PAKISTAN
Just beginning to write about my country is giving me a familiar feeling like mother's love. Everyone loves their homeland, I do too and to say it all in one sentence it is the liveliest country of all. With its unique cultural background and modern day technologies Pakistan is a ... Read review
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Advantages: Beautiful culture, mouthwatering cuisine, warm weather Disadvantages: A bit far from UK, Heat can be a big problem in summer
PAKISTAN
Just beginning to write about my country is giving me a familiar feeling like mother's love. Everyone loves their homeland, I do too and to say it all in one sentence it is the liveliest country of all. With its unique cultural background and modern day technologies Pakistan is a mixture of cultural and developmental activities.
Pakistan is a land of innumerable splendours. Exotic northern sceneries, coastal beaches, sandy ... ...North. Pakistan has seven of the 16 tallest peaks in Asia, 40 of the world's 50 highest mountains are in Pakistan which include K-2 (8611m); the second highest mountain in the world and Nanga Parbat (8125m).
The population of the country is estimated at about 124.45 million.
The territory of Pakistan is divided into four provinces; namely Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP. There is also a fifth region called Azad Kashmir which is ... more
PAKISTAN Just beginning to write about my country is giving me a familiar feeling like mother's love. Everyone loves their homeland, I do too and to say it all in one sentence it is the liveliest country of all. With its unique cultural background and modern day technologies Pakistan is a mixture of cultural and developmental activities. Pakistan is a land of innumerable splendours. Exotic northern sceneries, coastal beaches, sandy deserts, fertile plains, snow-covered peaks and eternal glaciers in the North. Pakistan has seven of the 16 tallest peaks in Asia, 40 of the world's 50 highest mountains are in Pakistan which include K-2 (8611m); the second highest mountain in the world and Nanga Parbat (8125m). The population of the country is estimated at about 124.45 million. The territory of Pakistan is divided into four provinces; namely Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP. There is also a fifth region called Azad Kashmir which is included in Pakistan territory. Major cities of Pakistan are Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, and Hyderabad. My country was born on 14th of August, 1947.
CULTURE AND RELIGION Pakistan is the homeland of Muslims. Islam is the official religion. Although majority of citizens are Muslims, its culture is called as Mixed-Culture. National language of Pakistan is Urdu, which is widely spoken and understood, however the official language is English. Educated people easily speak and understand English language. I have been living in Pakistan since 1976 (that is my birth year), I attended English school and was taught English like a primary language although my mother tongue is Urdu. Other languages of Pakistan include Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto, Bulochi and Kashmiri which are the regional languages. Unfortunately my country is governed by a society which is male-dominating. A male member is always the head of a family; however these traditions are slowly diminishing because in my home there is no such thing as male orientation or domination. We have always been given equal rights and freedom at our parents house and then again at our husbands house as well. Still there is an aura of respect for woman, older people and teachers. In Pakistan you will see no such things as Old people house because it is against our cultural values to live separately or away from our parents and when they are old we must give them special attention and take care of them by ourselves. i have seen my parents doing the very same thing with my grand parents and i intend to do the same. Social life is simple. Social customs and traditions reflect Islamic touch: people are very much conscious about their social traditions and feel pride in following them. Our national dress is Shalwar Kameez, which is designed in order to cover the whole body. People of Pakistan prefer to wear simple dresses according to the weather. However weddings are very colourful and full of excitements. If you have seen an eastern bride you will notice the brightly coloured dress and jewellery (Have you seen my pic as a bride :). Weddings are celebrated whole week with lots of traditions, like Mehndi, Wedding and then reception called valima. Our handicrafts are known all over the world. They are gaining popularity in the world market. The women in the villages and small towns are so talented and they work wonders with needle craft, however they are not paid as much as they should be getting paid. Pakistan is famous for its high standard items of glass, silver, wooden furniture, pottery, marble goods and things made of camel skin. Pakistan is also famous for its carpets, they are exported all over the world. Major sports in Pakistan include Cricket, Hockey, Football, Kabbadi, squash, badminton, and wrestling. Pakistan's currency is Rupee.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER Although the country is in the monsoon region, it is arid, except for the southern slopes of the Himalayas and the sub-Mountainous tract which has a rainfall from 76 to 127 cm. Balochistan is the driest part of the country. The cold season in Pakistan starts in December and ends around beginning of March, hot season is the longest; it starts around mid April and does not even ends in June. Although July and August are much better because of the Monsoon season but still it's hot till October. According to me the best time to visit Pakistan varies from place to place. If you are visiting the Northern areas then, June, July are the best time of the year. If you are visiting the main land then July/ August and November / December are best time of the year. You will enjoy the winters of Karachi, my homeland, because winter only come for week or so. Other than that it's very pleasant throughout December till the end of March.
FESTIVITIES Pakistan is the land of festivals. Some main festivals include; Eid, Baqr-eid, Shab-barat, Pakistan day, Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, Independence Day, Defence day, Airforce day, Basant, Birthday of Quiad-e-azam and Christmas. I have always enjoyed these festivals with my family and friends.
MAIN ATTRACTION FOR TOURISTS While deciding what to see when visiting Pakistan there are lot to choose from. Main attractions include adventure
Tourism in the Northern Areas Northern areas of Pakistan are breathtakingly beautiful. I have been to Murree, Nathiagali, Kalam, Quetta, Ziarat and other minor cities. We always stayed at PTDC Hotels; they were not too expensive and comfortable as well. I did a lot of poetry during my stay. Do you mind if I add a part of my poem so that you can capture the beauty of my North.
Beauty of the nature enchanted by innumerable colors, breath taking views ceasing the heartbeats, foretelling many secrets in a silent language, cloudy mists wandering on the roads, waiting for some loved one to return.
Cultural and archaeological tourism Taxila, Moenjodaro, Harappa, Swat, early Muslim and Mughal heritage of Multan, Lahore, Thatta and Peshawar are the main attraction for tourists and art lovers. They exhibit beautiful historical art and crafts. I will have to write a separate review for all the details.
Beaches and fun places Karachi is my birth place. The main attraction in Karchi is ofcourse the beach.I must admit that it is not like Goa but it is a really nice place to visit. Apart form that there are lots of fun places, Playlands, Parks, Auditoriums, Cinemas, theatres, Zoo and other entertainments for people of all ages in all the major and minor cities of Pakistan.
FOOD Eating out in Pakistan is a rich and unique experience. Most local restaurants serve authentic Pakistani dishes. Unique Pakistani food include; Qorma, Biryani, Pilao and other eastern cuisine. Meat, fish and vegetable dishes are seasoned with spices. Major attractions are grills and barbecues; Seekh-Kabab (minced meat grilled on skewer), Shami-Kabab (minced meat), Tikka (barbecued mutton, beef or chicken) and Sajji (barbecued leg of lamb). Major restaurants include Lal Qila, Village, Shereton, PC, Avari, Marriot and many more.
HOTELS Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates 102 hotels and 29 well furnished, moderately priced Motels located through out Pakistan. The prices are reasonable. Whenver I have travelled with my family we have always given priority to PTDC. Apart from that some major hotels include Shereton, PC, Marriot, Holiday Inn and Avari that are very dependable but a bit expensive.
HOW TO COME Flight information from UK http://www.travelbag.co.uk/?SOURCE=goog&KEYWORD=flights+pakistan Most of the flights arrive at Karachi airport called Jinnah Terminal but PIA, British Airways, Saudia and China Xinjiang Airlines fly direct to the twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, and PIA, Indian Airlines, Saudia and Thai Airways fly direct to Lahore as well.
In the end I would like to say something about the people of Pakistan. My people are loving, caring and courteous in every way. Sometimes they are insecure and pessimists but believe me they will welcome you with their whole heart because we Pakistanis believe that guest and visitors are blessings from Allah.
Advantages: A whole new world Disadvantages: Prepare for being ill
Several years ago now I was fortunate enough to partake in an expedition in Pakistan. We landed in Islamabad and spent the night in Rawilpindi before beginning what would turn out to be an arduous journey up into the mountains. The airport in Islamabad was a bustling centre of activity with hundreds of people crammed into a small space, all vying to get a glimpse of their newly-arriving relatives or friends, or simply just there for the hell of it. ... ...taxis to take us to our hotel, but the traffic was jam packed and not a vehicle could move. It was so bad that there was a fork-lift-truck in operation removing cars which had been left at the roadside with their engines still running! They were put to the back of the car park. On the way to the hotel we passed hundreds of brightly coloured vehicles with people hanging off them by the dozen! this apparently was normal, said our trekking guide from ...
HarryDog 11.02.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of General: Pakistan
Advantages: fantastic culture Disadvantages: hard to get to
This opinion refers to a little known holiday destination, few brits have visited this destination due to stereotypes regarding your local corner shop. It is sad to see that the countries population can downlook a whole country without looking at the culture or history within it.
Have we ever thought what are we getting into, when we a Sensible and matured individual of the International community are mudding each other based on religion, cast, ... ...in Pakistan, China, Australia or England cannot tell millions of Pakistani’s or the Chinese or the Australian’s or the English about their political system or their city, or the internal problems
Based on a few individual are we justified in complaining about the entire country, No you can’t? . I immediately thought of writing a negative review on Pakistan and in fact even wrote a review and was about to submit it, when I realised ...
livvy 05.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of General: Pakistan
Visiting Pakistan is always an experience. I go almost every other year. My last visit was for a wedding, my visits usually are for weddings. For flights I have used BA, PIA, and Emirates. By far the best was Emirates and if I remember correctly the cheapest, but this was not a direct flight and meant a 2 hour stopover in Dubai International Airport. Emirates also fly from Gatwick, which is convenient for me. BA and PIA fly from Heathrow. A direct ... ...have always flown to Pakistan have yet to fly to any other Pakistani airport. With PIA flights before the plane has reached the terminal people will be out of their seats trying to grab their suitcases trying to get off the plane as quickly as possible, cabin crew will shouting down the PA system any all sorts of languages trying to get passengers to sit down. It is a sight to behold, really funny. I have yet to understand why everyone is in a hurry! ...
cashmiri 07.09.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of General: Pakistan
Advantages: Theres always something to do Disadvantages: Poverty
I went to Pakistan in July/August time last year. It was such a fab experience as I got to meet all my immediate family there are get to spend time sight seeing all the natural beauty there is available. The weather there was absolutely hot! It made me sweat so much but because the area in Pakistan is not as damp over here and the summer weather is very warm, body odour is not a question. It doesn't even happen. You just sweat as if you are in a ... ...The currency in Pakistan compared to U.K. is approximately £1 is 100 Rs therefore things in Pakistan are fairly cheap. This gives me the advantage to spend a lot of money on clothes jewellery etc. I actually go crazy on shopping, I bought an artificial set which filled the whole of my neck and was a very traditional Pakistani style for only 200Rs that is £2. Even clothes in Pakistan cost from 50p upwards which is great/
Alongside this travel expenses ...
noshaba_786 11.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of General: Pakistan
Advantages: Wonderfull country ,scenery, food. Disadvantages: Cities are usually very noisy
If you want to go on a holiday to asia then you could go to pakistan , some of the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially in muree and some parts of gilgit and kashmir
although it may be advisable to be cautious if going to kashmir.
In pakistan we live in Islamabad and it is also a superb city with excellent shopping centres and
cafes and diners.
It is also in various places of the country so peacefull and tranquil.
If any one was to ... ...muree, gilgit, Lahore,karachi,kashmir,islamabad and just explore these cities the scenery from some parts of these cities are just fantastic. the food for the most part is excellent and freshly cooked depending on which diner you visit .
All in all if you were to go on a holiday to asia pakistan is a reasonable place to visit
Places to see in lahore Royal fort with relics from mughal and sikh periods
Badshahi mosque briliant architechture
Shalimar ...
manchester12345 17.08.2004 (02.10.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of General: Pakistan
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