By M. Hassan Wazir
PAKISTAN emerged on the world map as an independent sovereign state on Aug. 14, 1947, as a result of the partition of the British Indian Empire. Its area is 803,940 square kilometers and its population is around 200 million.
Pakistan is located at a very important position in South Asia. Historically, the area of present Pakistan is one of the most ancient lands known to mankind. Here grew civilizations like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, the most advanced civilization of ancient times.
Around 1,500 B.C. the Aryans came to the area the demarcates the present day Pakistan and pushed the local inhabitants further east. The Persians occupied the northern regions in 5th century B.C. The Greeks came in 327 B.C., under Alexander of Macedonia, and ran through the region like a meteor.
In 712 A.D. Mohammed Bin Qasim, landed at Deeble, now-a-days Karachi. He reached Multan. Islam came to the region at the time. It slowly took roots and influenced the life, culture and traditions of the inhabitants of the region.
From 10th century A.D. onwards, the advent of the Muslims to the region from Central Asia began and lasted up to 18th century A.D., till the British came to the subcontinent and ruled it for nearly 200 years.
The Muslim revival began towards the end of 19th century when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a renowned educationist, launched a movement for intellectual renaissance of the Muslims. In 1930, the well-known poet and philosopher, Dr. Mohammed Iqbal, conceived the idea of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
On March 23, 1940, the All-India Muslim League adopted the famous Pakistan Resolution, which laid the foundation for Pakistan. The resolution called for the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. There was a milestone in the struggle for Pakistan. The day (March 23) is celebrated as the National Day of Pakistan every year.
The Indus River, the major source of water, runs through the entire length of Pakistan. Along the Indus and its tributaries are found most of Pakistan’s population, its main agricultural areas, and its major hydroelectric power stations, interconnected by the world’s largest system of agricultural canals, join the Indus before it reaches the Arabian Sea.
The northern and western areas of Pakistan are mountainous. The area contains some of the highest mountains in the world, including the second tallest, K-2. In the southeast, Pakistan’s border with India passes through a flat desert, called the Cholistan or Thal Desert.
West-central Balochistan has a high desert plateau, bordered by low mountain ranges. Most of the Punjab, and parts of Sindh, are fertile plains where agriculture is of great importance.
The land of Pakistan tells the history of many races, their ambitions and dreams. The archeological sites and monuments are scattered across the country, which are testimony to the magnificent past of our country.
The relics of Mohenjo-Daro (6000 B.C.) in Sindh, and the monasteries of Gandhara Kingdom of Emperor Ashoka (3000 B.C.) in Taxila, speaks the rise and fall of civilizations. The art, music, architecture and gardens left behind by great Moguls speak volume of their skill and taste, and glory and power.
The melting of these civilization have given distinct color in the culture and lifestyle to the people of Pakistan. Spring festivals are celebrated all over the country with great zeal and enthusiasm.
The national horse and cattle show (in Lahore), the Lok Meela (a folk festival of music and dance with craftsman at work), handy crafts exhibitions (at Lok Versa in Islamabad) and the Shandur Polo Festival (in Northern Pakistan every summer) attract thousands great lovers of art and crafts including local and foreign.
With 200 million consumers offering tremendous opportunities to investors from around the world and due to its conducive business environment, foreign investment is coming into Pakistan. Hundred of multinationals including financial institutions, cellular service providers, hotels, industrial manufacturing, power generation and consumer products, are operating in Pakistan.
The recently established port of Gwadar will play a major role in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project will benefit not only Pakistan but the region. It would be a game changer in the economy of the entire region.
Pakistan manufactures some of the finest sports goods in the world including brands such as Addidas, Puma, and Slazenger. The football used in the World Cup is made here in Sialkot. Sialkot is also known throughout the world for its surgical instruments. Pakistan handmade carpets and rugs are acclaimed and appreciated across the globe.
The diverse ecosystem also makes Pakistan an attractive tourist destination. The majestic mountains in the north, lush green planes in the center and the golden deserts in the south make Pakistan unique, offering all four seasons throughout the year.
Vibrant Pakistan is a land of opportunities and contrast. It is a land of beauty, of varied history, of mixed cultures and above all, of the hospitable people.
