Pakistan appeared on the world map on August 14, 1947, and is spread over an area of 796,095 Sq Kms with an estimated population of 163.8(p) million. It is a federation of four provinces, namely; Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The main tourist attractions of Pakistan are; its scenic beauty, flora and fauna, art and culture, adventure and sports and above all, the hospitality of its people. Pakistan is the land of Moenjodaro cradle of ancient Indus Valley and Gandhara Civilisation. It is the land where three mighty mountain ranges the Himalayas, the Hindukush and Karakoram meet. It is situated on the crossroads of the East and West and presents a fascinating combination of the old and modern ways of life. Pakistan has a fairly developed tourism infra and super-structure.
Balochistan
Balochistan the largest among Pakistan's Provinces in terms of area covers some 347,190 Sq Kms. It is a land of contrast. It has places with lofty and rugged mountains under Chiltan, Sulaiman, Sultan etc and plains, stretching to hundred of kilometers. It has a fascinating history and is typified by the warm heartedness of its people. The Balochistan coastline extends over 750 Kms from Karachi at Hub River to the Gwadar Bay on Pak-Iran border. The area is rich in fish and marine resources. Balochistan has great potential appeal as a travel destination, particularly now that access to neighbouring Iran has become so much easier. Balochistan is known for its apple produce, and the Gwadar Port promises a new era of maritime activity making it not too distant a future, a great seaport and the hub of economic activity in the region.
Sindh
The Southern Province of Pakistan, Sindh takes its name from Sindhu, an old Sanskrit name of the River Indus or otherwise arid basin land, which flows down its centre making it fertile. It covers an area of 140,914 Sq. Kms.
Sindh has a rich cultural background of literature, music and arts. Sindhi artists excel in pottery, glazed tiles, lacquer-ware, quilt making and carpet weaving. Local art of ajrak and sussi, a strapped cotton cloth for women, is very popular. Sindh has rich cultural heritage ie Moenjodaro and Thatta, embracing a 5,000 years old civilisation.
Punjab
Punjab its name meaning "land of five rivers", and the house of granary, is the most fertile and heavily populated province of Pakistan, covering an area of 205,344 Sq. Kms. Punjab truly is the land, which is enduringly antiquated and progressively modern.
Although Punjab has well planned cities and beautifully conceptualised residential colonies, most of its people are rural folk for whom life revolves around the cycle of seasons, studded with a rich variety of traditions, fairs and colourful folk festivals, all around the year. The houses in the rural expanses for the most part, are built of mud and clay and strengthened with straw. They are the proud custodians of the centuries old Harappa Civilisation, the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and a culture that even time could not work away. Explore Punjab by spending some time in a village, and feel the warmth, the toiling strength of its people and their craftsmanship reflected in their pottery and wearing designs.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is Pakistan's most diverse province, covering an area of over 101,741 Sq Kms (including the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) 27,220 Sq Kms). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stretches from the Pamir in the extreme North, to all the way south as far as Dera Ismail Khan on the banks of the Indus, encompassing high mountains, fertile river basins and semi-arid deserts. At the heart is Peshawar Valley, often referred to as the vale of Peshawar. Its rich alluvial soils, watered by the Kabul and Swat rivers, make this amongst the most productive agricultural regions in Pakistan. The mountains to the north, particularly the Hindukush are amongst the most spectacular in Pakistan, offering some of the best opportunities for trekking and climbing in the world. The northern half of the province consists of five river valleys running roughly parallel, north to south namely Chitral, Dir, Swat, Indus and Kaghan. These valleys are on the northern edge of the monsoon belt, which is why they are fairly green and partly wooded in their southern sections. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province is famed for its metal ware, but proudly distinguished by the gateway to warriors known as the Khyber Pass.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Geographical and climatic diversity are two of the many features that attract International tourists to Pakistan. History, culture and religion also contribute to the country's potential as a tourist destination. The Gilgit-Baltistan with its high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, Hindukush and Karakoram Ranges attract a particular group of tourists, mountain trekkers and mountain climbers.
Gilgit-Baltistan Province of Pakistan is unsurpassed in natural beauty. It is the confluence of the world's three mighty mountain ranges - The Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush. Some of the world's highest peaks are found here, including the second 'highest K-2 (Mount Godwin Austin). These attract large number of mountaineers from all over the world. In between these peaks, there are heavenly valleys, largest glaciers outside the polar areas, bubbling springs, blue lakes and rivers. The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and just nature walking; an ideal place to be seen when you want to discover peace of mind.
Azad Jammu & Kashmir
As a result of liberation movement of the Muslim population of the Jammu & Kashmir State, a part of the Jammu & Kashmir State was liberated from the Dogracum fadian domination in October 1947 and named Azad State of Jammu & Kashmir. It is spread over an area of 13297 Sq. Kms with an estimated population of 3.600 Million and based on eight Districts namely Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Sudhanoti Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.
Azad Jammu & Kashmir is very rich in natural beauty. Its snow-covered peaks, dense forests, winding rivers, turbulent foaming streams, Wheat-scented valleys, velvet green plateaus and climate varying from arctic to tropical, all join together to make it an excellent tourist attraction. Valleys like Neelum, Jhelum, Leepa, Rawalakot, Banjosa, Samahni & Baghser unfold delightful scenic beauty and provide a feast of pleasure to a discerning tourist's eyes.
Tourists from all parts of the State & Pakistan can visit Azad Jammu & Kashmir without any restriction. However, they are advised to keep their identity with them. Foreign tourists are also welcome to visit Azad Kashmir except the areas situated within 16 kilometres along the Line of Control (LoC). Before planning their visit foreigners are advised contact AJK Home Department at Muzaffarabad for issuance of NOC before visiting Azad Kashmir.
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