HOME SWEET HOME (Pakistan)

Member Name: hinasif

Product:	Pakistan
Date:	24/10/05 (296 review reads)
Rating:

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 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. 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&KEYWOR D=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.


Thanks for reading…
Hina.

Summary: Pakistan is a land of innumerable splendours; exotic sceneries, fertile plains & snow-covered peaks.