994). The Motorsport
Association of Pakistan is a member of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.[138] In
caving and adventure sports, Pakistan is member country to UIS (Union of International
Speleology)[130] The Freedom Rally is a yearly off-road race which takes place during the
Independence celebrations. Pakistan also qualified for the Golf World Cup for the first time in
2009.[139]

Outline of Pakistan
 Afghanistan China India

Afghanistan Outline of Pakistan India

Afghanistan Arabian Sea

India
Iran Persian Gulf

See also
Pakistan portal

• Outline of Pakistan
• Index of Pakistan-related articles
• Board of Investment
• List of Pakistanis
• War in North-West Pakistan

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