About Karachi

Introduction

Karachi is the largest city and former capital of Pakistan on the Arabian Sea near the Indus River delta. The capital of Sindh province, it is Pakistan's chief seaport and industrial center. Karachi is not just a city. It is a unique city in many ways.

Area and Population

From a medium-size city of less than 500,000 population in 1947 it grew to well over five million in 1981 and, according to most conservative estimates, has now exceeded 10 million mark. The area of Karcahi divison is about 3,366 sq. km with more than 18 towns and 6 cantonment boards.

Brief History

This metropolitan city of Karachi was until 1725 A.D. just a barren piece of land , washed on three sides by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. A few fishermen lived in a small huts on the sunny creek. 

There was a pool of water on this barren piece of land which was known as Kalachi-jo-Kun. Kalachi was the name of fisherman whereas kun meant a deep kitch. Therefore, "Kalachi-jo-Kun" meant the deep ditch of Kalacahi, the fisherman.  

A few mud huts sprang around this point and their numbers increased. Gradually a village came into being . This village was called as Kalachi-jo-Ghote, which as time passed grew into prominence.

Climate

Karachi is located on semi-arid zone but due to marine affects, it enjoys a moderate climate. May and June are hottest months of the year with temperature as high as 43.3 degree centigrade while January is the coldest month with temperature as low as 5 degree centigrade. The mean annual rainfall is about 7 inches.

Attractions

Karachi is a city that has a large variety of places to go and things to do. In every part of the city there is some club or organization. No matter where you are, you can be guaranteed a good time.

Some of the attractions you will enjoy are handicrafts, particularly rugs and carpets of rare design and beauty, produced by talented artisans. You will find extensive range of restaurants feature cuisine from world over, clean and golden beaches, Theme parks, Zoo, Country & Water parks, Ship breaking tours and many more.

Karachi is a shoppers paradise. If you have the power to purchase you can get finest products at the most reasonable prices in Karachi. Crockery, furniture, paintings, crystal works, marble products, steel goods, classical stitched clothing, glassware, automobile, watches, best textile products and much more.

Historical Architectures

Like Lahore, you also found many historical buildings in Karachi. To name few, some are like Tomb of Quaid-e-Azam, City Courts, The Empress Market, Liaquat National Library, Karachi Port Trust, Sindh assembly buildings, Sindh Madressah-ul-Islam and Wazir Mansion (Home of Quaid-e-Azam).

Other renowned places are like Habib Bank Plaza, MCB Tower, PSO building, Avari Towers. Habib Bank Plaza is the tallest building of the city and the country.

Habib Bank Tower

Facts

Financial Center                                                                                                                                        Karachi Stock Exchange Port of Pakistan Biggest City in Population Industrial Stronghold Tallest Building of Pakistan Habib Bank Tower

However, many new building construction poses threat to 50 year dominance of Habib Bank tower and in near future MCB tower will replace this title from Habib Bank.

Education

Karachi is also famous for its educational network. There are a number of schools, colleges and institutes imparting education in the fields of science, arts, engineering and information technology. Many universities main campuses resides in Karachi. It also host number of international university campuses and attracts many overseas students.

Some of the well-known universities and institutes include Karachi University, Agha Khan University, NED University, Baqai Medical University, National University, Hamdard University, IBA, Sir Syed University and many more.

Industry

The most of the major banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, corporate houses are based in Karachi. The Industrial areas of the city are SITE, Landhi, Korangi and New Karachi where enormous small, medium and large industrial units are located. Their entire managerial and financial activities are routed through this city. The presence of central bank's head offices is the manifestation of it.

Karachi Stock Exchange is the biggest trading center of equity and debt securities. The major money market and currency dealer operates from here. The local and shipping companies are also stationed here owing to its status of being a port city. The people from every nook and corner of the country have settled here due to their economic dependence on the city. 

Communication

The Karachi-Peshawar highway links the city with the interior of Pakistan, while the Karachi-O'Mara highway extends along the coast. The Karachi to Zahedan highway connects it with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. Express roads radiate from the city centre, while feeder roads connect the express roads with local streets.

Karachi is the terminus of Pakistan's railway system, which mainly serves to transport goods between Karachi and the interior. 

There are also passenger trains, as well as a circular railway that skirts the city on the north and the east, for commuter traffic and the transport of goods between the port and the industrial areas.The two main railway stations are the Cantt Station and the City Station.

Karachi Airport, known as Jinnah Airport, provides international and domestic services. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the national carrier. Aero Asia, Bhoja Air and Shaheen Air are other Pakistani airlines.

Several international airlines also connect Karachi with the rest of the world. The port of Karachi is one of the busiest east of Suez. A new port, Port Qasim has been constructed with several new facilities for the ships.

* All figures and stats are approximate
** Images may be under copyright of their respective owners

Sialkot

Introduction and History

Sialkot is a city situated in Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located near Indo-Pak border, about 125 k.m. from Lahore, the capital of Punjab. The city is famous for being the birthplace of Allama Iqbal.

This city is centries old. According to tradition, it was constructed by Raja Sul. After his death some 5000 years ago, there is a tradition that the dynasity continued for some 1500 years and then the country was flooded and remained one vast uninhabited region for about 1000 years.

The popular belief is that it was re-founded in the reign of Vikramaditya of Ujjain by Raja Sáliváhan or Sálbán, who built the fort and city and gave the place its present name. It is believed that the name of the city means "Fort of the Sia", the Sia being a particular caste which founded the city in ancient times.

Area and Population

The district area, 2,067 sq mi [5,354 sq km], stretches from the Ravi valley on the southeast to the Chenab River on the northwest. The population of the main city area is about 500,000 (0.5 Million) (est. 2001).

Places of Attraction

Iqbal Manzal

It is the birth place of Pakistan's National Poet, Allama Mohammad Iqbal. It is located in Kashmiri Mohala. In 1861 Iqbal's grandfather Shaikh Rafiq buy this house and they shifted there from Mohala Khatikan. Due to its resemble by Iqbal Government of Pakistan buy this historical building and prepare it as museum, Now it has been opened for visitors.

Tomb of Imam Sahib

Imam Shaib had been past a very famous Sufi (pious man) in Sialkot. He had great love for Islam. He had very kind heart for the poor peoples. He is one of the most famous saint of the sialkot. His services for humanity will always keep him alive to all peoples. He is the main inspiration for next generations too.

Jinnah Cricket Stadium

Being the talented people's city, Sialkot also has a best Cricket stadium where has been held many International matches. It is also known as Jinnah Park. 

Agriculture

The northern portion is very fertile; the southern, less fertile, is irrigated by the Upper Chenab Canal. About nine-tenths of the cultivable area is under crops.
The chief crops are wheat, barley, rice, corn (maize), millet, and sugarcane.

Industry

Sialkot is an important industrial city of Pakistan. It was once famous as a centre for the manufacture of damascened ware and paper; its modern industries include flour and cotton mills and the production of Surgical Instruments, Leather goods, Embroidery, Ready-made garments, Musical Instruments and Sporting goods. Almost every product is exported to the world. Most of the things produced are exported all over the world.

There is a dry port that is run under a trust. This dry port was made by industrialists of the city and Punjab Government helped them. An international airport is also under construction in the city which is again funded by business community of the city.

Several offices deal with business matters. Most important is the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is located at Paris Road, now called Shara-E-Aiwan-E-Tijarat (Chamber of Commerce Road).

About Islamabad:

Islamabad is the Capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The city was built between 1960 - 1970 to replace Karachi as the capital. The idea of the national capital of Islamabad was conceived by President Ayub Khan (1907–1974). Karachi had been the capital because it was Pakistan's commercial center, but it was not considered an appropriate administrative center due to many issues and therefore a planned city became a necessaty..

Before this it was just a small village, a part of which still exists with its mud houses and typical village life. Islamabad is a city of modern architecture. Today Pakistan's new Capital ISLAMABAD nestles against the backdrop of the Margala Hills and offers a very healthy climate, pollution free atmosphere, plenty of water and lush green area that are not part of any other city in Pakistan. It is a modern and well planned city with green belts, large houses elegant public buildings and well-organised markets and shopping places. Initially there were rarely crowds or traffic jams and few narrow lanes or slums; however with the increase in population these problem started to emerge in this city and immediately measures were taken by federal Government to get on top of these. Projects like widening of roads, building under passes, bridges were inagurated back in 2005 by the existing Federal Givernment. The walkways of Islamabad shaded & safe and seperated from the traffic by rows of flame trees. Roses, Jasmines & a broad variety of flowers fill the parks and scenic viewpoints shoe the city to its best advantage

Some Prominent Places in Islamabad

Islamabad is a newly built city and holds the distinction to be a tourist city because of its natural beauty and greenery. Secondly, it is the first planed city of Pakistan. There are numerous worth seeing places in Islamabad and in Pakistan. Islamabad being the worth seeing city hold numerous places to visit. There are also state of the art facilities in Islamabad. Islamabad is a newly constructed city as compared to the other cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and other major cities of Pakistan. However, it is rich in beauty and attracts the foreign and nationwide tourists

There are some great examples of modern buildings in Islamabad. The roads are wide and lined with grass& roses. The city is divided into several residential & commercial areas.

1. Blue area
2. Jinnah Super Market
3. Aabpara Market

Islamabad was built on heavily forested land, but due to the growing population of the city, more and more wooded areas are being cut down for land. The city is dominated by trees such as oak, eucalyptus, and banyan, and is also home to many annual and perennial plants including feral C.   

Unfortunately - the deep vegatation, plantation and trees of Islamabad city are fastly being removed. And it is feared that Islamabad may lose its scenic and natural beauty soon if replantation activities are not given due priority. Some scenic vgiews in Islamabad include:

-Daman-E-Koh

-Golra Sharif

-Bari Maam

-Jinnah Sports Complex

-Liaquat Gymnasium

-Margalla Cricket Ground

-Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

-Islamabad Club Golf Course

-Yachting Facility At Rawal Lake

-Islamabad Club Tennis Courts

-Pakistan Museum 

-Islamabad Museum

-Lok Virsa 

-Margalla Hills

-Islamabad Zoo

-Shaker Parrian

-Rawal Lake

-Lotus Lake

-Murree Hills

-Khanpur Dam Lake

-Simli Dam Lake

MyIslamabad.net is the first online information center about Islamabad, which is a beautiful city and capital of Pakistan with estimated population of 524,500 geographically located at North East of its sister city Rawalpindi. There are all the facilities of modern life, which are at your desktop now with the access of MyIslamabad.net. Islamabad has the privilege of perfect atmosphere and geographical position, which makes it more attractive for the tourists.

As it is properly planned and well constructed city of the country so it is also grooming in real estate, education, infrastructure, telecom sector, road safety, fashion industry, services industry, IT industry and human resource department. Therefore, life here is very enjoyable.
My Islamabad.net is well known for IT solutions and web designing and web hostings. There are numerous software houses, which are giving significant amount of revenue to government, and paying their pivotal role in the economic growth of the country TheIslamabad.net is one of them. TheIslamabad.net and other IT institution and software houses along with other government and private sectors departments are giving jobs to youth and educated class of country and thus minimizing joblessness, and poverty in the country and improving the GDP.

Travel Guide to Pakistan

Welcome to the fabulous Pakistan!
Pakistan is situated in the west of India and china while Iran and Afghanistan share their border with Pakistan on western side. Pakistan although a very peaceful and very friendly nation has been very badly hit by the notorious war on terrorism by the countries who always envied the landscape and blessing of the country. The local media the war on terror leaders have now destroyed peace and tranquility of some areas of Pakistan's in a game that no one understands. This game is not an old one similar games (Gilgit Game, Great game) were played on this soil many years ago by similar powers.
This land Pakistan (The pure Land) be it called Pakistan or be it (Sindu Sapta the real India ) has probably been the most sought after land in the history. From the King Darius of Persia, the Alexander of Macedonia and numerous others have marched here in quest of this land. There has been lot of culture changes in this soil.
Today India boasts to be "India of the past" while it was known as Deserta Incognita (Un Known Desert) in the past. Pakistan is the real old India that world should come to see. This is where Moen Jo Daro of Indus civilization is, This is where the mighty river Indus runs, This here where Buddhism was developed, this is where Sanskrit was born,  and this is where the the Alexander came.
The spectacular views of the mountains the green planes, colorful deserts and the mighty Indus river are just a few things that this country has been blessed with. We are also blessed with the oldest history of the world. When we look at the civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia and others our Indus civilizations looks way too far well developed and well planned. We are the first urban civilization where city planning existed. We are the people who had binary system of the weights and the most accurate one 5000 yes five thousand years ago.
Today people talk of taxes and hygiene and organic food and saving nature we have had these ideas in 2500 BC we had a tax system democracy and even a system which was most eco friendly and well aware of nature and was protecting it.
Today when I buy a burger in a so called developed country it is wrapped in paper plastic and foil, the trash weighs more than the burger come to Pakistan where when I buy a burger my friendly burger cooks it right in front of me and and hand it to me in the most plain format with no paper no plastic and no trash.
Pakistan is a paradise and no super power can destroy it. We are facing a time when people are talking all sorts of ill things about us but its only us who see that Pakistan still stands out and boasts to be the most beautiful and most wonderful country in the world.
Today some countries are building largest shopping malls, tallest towers and what not they destroy nature and produce ugly structures which do nothing but hurt our earth can those countries build mountains like K2 can they bring about a river as mighty and as legendry as river Indus.
This is an open invitation to every one come visit Pakistan don't listen to media don't listen to advisories this country is full of friendly folks flora and fauna. Nature smiles here and sun pays its first homage here in Pakistan.

Introducing Pakistan

Pakistan has been on the brink of being tourism's ‘next big thing’ for more years than we care to remember. It’s a destination that has so much to offer visitors; drive the Karakoram Highway through the endless peaks of the Karakoram Mountains, or wander through the architectural glories of the former Mughal capital Lahore, the ancient bazaars of Quetta or the cosmopolitan streets of Karachi. But every time the country seems to be gearing up to refresh the palates of travellers jaded with last year’s hip destination, world media headlines send things off the rails – again. No matter the attractions, tourism in Pakistan has always been something of a hard sell. A glance at the map shows the country living in a pretty difficult region: always-unruly Afghanistan to one side, Iran to another, and a border with India running through the 60-year-old fault line of Kashmir. But since the events of 9/11, Western pundits have increasingly been wondering if Pakistan isn’t just living in a tough neighbourhood, it is the tough neighbourhood.

Pakistan and political stability have never been particularly happy bedfellows. President Pervez Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup, looked to have an unassailable position until relatively recently. Selling himself as a bulwark against radical Islamism on one hand and the old corrupt elites on the other, he turned himself into a key player in Washington’s ‘War on Terror’ and was rewarded with soft loans and military aid. In 2007, everything was thrown into disorder. An attempt to sack the country’s chief justice resulted in a red-faced retreat in the face of middle- class protests. At the same time, domestic Islamists stepped up their bloody campaigns in the wake of the deadly storming of Islamabad’s Red Mosque. Pakistan’s army had already found itself fighting to a standstill in the lawless Tribal Areas along the Afghan border, and later quelling related violence in the Swat Valley. It signed the short-lived Waziristan Compact that negotiated a peace – of sorts – with Pakistani Taliban, but ultimately showed that having once given official government sanction to such radicals, it was now holding a tiger by its tail.

It was anyone’s guess how Musharraf’s attempts to pull things together would play. The imposition of a state of emergency curtailed the press and judiciary, and soon after being lifted, the country was rocked by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, recently returned from exile to take her place again in Pakistani politics. Such a high profile murder presaged a potentially very troubled future for Pakistan. But against this background, there is another Pakistan, a world away from the headlines. Although conservative, Pakistanis are by nature a welcoming and hospitable people to foreigners, trying to get by in the face of indifference from their government and occasional hostility from the outside world. High politics is of less interest than jobs and the cost of cooking oil and flour. As such, travellers are usually met with genuine interest and enthusiasm. The scams and hustle you might experience in heavily travelled India are nowhere to be seen here. Instead, look forward to spontaneously offered cups of tea and conversations about cricket. You’ll feel like you have the country to yourself. Attractions that would have been splashed over the glossy pages of newspaper travel supplements are almost empty. While enthusiastic travel advice comes tinged with official government travel advisories, you’ll need to keep one eye on the news before booking your ticket – but once here, you’ll realise that Pakistan really is one of the world’s best-kept travel secrets