Pakistan Flag

Father of Nation

Quaid-i-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Independence Day
14 August 1947

National Anthem


Approved in June, 1954 
Verses Composed by
Hafeez Jallundhri 
Tune Composed by
Ahmed G. Chagla 
Duration
80 seconds

Introduction Of Pakistan

Pakistan is an Islamic Republic (Official name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan) and its capital is Islamabad. Pakistan has four provinces: Baluchistan, North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab and Sindh. Their respective capitals are: Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi . In addition to these provinces is the Federally Administered Northern Area (FANA), which is divided into the districts of Diamer, Ghanche, Ghizer, Gilgit and Skardu. There are also seven Federally Administered Tribal Areas. (FATA).

Government

Pakistan has a federal structure. Parliament consists of the Lower House (National Assembly) and the Upper House (Senate). Members of the National Assembly are directly elected and their term of office is five years. The National Assembly determines the major policy issues and passes an annual budget and legislation. It elects the Prime Minister from among its members.

The Prime Minister forms the cabinet from among members of the Assembly and the Senate. Provinces have their own elected legislative assemblies and Chief Ministers. The Provincial Assemblies elect the majority of the members of the Upper House.

Facts and Figures

The national language is Urdu, while the official language is English. Some of the main regional languages include Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi and Pushto.

Pakistan has a Population of over 130 million. At present, the growth rate is 2.8 percent per annum. The major cities are Karachi (10 million), Lahore (5.5 million), Faisalabad (2 million), Rawalpindi (928,000), Islamabad (340,286). Other cities include Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Multan and Sialkot. Major religions are  Sunni Muslim (97%), Hindu (1.5%), Christian (1%) and several other minorities.

AreaTotal Area: 796,095 Sq. Km 

  • Punjab Province: 205,344 Sq. Km
  • Sindh Province: 140,914 Sq. Km
  • North West Frontier Province (NWFP): 74,521 Sq. Km
  • Balochistan Province: 347,190 Sq. Km
  • Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA): 27,220 Sq. Km
  • Islamabad (Capital): 906 Sq. Km


Map of Pakistan

Map of Pakistan
(Area: 796,095 Sq. Km)

Land Boundaries

Total: 6,774 km
Afghanistan: 2,430 km
China: 523 km
India: 2,912 km
Iran: 909 km

Transport

Total length of Roads
228,206 km. (approx.)
    Pakistan Railway Network
8,775 km. (approx.)
    Railway Stations
781

Education

Literacy rate is about 55.1% (2004). Some facts about educational institutes are:

  • Primary schools: 150,963
  • Middle schools: 14,595
  • High schools: 9,808
  • Arts & science colleges: 798
  • Professional colleges: 161
  • Universities: 35 (10 in Private sector)

Health

Some basic facts about health facilities are:

  • Hospitals: 830
  • Beds: 86,921
  • Doctors(registered): 74,229
  • Dentists(registered): 2,938
  • Nurses(registered): 22,810

National Flower is Jasmine, other trees include Pine, Oak, Poplar, Deodar, Maple, Mulberry. Some popular animal species are The Pheasant, Leopard, Deer, Ibex, Chinkara, Black buk, Neelgai, Markhor, Marcopolo sheep, Green turtles, River & Sea fish, Crocodile, Water Fowls.

Attractions

Pakistan has large number of beautiful places and attractions to visit. Popular tourist destinations during holiday seasons are like Murree, Quetta, Swat Valley, Hunza, Ziarat, Kaghan, Chitral and Gilgit.

Mt. Godwin Austin (K-2)

Mt. Godwin Austin (K-2)

Famous Glaciers

Siachin: 75 km.
Batura: 55 km.
Baltoro: 62 km.

Deserts

Thar: Sindh province
Cholistan: Punjab province
Thal: Punjab province

Natural Resources

Northern areas of Pakistan are blessed with some of the tallest peaks and mountains in the world in the Great Himalyians. The most popular and renowned peak is K-2 as known also Mt. Godwin Austin. Its height is about 28,250 ft. or 8611 meters which makes its 2nd highest peak in the World after Mount Everest. Other mountains include well-known Nanga Parbat of about 26,660 ft./8126 meters (8th in World) and Gasherbrum about 26,470 ft./8068 meters (11th in World).

Some of the famous mountain passes are The Khyber Pass, The Kurram Pass, The Tochi Pass, The Gomal Pass, The Bolan Pass, The Lowari Pass, The Khunjrab Pass.

Pakistan has 5 major rivers, these are

  • The Indus: 2896 km.
  • Jhelum: 825 km.
  • Chenab: 1242 km.
  • Ravi: 901 km.
  • Sutlej: 1551 km.

Some of the famous lakes are Manchar, Keenjar, Saif-ul-Maluk, Hanna. Major dams include Tarbela Dam (largest mud built dam is the world), Mangla Dam, Warsak Dam.

Media

Following media statistics can be observed for the coverage of the information and events across the country.

  • Print Media
    • Dailies: 424
    • Weeklies: 718
    • Fortnightlies: 107
    • Monthlies: 553
  • News Agencies
    • APP (official)
    • PPI & NNI (Pvt)
  • Electronic Media
    • Pakistan Television: Five TV centres at Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi, covering 87% of the population.
    • Registered TV sets: 2,823,800.
    • Viewership: 115 million.
    • Radio stations: Total 23, Home services in 20 languages.External services cover 70 countries in 15 languages.
    • Private TV/Radio: Radio stations: 3, TV transmitter channels: 4, Private News Agencies: 2

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