A Glimpse of History: Ancient Civilizations of Pakistan
The author, Muhammad Bilal Farooq, thinks back on the words of Rudyard Kipling, “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” In view of this quote, he traces the civilizations that were before us — the Mehrgarh, the Harappa and Mohenjodaro, the Vedic, the Gandhara, and the Indo-Greek.
A Biography of Eqbal Ahmad: Remembering the Progressive Intellectual and Peace Advocate of Pakistan
The author, Syed Haris Shah, details the life of Eqbal Ahmad, an admirable intellectual who was even once arrested because of his anti-war stance. He dreamed of establishing an institute that would meld Islamic education with Western education. His writings are a remarkable contribution to the fields of peace studies, international relations, history, Islam, and political science.
A Breathtaking Tour of Gilgit Baltistan
Tucked away in the Gilgit Baltistan province are a few of the national treasures of Pakistan. The springs, the forts, the meadows, and the historic sites of this region offer alluring and picturesque spots for tourists and nationals.
The KPK Police & Its Unsung Martyrs
For years, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Police has remained the target of militant violence, targeted killings, suicide attacks, ambushes, and kidnappings by terrorist organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In the last two decades, more than 1,500 officers of the KPK Police have embraced martyrdom in the fight against terrorism in Pakistan. Among these martyrs are AIG Safwat Ghayur, SP Tahir Dawar, DIG Malik Saad, DSP Farid Hussain Bangash, and AIG Muhammad Ashraf Noor. Knowing the risks and challenges involved in this battle, the unsung heroes of the KPK Police have valiantly served their nation and sacrificed their lives.
Akbar’s Gift to Present-Day Kharian in Pakistan
Akbar, the son of Humayun, kept his father’s promise to the residents of Kharian, ordering the construction of two bawlis (stepwells). The author, Muhammad Abdullah, invites you to explore the historical mysteries of the city—and the vision that heralded the two famous stepwells of Kharian.
The 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Project: A Journey of Global Acknowledgements
The KPK government launched its Billion Tree Tsunami Programme in 2015, receiving both national and international acclaim for the success of the project. In 2018, Prime Minister Imran Khan raised the bar and began the ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme’. The project has not only curbed environmental harm but has also financially empowered the local population through a network of private nurseries.
Father of the SSG of Pakistan: Honoring Maj Gen A.O. Mitha
Born in 1923, Maj Gen Aboobaker Osman Mitha made vast contributions to the Pakistan Army. The formation of the Special Services Group (SSG) was also a part of his relentless service to the state’s army. The author, Syed Haris Shah, states that today, Pakistan’s SSG is one of the most important military units of its army, working in both conventional and unconventional environments. Yet, Major General Mitha, the father of this elite unit, remains one of the forgotten heroes of Pakistan.
The Enchanting Waterfalls of Pakistan
The landscapes that Pakistan has been blessed with are indeed one of a kind and what’s more, the glorious waterfalls of Pakistan add to the already mesmerizing views. With that being said, let’s dive into the world of waterfalls of Pakistan and see what they have to offer.
History of the Gilgit Baltistan Area — Liberation from the Dogras
Known for its splendid mountains, natural beauty, hospitable people, distinctive culture, and linguistics, Gilgit Baltistan is the talk of the town for welcoming outsiders with open arms. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to the region to spectate its beauty and diversity. However, the beauty of the region was once stained by the Dogra tribe. Gilgit Baltistan was liberated from the Dogra rule on November 1, 1947, and this year marks the 74th independence of the region.
Honouring Abdul Sattar Edhi, the Edhi Welfare Center, & Foundation
Abdul Sattar Edhi, born in 1928, was Pakistan’s most notable philanthropist and humanitarian. From a small dispensary in Karachi, Edhi built a foundation that now extends to several countries and provides ambulances, shelter homes, clinics, asylums, maternity homes, blood banks, adoption centers, schools, and orphanages. The author, Alina Fayaz, notes that the Edhi Foundation, which relies on private donations and local volunteers, is breaking religious and social barriers. Through his hard work and untiring efforts, Edhi placed human life at the forefront of everything and helped people without any discrimination. This has continued to inspire people to donate to the cause, even after the death of Abdul Sattar Edhi. Edhi’s dedication to his work has won him several awards, but most of all, it has won him the hearts of the people.
Attabad Lake in Hunza Valley: A Miracle in Tragedy
In 2010, a disastrous landslide claimed the lives of 20 people in the Gojal region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. This very landslide resulted in the water from the Hunza River being blocked for five months and formed one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan – the Attabad Lake. Today, the existence of Attabad Lake reminds many of the tragic loss of life but its beautiful turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped mountains also provides tourists and locals with a sense of tranquility. The author, Alina Fayaz, notes that the treetops in the middle of the lake are a constant reminder of the natural disaster which created the lake. She explains that despite the lake’s history, the scenic view of the lake and the numerous tourist activities attract foreign and local tourists alike.
The Ruins of Mohenjo Daro – Pakistan’s Epic History
The city of Mohenjo Daro, constructed in 2500 BCE, is a crucial aspect of Pakistan’s history and culture. The ruins of Mohenjo Daro once formed a part of South Asia’s Indus Valley civilization. Since its excavation in the 1920s, Mohenjo Daro has continued to surprise historians and archeologists. The authors, Ziyad Sheikh and Noor Ul Huda, note that although the city was built more than 4500 years ago, it had a proper drainage system, advanced architecture, a well-planned street grid, a trade network that contributed to its wealth, and one of the earliest public baths in the pre-modern era. The authors explain that despite there being numerous speculations as to why the city declined, researchers have failed to find the actual reason for the city’s fall.
Expo 2020 Dubai: An Ode to Pakistan’s Hidden Treasures
Expo 2020 in Dubai is said to be the “greatest show on Earth” by many. The world’s largest fair was projected to commence in 2020. However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the date of the opening changed to October 1st, 2021. With that being said, the first look of it was worth the wait. Nestled in art, culture, history, landscapes, landmarks, and technological achievements among other things, 192 countries unlocked their untold tales and narrate them to the world with the aid of digital art, installations, live shows, special performances, and music.
Pakistan’s theme at this year’s expo is ‘The Hidden Treasure,’ and true to the theme, the pavilion exhibits the transcendent history and culture of the country.
Pakistan’s Truck Art: A Beautiful Expression of Culture
Colorfully decorated trucks with artistic impressions tend to adorn the roads and highways in Pakistan. For decades, these jingle trucks have acted as canvases for Pakistani artists and granted them a way to introduce the world to Pakistan’s culture, folklore, poetry, and art. The author, Ziyad Sheikh, explains that since truck art captivates the public, truck drivers in Pakistan are keen to decorate their trucks as much as they can, with some spending as much as $2,500 on basic paint jobs. Truck artists like Haider Ali view these mobile blank canvases as the perfect medium to spread a positive image of Pakistan.
Markhor — The National Animal Symbolizing Pakistan’s Perseverance
Markhor, a magnificent wild goat, is the national animal of Pakistan. Its corkscrew-shaped horns and powerful hooves are just a couple of its imposing features. There are five sub-species of Markhors.
Trophy hunting brought the creature back from extinction. However, the numbers seem to be dwindling again owing to the insufficent and irregular salaries of the wildlife department, motivating poachers to hunt the precious animal.
The Garrison Public Library in Multan: A Booklover’s Dream
Multan, located in the southern part of Pakistan’s Punjab province, serves as the resting place for many Sufi saints. Being one of the oldest living cities in South Asia, its culture is a blend of the new and the old. The author, Alina Fayaz, notes that in recent years, Multan has taken steps towards modernization. One such step is the establishment of the Garrison Public Library in Multan—one of the largest public libraries in Pakistan. The library is the brainchild of the late Lieutenant-General (R) Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad HI(M) who was the mastermind behind Operation Zarb-e-Azb. A bibliophile himself, he wanted to establish a library that would help preserve the literary, historic and cultural heritage of Multan region. Today, this stunning library stands as his gift to Pakistan’s booklovers. The beautiful architecture and the library’s facilities attract locals and tourists, all the while providing a comfortable environment for women and children – and particularly for individuals wit…
The Magnificent Forts of Pakistan
Pakistan has a large number of massive historical forts including the Rohtas Fort, the Lahore Fort and the Skardu Fort, with each fort showcasing the remarkable architecture of the past. The author, Daniyal Ali, features 8 breathtaking forts laid out all over Pakistan.