Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic in South Asia bordered by India, Afghanistan, Iran and China. It covers 881913km2 including plains, deserts and mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and Karakoram. Its name combines the Persian word pak meaning pure and the suffix stan meaning land. Pakistan has 241500000 residents making it the world’s fifth most populous country. Urdu is the national language and English is used in government, law and business. Regional languages include Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi and Balochi. Alcohol is legally restricted to licensed venues and non-Muslim citizens; narcotics are strictly prohibited. Gambling in any form is banned. The highest authority is the President as head of state, while executive power lies with the Prime Minister. Pakistan maintains one of the world’s largest standing armies, including Army, Navy and Air Force branches overseen by a civilian government.

History
Human habitation on the land that is now Pakistan dates back over9000 years, with the Indus Valley Civilization flourishing between2600 and1900 BCE in cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. These advanced urban centers featured grid layouts, sophisticated drainage systems and standardized weights and measures. After the decline of the Indus civilization, successive waves of Indo-Aryan tribes, Dravidian peoples and Central Asian settlers shaped the region’s cultural mosaic. The Achaemenid Empire incorporated parts of present-day Balochistan in the sixth century BCE, followed by Alexander the Great’s brief conquest in 326 BCE.
In the third century BCE the Mauryan Empire brought Buddhism to Gandhara, resulting in a rich tradition of Gandhara art blending Hellenistic and Indian influences. After the Mauryas, the Indo-Scythians and Kushans controlled the region, promoting trade along the Silk Road. From the eighth century CE onward Arab conquests introduced Islam, which became dominant under the Ghaznavid and later Delhi Sultanate dynasties. The Mughal Empire (1526–1857) presided over a golden age of art, architecture and administration, leaving monuments such as the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort.
The British East India Company annexed Sindh in1843 and gradually extended control over Punjab, Balochistan and NWFP. Direct British rule was established after1858 until the independence movement led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League culminated in the creation of Pakistan on August14 1947. Partition triggered one of history’s largest migrations and communal violence, with estimates of up to two million displaced people.
The new nation comprised West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Tensions over political representation and language rights led to the Bangladesh Liberation War in1971 and the secession of East Pakistan. Pakistan’s subsequent history featured alternating civilian and military rule, including martial law under Ayub Khan (1958–1969) and Zia ul Haq (1977–1988). Democratic governments returned in the1990s, though political instability and corruption persisted.
In1998 Pakistan declared itself a nuclear-armed state after conducting tests in response to India’s. The country joined the US-led War on Terror in2001, facing domestic insurgencies in the northwest and Balochistan. General Pervez Musharraf’s military government lasted until2008, when democratic elections restored civilian rule. Since2013 Pakistan has grappled with economic challenges, counterterrorism operations and climate-related disasters. Under Prime Minister Imran Khan (2018–2022) reforms in social welfare and anti-corruption were introduced, though political turmoil has continued. Today Pakistan balances its ancient heritage and strategic importance with efforts toward economic growth and regional stability.

Industry
Pakistan’s economy is driven by agriculture, textiles, manufacturing and services. It is the world’s fifth-largest cotton producer and a major exporter of rice, wheat and sugar. Textile mills process raw cotton into yarn and garments for export under brands like Nishat Mills and Gul Ahmed. The country’s leading home appliance manufacturer Dawlance produces refrigerators and washing machines. Automotive production by companies such as Indus Motor Company assembles Toyota and Honda models. Pakistan’s cement sector ranks among the top20 globally in annual output. Software exports are growing through technology parks in Karachi and Islamabad.

Religion and Ethnicities
Islam is the state religion with Muslims comprising96 percent of the population. Sunnis account for roughly75 percent and Shias20 percent, while Ahmadi and other minority sects make up the remainder. Religious minorities include Christians1.5 percent, Hindus1.85 percent and others. Ethnically Punjabis44 percent, Pashtuns15 percent, Sindhis14 percent, Seraikis10 percent, Muhajirs7 percent, Baloch3 percent and other groups7 percent. Sufi traditions such as urs festivals honor saints’ tombs, and Islamic customs govern daily life.

Wars and Conflicts
Since independence Pakistan has fought several conflicts over Kashmir with India in1947–48,1965 and1999. The1971 civil war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. Pakistan joined the US-led coalition in Afghanistan in2001, leading to cross-border insurgencies and domestic militant activity by the TTP and Baloch separatists. Major terrorist attacks include the2007 Red Mosque operation,2008 Marriott bombing in Karachi and2014 Peshawar school attack. Military cemeteries and memorials honor fallen soldiers, while mass graves mark wartime atrocities. Today counterterrorism operations continue in tribal areas.

Standard of Living
Pakistan’s GDP per capita is approximately1700 USD. Human Development Index ranks at161 of189 countries. Poverty affects21 percent of the population. Corruption Perceptions Index places Pakistan at140 of180. Public services such as education and healthcare are available but underfunded, and urban-rural disparities persist.

Medicine
Public hospitals provide basic care free of charge, but quality varies. Private hospitals offer higher standards at significant cost. Pharmacies operate Monday to Saturday08:00–22:00 in cities and close on Sunday, though some run24hours. Tourists need travel insurance. Vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A and polio boosters are recommended. Tap water is unsafe; bottled water is advised.

Sport
Cricket is the national sport; Pakistan won the ICC Cricket World Cup in1992 and ICC T20 World Cup in2009. Field hockey yielded three Olympic gold medals. Squash champions Jahangir and Jansher Khan dominated world rankings in the1980s and1990s. Football, polo and kabaddi have regional followings. Pakistan sends athletes to Summer Olympics; no Winter Olympics representation.

Holidays
Pakistan Day on March23 commemorates the1940 Lahore Resolution. Labour Day on May1 is observed nationwide. Independence Day on August14 features flag-raising, parades and fireworks. Defence Day on September6 honors1965 war heroes. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan involves fasting from dawn to sunset and communal iftar meals.

Traditions
Hospitality is central—guests receive tea and snacks. Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques. Use the right hand for eating or exchanging items. Public displays of affection are taboo. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially for women in religious sites.

Interesting Facts
Pakistan hosts K2 at8611 m, the world’s second-highest peak. The ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro dates to2600 BCE and is a UNESCO site. Taxila and Rohtas Fort reflect Gandharan and Mughal heritage. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai was born in Mingora. The world’s largest deep-sea port, Gwadar, opened in2016. The Indus dolphin inhabits the river system. Major floods in2010 affected20 million people.

Money
The Pakistani rupee (PKR) is the official currency. ATMs and banks are widespread in urban centers. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants. Money changers and banks offer the best rates. Cash is preferred in rural markets. Tipping10 percent in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is customary.

Household Details
Electricity is230 V at50 Hz. Plugs types C and D are used. Mobile providers Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone offer 4G and increasing 5G coverage. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes and airports.

Clothing
Modest attire is required. Men wear shalwar kameez or trousers and shirts. Women should cover shoulders, arms and knees; headscarves are advised in rural areas. Shorts, short skirts and open-toed shoes are discouraged in conservative settings.

Tourism
Tourism centers on northern mountain valleys like Hunza, Skardu and Swat with trekking, mountaineering and cultural tours. Historical sites in Lahore include Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens. The archaeological ruins of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa offer a glimpse of ancient urban life. The Makran Coastal Highway leads to beaches at Gwadar and Ormara. Desert safaris span the Thar region. Cultural festivals showcase Sufi music and local crafts. Guided tours offer jeep safaris in the Karakoram, white-water rafting on the Indus and wildlife safaris in Punjab reserves.

Types of Tourism
Adventure tourism for trekking, mountaineering and rafting. Cultural tourism at Mughal and Gandharan sites. Eco-tourism in national parks like Khunjerab and Deosai. Religious tourism to Sufi shrines. Beach tourism along the Arabian Sea.

List of Tourist Attractions
Mohenjo-Daro – Indus Valley Civilization archaeological ruins, UNESCO site
Taxila – ancient Gandharan city and university ruins, UNESCO site
Badshahi Mosque – 17th-century Mughal mosque in Lahore
Hunza Valley – scenic mountain valley with Baltit Fort
Shalimar Gardens – Mughal pleasure gardens in Lahore, UNESCO site

List of Non-Tourist Attractions
Industrial Estate Islamabad – government complex and factories
Local bazaars in Rawalpindi – wholesale textile markets
Railway workshops in Lahore – historic locomotive repair yards
Wagah Border – daily flag-lowering ceremony site
Small villages in Balochistan – traditional mud-brick architecture

Local Cuisine
Biryani – spiced rice with meat or vegetables
Nihari – slow-cooked beef stew served for breakfast
Haleem – wheat and meat porridge
Seekh kebab – spiced minced meat skewers
Karahi – tomato-based curry with chicken or mutton
Chai – sweet milk tea with spices
Lassi – yogurt-based drink
Breakfast7–9 AM, lunch1–3 PM, dinner7–10 PM. Restaurants may add a service charge; leaving10 percent tip is polite. Street food hygiene varies; bottled water and cooked food from busy stalls are safest.

Why Visit
Pakistan offers breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient civilizations, rich cultural traditions and warm hospitality at affordable costs. Its strategic location bridges South and Central Asia.

Safety for Tourists
Security has improved though some regions like Balochistan and tribal areas remain restricted. Major cities maintain visible police presence and CCTV in public spaces. Terrorist threats exist but target government and military sites more than tourists. Wildlife dangers are minimal. Health standards vary; urban hospitals meet international norms. Pakistanis generally welcome all ethnicities and nationalities.

Tourist Infrastructure
Five-star hotels are in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Guesthouses and inns operate in northern areas. English-speaking guides are available. Road signage is improving, and domestic flights link main cities and hill stations.

Entry Rules
Most visitors require a visa obtained online via e-visa portal. Passports must be valid six months beyond date of entry. Customs restrict import of alcohol, pork, narcotics, weapons and more than5000 USD in cash without declaration.

Transport
Intercity travel by air, train and long-distance buses. Tickets can be booked online or at stations. Local transport includes rickshaws, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber. Minibuses serve rural routes.

Automobile
Driving on the left requires a valid international driving permit. Car rentals are available in major cities. Police checkpoints may request documentation; bribery is illegal yet occurs occasionally. No toll roads exist except on some motorways. Zero alcohol limit for drivers. Speed limits 50 km/h in cities,100 km/h on motorways. Traffic cameras are increasing. SUVs and sedans are suitable; poor road conditions in rural areas demand higher clearance vehicles.

Noise Regulations
Quiet hours begin at22:00 in residential areas. Loud music, construction and honking are restricted near hospitals and mosques, especially during prayer times.

Daily Budget
Budget travel costs approximately8000–10000 PKR (30–35 USD) per day. A comfortable budget is20000–25000 PKR (70–90 USD). Luxury stays exceed30000 PKR (110 USD) daily.

What Is Not Recommended or Strictly Forbidden
Don’t photograph military installations or checkpoints. Avoid public intoxication. Nude or topless sunbathing is forbidden. Respect religious sites; women should cover hair and shoulders.

Climate
Pakistan’s climate ranges from arid in Sindh to alpine in the north. Summers can exceed45 °C in plains, while winter temperatures drop below -10 °C in mountain valleys. Monsoon rains occur July–September, causing floods. Best times to visit are March–May and September–November.

Travel Tips
Ensure vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A and polio are up to date. Carry insect repellent for mosquitoes. Use bottled water. Dress modestly. Carry photocopies of travel documents. Register with your embassy in Islamabad for emergency updates. Enjoy Pakistan’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness with respect and caution.