Saturday 14 September 2013
Thursday 12 September 2013
Amazing Facts about Pakistan:
1- World's largest irrigation system is in Pakistan. 2- World's largest deep sea port is Gawadar in Pkaistan. 3- Pakistan is a proud owner of tallest cake world record. 4- World's largest milk processing plant with Nestle. 5- Population of Pakistan is larger than Russia , although the land is much smaller. 6- Pakistani armed force s are internationally ranked sixth largest in the world by 2010. 7- India was kicked out from U19 world cup by Pakistan. 8- Pakistan is the only Muslim nuclear power. 9- Sixth nuclear power of the world. 10- Pakistan is ninth super-power nation of the world. 11- Pakistan is notable for having one of the best trained air force pilots in the world. 12-Pakistan has world's youngest civil judge , Muhammad Illyas. 13-Pakistan has seventh largest collection of scientists and engineers. 14- About 50% of the world's footballs are made in Pakistan. 15- Pakistan's national anthem tune ranks first in the top three tunes of the world. 16-Fourth largest broadband internet system of world is in Pakistan. 17-The youngest certified Microsoft technology specialist is a Pakistani who is only 12 yrs old. 18- Second largest salt mines of the world are Khewra Mines in Pakistan. 19- Largest producer of chickpeas. 20- Pakistan has sixth largest population in the world.Wednesday 11 September 2013
Literature
Main article: Literature of Pakistan
Pakistan has literature in Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Pushto, Baluchi, Persian, English and many other languages.[299] Before the 19th century it consisted mainly of lyric and religious poetry, mystical and folkloric works. During the colonial age, native literary figures influenced by western literary realism took up increasingly varied topics and narrative forms. Prose fiction is now very popular.[300][301]The national poet of Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal, wrote poetry in Urdu and Persian and is read in Afghanistan, Iran, Indonesia, India and the Arab world. He was a strong proponent of the political and spiritual revival of Islamic civilisation and encouraged Muslims binding all over the world to bring about successful revolution.[302][303][304]
Well-known representatives of contemporary Pakistani Urdu literature include Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Sadequain is known for his calligraphy and paintings.[301] Sufi poets Shah Abdul Latif, Bulleh Shah, Mian Muhammad Bakhsh and Khawaja Farid are very popular in Pakistan.[305] Mirza Kalich Beg has been termed the father of modern Sindhi prose.[306]
Architecture
Main article: Pakistani architecture
The arrival of Islam in today's Pakistan meant a sudden end of Buddhist architecture in the area and a smooth transition to the predominantly pictureless Islamic architecture. The most important Persian-style building still standing is the tomb of the Shah Rukn-i-Alam in Multan. During the Mughal era, design elements of Persian-Islamic architecture were fused with and often produced playful forms of Hindustani art. Lahore, occasional residence of Mughal rulers, exhibits many important buildings from the empire. Most prominent among them are the Badshahi mosque, the fortress of Lahore with the famous Alamgiri Gate, the colourful, Persian-style Wazir Khan Mosque, the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore and the Shahjahan Mosque in Thatta. 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.[310]
Food and drink
Main article: Pakistani cuisine
Sports
Main article: Sports in Pakistan
Cricket, however, is the most popular game across the country.[316] The national cricket team has won the Cricket World Cup once (in 1992), been runners-up once (in 1999), and co-hosted the tournament twice (in 1987 and 1996). Pakistan were runners-up in the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa and won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 in England. Lately, however, Pakistani cricket has suffered severely because teams have refused to tour Pakistan for fear of terrorism. No teams have toured Pakistan since March 2009, when militants attacked the touring Sri Lankan cricket team.[317]
In Squash, world-class players such as Jahangir Khan, widely considered the greatest player in the sport's history,[318] and Jansher Khan won the World Open Squash Championship several times during their careers.[319] Jahangir Khan also won the British Open a record ten times.[318] Pakistan has competed many times at the Olympics in field hockey, boxing, athletics, swimming, and shooting.[320] Pakistan's Olympic medal tally stands at 10 of which 8 were earned in hockey.[321] The Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medal tallies stand at 65 and 160 respectively.[322][323]
At national level, football and polo are popular, with regular national events in different parts of the country. Boxing, billiards, snooker, rowing, kayaking, caving, tennis, contract bridge, golf and volleyball are also actively pursued, and Pakistan has produced regional and international champions in these sports.
Religion
Main article: Religion in Pakistan
Islam to some extent syncretized with pre-Islamic influences, resulting in a religion with some traditions distinct from those of the Arab world.[279] Two Sufis whose shrines receive much national attention are Ali Hajweri in Lahore (ca. 12th century)[280] and Shahbaz Qalander in Sehwan, Sindh (ca. 12th century).[citation needed] Sufism, a mystical Islamic tradition, has a long history and a large popular following in Pakistan. Popular Sufi culture is centered on Thursday night gatherings at shrines and annual festivals which feature Sufi music and dance. Contemporary Islamic fundamentalists criticize its popular character, which in their view, does not accurately reflect the teachings and practice of the Prophet and his companions.[281][282]
After Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the largest religions in Pakistan, each with 2,800,000 (1.6%) adherents in 2005.[35] They are followed by the Bahá'í Faith, which has a following of 30,000, then Sikhism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism, each claiming 20,000 adherents,[270] and a very small community of Jains. Christians (Urdu: مسيحى) make up 1.6% of Pakistan's population, about 2.8 million people out of a total population.[283] They are the second-largest religious minority community in Pakistan. The majority of the Pakistani Christian communities is constituted by converts from the low caste Hindus from Punjab region, from the British colonial era. The community is geographically spread throughout the Punjab province, whilst its presence in the rest of the provinces is mostly confined to the urban centers. There is a Roman Catholic community in Karachi which was established by Goan and Tamil migrants when Karachi's infrastructure was being developed by the British during colonial administration between World War I and II.
Culture and society
Main article: Culture of Pakistan
Pakistani society is largely hierarchical, emphasising local cultural etiquettes and traditional Islamic values that govern personal and political life. The basic family unit is the extended family,[284] although there has been a growing trend towards nuclear families for socio-economic reasons.[285] The traditional dress for both men and women is the Shalwar Kameez; trousers and shirts are also popular among men.[24]
The middle class has increased to around 35 million and the upper and
upper-middle classes to around 17 million in recent decades, and power
is shifting from rural landowners to the urbanised elites.[286] Pakistani festivals like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Ramadan are mostly religious in origin.[284] Increasing globalisation has resulted in Pakistan ranking 56th on the A.T. Kearney/FP Globalization Index.[287]Clothing and fashion
Pakistani fashion has flourished well in the changing environment of fashion world. Since Pakistan came into being its fashion has been historically evolved from different phases and made its unique identity apart from Indian fashion and culture. At this time, Pakistani fashion is a combination of traditional and modern dresses and it has become the cultural identification of Pakistan. Despite of all modern trends, the regional and traditional dresses have developed their own significance as a symbol of native tradition. This regional fashion is not static but evolving into more modern and pure forms.
The Pakistan Fashion Design Council based in Lahore organizes Fashion Week and Fashion Pakistan based in Karachi organizes fashion shows in that city. Pakistan’s first fashion week was held in November 2009.[289]
Media and entertainment
State-owned Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation for radio were the dominant media outlets until the start of the 21st century. The end of PTV's monopoly led to a boom in electronic media, which gained greater political influence. There are now numerous private television channels that enjoy a large degree of freedom of speech.[290] In addition to the national entertainment and news channels, foreign television channels and films are also available to most Pakistanis via cable and satellite television.[290][291] There is a small indigenous film industry based in Lahore and Peshawar, known as Lollywood. While Bollywood films were banned from public cinemas from 1965 until 2008, they have remained important in popular culture.[292][293]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 blend of Qawwali and western music by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.[294][295] Pakistan has many famous folk singers, such as the late Alam Lohar, who is also well known in Indian Punjab. The arrival of Afghan refugees in the western provinces has stimulated interest in Pashto music, although there has been intolerance of it in some places.[296]
Pakistan has one of the worlds most vibrant and open media in the world.[297] Pakistan has a vibrant media landscape and enjoys independence to a large extent. After having been liberalised in 2002, the television sector experienced a media boom. In the fierce competitive environment that followed commercial interests became paramount and quality journalism gave way to sensationalism. Although the radio sector has not seen similar growth, independent radio channels are numerous and considered very important sources of information - especially in the rural areas. More than 89 television channels beam soaps, satire, music programmes, films, religious speech, political talk shows, and news of the hour. Pakistani media has also played a vital role in exposing corruption. Christine Fair, a senior political analyst and specialist in South Asian political and military affairs at the Rand Corporation praised the Pakistani Media as a role model and an example for other Muslim countries to follow by stating "The only hope for Pakistanis is that the media will continue to mobilise people. The media have done a great job, even if they are at times very unprofessional, and have to come to term with the limits between journalism and political engagement.
| Largest cities or towns of Pakistan 2012 estimate[263] |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | City name | Province | Pop. | Rank | City name | Province | Pop. | ||
 Karachi  Lahore |
1 | Karachi | Sindh | 11,136,886 | 11 | Sargodha | Punjab | 593,463 |  Faisalabad  Rawalpindi |
| 2 | Lahore | Punjab | 6,658,393 | 12 | Sialkot | Punjab | 545,646 | ||
| 3 | Faisalabad | Punjab | 2,600,525 | 13 | Bahawalpur | Punjab | 528,678 | ||
| 4 | Rawalpindi | Punjab | 1,824,983 | 14 | Sukkur | Sindh | 400,148 | ||
| 5 | Multan | Punjab | 1,550,046 | 15 | Jhang | Punjab | 379,770 | ||
| 6 | Gujranwala | Punjab | 1,466,063 | 16 | Sheikhupura | Punjab | 362,808 | ||
| 7 | Hyderabad | Sindh | 1,391,534 | 17 | Mardan | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 326,132 | ||
| 8 | Peshawar | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 1,303,351 | 18 | Gujrat | Punjab | 325,952 | ||
| 9 | Islamabad | Capital Territory | 1,082,262 | 19 | Larkana | Sindh | 322,315 | ||
| 10 | Quetta | Balochistan | 842,410 | 20 | Kasur | Punjab | 317,575 | ||
Education
Main article: Education in Pakistan
Education in Pakistan is divided into six main levels: pre-primary (preparatory classes); 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 postgraduate degrees.[237] Pakistani private schools also operate a parallel secondary education system based on the curriculum set and administered by the Cambridge International Examinations. Some students choose to take the O level and A level exams conducted by the British Council.[240]
The government is in a development stage[timeframe?], in which it is extending English medium education to all schools across the country.[241] Meanwhile, by 2013 all educational institutions in Sindh will have to provide Chinese language courses, reflecting China's growing role as a superpower and Pakistan's close ties with China.[242] The literacy rate of the population above ten years of age in the country is 58.5%. Male literacy is 70.2% while female literacy rate is 46.3%.[178] Literacy rates vary by region and particularly by sex; for instance, female literacy in tribal areas is 3%.[243] The government launched a nationwide initiative in 1998 with the aim of eradicating illiteracy and providing a basic education to all children.[244] Through various educational reforms, by 2015 the ministry of education expects to attain 100% enrolment levels among children of primary school age and a literacy rate of 86% among people aged over 10.[245]
Demographics
Main articles: Demographics of Pakistan and Pakistani people
See also: Ethnic groups in Pakistan and Religion in Pakistan
The majority of southern Pakistan's population lives along the Indus River. Karachi is its most populous city.[250] In the northern half of the country, most of the population lives in an arc formed by the cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Nowshera, Mardan and Peshawar. During 1990–2008, city dwellers made up 36% of Pakistan's population, making it the most urbanised nation in South Asia.[74][181] Furthermore, 50% of Pakistanis live in towns of 5,000 people or more.[251]
Expenditure on health was 2.6% of GDP in 2009.[252] Life expectancy at birth was 65.4 years for females and 63.6 years for males in 2010. The private sector accounts for about 80% of outpatient visits. Approximately 19% of the population and 30% of children under five are malnourished.[168] Mortality of the under-fives was 87 per 1,000 live births in 2009.[252] About 20% of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.[253]
More than sixty languages are spoken in Pakistan, including a number of provincial languages. Urdu, the lingua franca and a symbol of Muslim identity and national unity, is the national language and is understood by over 75% of Pakistanis.[139][254] English is the official language of Pakistan, used in official business, government, and legal contracts;[74] the local dialect is known as Pakistani English. Punjabi is the most common native language in Punjab and has many native speakers. Saraiki is mainly spoken in South Punjab. Pashto is the provincial language of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindhi is the provincial language of Sindh, and Balochi is dominant in Balochistan.[4][35][255]
Pakistan's census does not include immigrant groups such as the 1.7 million registered refugees from neighbouring Afghanistan, who are found mainly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA areas, with small numbers in Karachi and Quetta.[256][257] As of 1995, there were more than 1.6 million Bengalis, 650,000 Afghans, 200,000 Burmese, 2,320 Iranians and Filipinos and hundreds of Nepalese, Sri Lankans and Indians living in Karachi.[258][259] Pakistan hosts more refugees than any other country in the world.[260]
The population comprises several ethnic groups. As of 2009, the Punjabi population dominates with 78.7 million (44.15%), followed by 27.2 million (15.42%) Pashtuns, 24.8 million (14.1%) Sindhis, 14.8 million (10.53%) Seraikis, 13.3 million (7.57%) Muhajirs and 6.3 million (3.57%) Balochs. The remaining 11.1 million (4.66%) belong to various ethnic minorities.[261] There is also a large worldwide Pakistani diaspora, numbering over seven million.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Pakistan
See also: Textile industry in Pakistan and Agriculture in Pakistan
Pakistan's economic growth since its inception has been varied. It has been slow during periods of civilian rule, but excellent during the three periods of military rule, although the foundation for sustainable and equitable growth was not formed.[46] The early to middle 2000s was a period of rapid reform; the government raised development spending, which reduced poverty levels by 10% and increased GDP by 3%.[74][173] The economy cooled again from 2007.[74] Inflation reached 25% in 2008[174] and Pakistan had to depend on an aggressive fiscal policy backed by the International Monetary Fund to avoid possible bankruptcy.[175][176] A year later, the Asian Development Bank reported that Pakistan's economic crisis was easing.[177] The inflation rate for the fiscal year 2010–11 was 14.1%.[178]
Pakistan is one of the largest producers of natural commodities, and its labour market is the 10th largest in the world. The 7 million strong Pakistani diaspora, contributed US$11.2 billion to the economy in FY2011.[179] The major source countries of remittances to Pakistan include UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, GCC countries (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman), Australia, Canada, Japan, UK and EU countries like Norway, Switzerland, etc. .[180][181] According to the World Trade Organization Pakistan's share of overall world exports is declining; it contributed only 0.128% in 2007.[182] The trade deficit in the fiscal year 2010–11 was US$11.217 billion.[183]
The structure of the Pakistani economy has changed from a mainly agricultural to a strong service base. Agriculture now[when?] accounts for only 21.2% of the GDP. Even so, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Pakistan produced 21,591,400 metric tons of wheat in 2005, more than all of Africa (20,304,585 metric tons) and nearly as much as all of South America (24,557,784 metric tons).[184] Between 2002 and 2007 there was substantial foreign investment in Pakistan's banking and energy sectors.[185] Other important industries include clothing and textiles (accounting for nearly 60% of exports), food processing, chemicals manufacture, iron and steel.[186] There is great potential for tourism in Pakistan, but it is severely affected by the country's instability.[187] Pakistan's cement is also fast growing mainly because of demand from Afghanistan and countries boosting real estate sector, In 2013 Pakistan exported 7,708,557 metric tons of cement.[188] Pakistan has installed capitcty of 44,768,250 metric tons of cement and 42,636,428 metric tons of clinker. In the 2012-2013 cement industry in Pakistan became the most profitable sector of economy.[189]
The textile sector enjoys a pivotal position in the exports of Pakistan. Pakistan is the 8th largest exporter of textile products in Asia. This sector contributes 9.5% to the GDP and provides employment to about 15 million people or roughly 30% of the 49 million workforce of the country. Pakistan is the 4th largest producer of cotton with the third largest spinning capacity in Asia after China and India, and contributes 5% to the global spinning capacity. China is the second largest buyer of Pakistani textiles, importing $1.527 billion of textiles last fiscal. Unlike US where mostly value added textiles are imported, China buys only cotton yarn and cotton fabric from Pakistan. In 2012 Pakistani textile products accounted for 3.3% or $1.07b of total UK’s textile imports, 12.4% or $4.61b of total Chinese textile imports, 2.98% or $2.98b of total US’s textile imports, 1.6% or $0.88b of total German textile imports and 0.7% or $0.888b of total Indian textile imports.[194]
Pakistani competitive yet highly profitable banking sector is continuously improving with diversified pattern of ownership due to an active participation of foreign and local stakeholder. It resulted into an increased competition among banks to attract a greater number of customers by the provision of quality services for long-term benefits. Now there are 6 full-fledged Islamic banks and 13 conventional banks offering products and services.Islamic banking and finance in Pakistan has experienced phenomenal growth. Islamic deposits – held by fully-fledged Islamic banks and Islamic windows of conventional banks at present stand at 9.7% of total bank deposits in the country.[195]
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