Pakistan Provinces

PROVINCES OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan stretches from the Arabian Sea to the mountainous regions of Central Asia in the north. The beauty of this land lies in its sharp contrasts, rugged mountains, rolling plains, scorching deserts and vast expanse of virtually unspoiled beaches. As varied as its topography is the rich ethnic diversity of its people. A nation whose racial and cultural heritage embodies the distinct strains of many invaders and settlers who streamed through the subcontinent throughout its long and turbulent history. Though Pakistan gained independence from British India in 1947, the history of this Land of the pure (Pak implies pure) dates back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization of 5000 year B. C. History books record the absorbing discovery of the riches and wonders of the subcontinent by explorers and foreign invaders. From the time Alexander the Great thundered through the historic Khyber Pass to set up camp along the River Indus, down through the ages, to the Arab and Persian conquerors who left the most significant impression on the language and creed of the people, to the British, Portuguese and Dutch merchant colonialists who opened up the trade potential of the region to the world. The years since independence have continued to be a period of discovery for Pakistan, as it realized the tremendous growth resources. These years have seen a steady rise in industrialization and modernization of the traditional agricultural sector. With the new economic liberalization, use of modern technology and ambitious export aspirations, Pakistan is poised to join the realm of the fastest developing industrialized countries of Asia. There is an ever-increasing demand for quality in the international market, and young enterprising Pakistanis are eager to avail the extremely bright prospects for trade. Government incentives to exporters are a further encouragement to local entrepreneurs to explore new markets beyond the borders. Four Provinces of Pakistan Punjab Sindh NWFP Balochistan Northern Areas

Punjab

The River Indus and its five tributaries flow through the lush green plains of the Punjab, giving the province its name (the word Punj means five, ab means water). The Punjab is the most populous province and the most productive agricultural region of the country. Verdant fields and vast orchards produce bumper harvests of staple foods such as rice, wheat, cotton, fruits and vegetables. Punjabis are a hardy race, strong on tradition and dignity. Many of the sons of this soil serve the nation as brave and devoted soldiers in the armed forces. Lahore, the provincial capital, retains the strongest impression of the grandeur of the Mughal era. The famous Mughal emperors loved this city and bequeathed to it a magnificent architectural legacy in mosques, mausoleums and stately gardens. These monuments of the past are well-preserved as popular tourist attractions. Lahore is also the cultural centre of Pakistan and continues to provide the nation with eminent philosophers, poets, writers and sportsmen. Gifted craftsmen create traditional handicrafts with a skill and inspiration that is passed on from generations. Centuries of tradition are interwoven in the intricate designs of the famous carpets and dhurries of Lahore, in the exquisite ceramics of Multan and the many varieties of handicrafts produced in cottage industries throughout the province.

Sindh
Sindh is a land of many contrasts, steeped in the mystique of Sufi traditions, preserving remnants of an ancient civilisation at Moenjodaro, and yet with the definite mark of urbanity in its bustling cities. This contrast is visible in the land itself from the vast coastline of the Arabian Sea, to the great deserts of Thar and Kohistan, and small fertile belts along the River Indus. There is a riotous mix of the old and the modern in Karachi, the capital of the province, where crude camel and donkey carts and horse carriages jostle with motor vehicles and imposing modern constructions exist beside the crumbling facades and splendid architecture of the British era. Apart from Sindhis, a large proportion of the population are ethnic and religious minorities. Hindus, Christians and Zoroastrians add to the colourful cosmopolitan flavour of the province. The handicrafts produced in the region have a distinct local character. Expert craftsmen enfuse the magic of traditions in exquisite creations of clay, pottery, carved furniture, and traditional embroidery work.

NWFP (North West Frontier Province)

The NWFP (North West Frontier Province) has welcomed many conquerors, traders and settlers from times immemorial who entered the Indian subcontinent through the historic Khyber Pass. A true gateway to the East, the pass has echoed with the advance of such great adventurers as Alexander the Great, Mehmood Ghaznavi, Muhammad Ghory and Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty Stretching from the Hindukush mountains in the northwest to the Derajat Basin in the south, the mainly rocky terrain gives way to unexpected belts of green valleys. Some of the most breathtaking scenery is to be enjoyed in the valleys of Swat, Gilgit, Kalash and Hunza. Tourists, trekkers and mountain climbers flock here in the summer to savour the beauty of nature and the quaint ethnicity of the local tribesmen. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to the northwest of the province, border on Afghanistan. The Pathans, who are the main inhabitants of the province, are a proud and fiercely independent people. Historically, they have resisted domination from other races with a rugged ferocity reminiscent of the daunting mountains of their homeland. But friendly visitors to this land will receive the warmth of hospitality. The capital, Peshawar, is perhaps the oldest city in Pakistan and in its narrow alleys and bazaars one can catch colourful glimpses of the unique culture and handicrafts of the frontier people. Particularly famous are the beautiful tapestries of Swat, hand-made guns of Darra, and intricately crafted copper and brassware

Balochistan

The local population comprises hardworking people, accustomed to the extreme climatic and arid conditions of the land. They are ethnically diverse people of Pathan, Baloch and Barohi origin, intermingled with other migrant races who have been attracted by the mining prospects in the province. Balochistan is richly endowed with mineral resources and major occupations are in iron and coal mining and oil and gas explorations. The country’s largest natural gas reservoir is located here at Sui, which, when discovered in 1952, was the largest in Asia. Balochistan is famous for its exotic fruits. Many varieties of fresh and dry fruits are supplied to the teeming bazaars of Quetta, the provincial capital, as well as around the country. Handicrafts of beautiful and intricate craftsmanship are produced here the most typical of the region being the exquisite mirror work, embroidery, fine quality precious stones and marble works.

Northern Areas

The whole of the Northern Region of Pakistan is very beautiful and its scenic places like Swat, Kalam, Naran, Bhurban, Murree and the set of Galiyats are very popular with the local and foreign tourists. Howerver, the real beauty of this tough and mountainous terrain spreads furthers north in the districts of Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, and Ghanche, know as Northern Areas, over an area of 72,500 sq. Kilometers. Northern Areas constitute a pristine home for about one million people. They are connected to Pakistan and the outside world through the Karakorrum Highway (KKH), nicknamed as the Silk Route. The KKH, a marvelous creation of Chinese and Pakistani engineers, is in itself the 8th wonder of the world and a source of great tourist attraction. The Northern Areas, connected to China through the KKH, provide a vast potential in tourism & related activities, trade expansion, minerals, and cottage industries. Pakistan has an amazing mountain heritage with the four ranges of Hindukush. Pamir, Karakorrum, and the Great Himalayas converging here. Amongst them, they contain the world's densest concentration of high peaks (five out of 14 highest) in their fold which are:- Name of the Peak Height – Feet/Meters Godwin Austin (k-2) 28,251/8,611 Nanga Parbat 26,660/8,125 Gasherbrum-I 26,470/8,068 BroadPeak 26,400/8,407 Gasherbrum-II 26,360/8,035 There are 42 other peaks which are higher than all the highest peaks of the other continents. In all, Pakistan has over 700 peaks above 6000 meters in height and over 160 peaks above 7000 meters Besides the high mountains, the Northern Areas have the world’s longest glaciers including the Godwin Austin, Abruzzin and Baltoro which meet at Concordia forming the largest glacial lake at a high of 4720 meters. The enchanting valleys of Hunza, Shigar, Khaplu, Lshkuman, Nalar, Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, and Dir and the glacial lakes like Kachura, Satpara, Lalusar, and Saiful Muluk add unmatched grandeur to the beauty of the rugged mountains. The Northern Areas with its flora and fauna; the wildlife which can be seen in the form of snow leopards, ibexes and urials; and the variety of people who live in these areas with their cultural heritage and millennia-old civilizations form a paradise for the tourists, trekkers, and mountaineers from all around the world. The Government of Pakistan is aware that preservation of these mountains and the future of its tourism industry are inter-linked. Promotion of tourism and development of tourism - related infrastructure in the Northern Areas thus offer vast opportunities for investors both from local and foreign origin. These facilities could be the creation of hotel accommodation in the most frequented places, the development of ski resorts, fixation of chair lifts, mountain climbing facilities, and the like. Agriculture also forms a potential area for investment in the shape of :- Production, preservation & marketing of quality fruits and vegetables. Production of vegetable seeds; Livestock, dairy & poultry farming, Fish/trout farming, and the Use of herbs for medicinal purposes. Another field which promises profitable investment in Northern Areas is the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources and precious stones. Although the quantitative potential has yet to be established there are numerous kinds of minerals like gold, ruby, emerald, aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline etc. which can be gainfully exploited. Some industrial minerals like marble, granite, mica, feldspar, barite, China clay, copper, lead, antimony etc. are also found in large deposit. Based on these resources, cement industry, granite cutting & polishing, paint industry, pottery and ceramics etc. can be established. The most readily available opportunity for investment is however, in the hydropower sector. At present only half of the Northern Areas requirement for electricity is met through 79 mini and small hydel power plants. Atleast 10 more power planets are needed 2 each in teh Districts of Gilgit, Skardu and Diamer, 3 in District Ghizer, and one mini unit in Ghanche district. The units in Gilgit and Skardu would produce 43 Megawatt each while the units in Diamer will each be 10 MW and that in Ghizer 9 MW. Additionally, some national level power plants like Doyan Astore (425 MW), Basha-DMR (3400-MW) and Bunji-Indus (1400 MW) are also being studied in Northern Areas.