Pakistan

Gateway of South-Central Asia with Deep History and Strategic Influence

Pakistan is a South Asian country strategically located between India, China, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Arabian Sea. It is known for its geopolitical significance, diverse landscapes, and rich Islamic heritage. As a nuclear power and member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan plays a critical role in regional diplomacy and global Muslim affairs.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Part of ancient Indus Valley Civilization — Mohenjo-daro, Harappa.

  • Under Maurya, Gupta, Ghaznavid, and Mughal empires; later ruled by the British.

  • Created in 1947 as a separate homeland for Muslims during the partition of India.

  • Initially consisted of East and West Pakistan — East Pakistan became Bangladesh in 1971.

  • Pakistan adopted its Islamic republic status in 1956, with multiple military and civilian regimes shaping its political evolution.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Islamic Republic of Pakistan (اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان)
Capital Islamabad
Largest City Karachi
Continent Asia (South Asia)
Official Language Urdu
Working Language English
Currency Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Area Approx. 881,913 sq. km
Population Approx. 242 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Pakistan Standard Time (UTC+5)
ISO Code PK
Internet TLD .pk
Calling Code +92

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Government Type Federal Parliamentary Republic
Legislature Bicameral – Senate (Upper House), National Assembly (Lower House)
Judiciary Supreme Court of Pakistan (Islamabad)

Administrative Divisions

Pakistan has a federal structure, comprising:

  • 4 Provinces

  • 2 Autonomous Territories

  • 1 Federal Capital Territory

Provinces:

  1. Punjab – Most populous, cultural and agricultural heartland

  2. Sindh – Economic powerhouse (Karachi), diverse heritage

  3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) – Mountainous terrain, tribal culture

  4. Balochistan – Largest by area, rich in minerals and energy

Autonomous Territories:

  1. Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)

  2. Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)

Federal Capital:

  • Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)

Each unit is divided into Divisions, Districts, Tehsils, and Union Councils.

Local Government Structure

  • Each province has a Chief Minister and Governor.

  • District-level governance includes Deputy Commissioners, Nazims, and elected councils.

  • Local government reforms vary by province, with shifts between centralized and decentralized control.

  • Islamabad has a Metropolitan Corporation under the federal Ministry of Interior.

Leadership & Governance

  • Civil-military relations shape national politics.

  • Strategic focuses:

    • CPEC (China–Pakistan Economic Corridor)

    • Defence and regional security

    • Education and social welfare (Ehsaas Program)

  • National Vision 2025 and SDG integration in policy planning

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Federal: FIA, ISI, Rangers, Frontier Corps

  • Provincial: Police departments under Home Ministries

  • Urban security: CTD (Counter Terrorism Department), Special Branches

  • Key concerns: terrorism, sectarianism, border control, cybercrime

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 15 – Police

    • 1122 – Rescue, Ambulance, Fire

Economy & Industry

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 375 billion

  • Key Sectors:

    • Agriculture: wheat, cotton, sugarcane, mangoes

    • Textiles and garments – top export industry

    • Energy and minerals: coal, natural gas, salt, copper

    • IT and freelance economy – rapidly growing

  • Major trade partners: China, UAE, USA, EU, Saudi Arabia

Education & Institutions

  • Dual system: Public, Private, Madrasa, and English-medium

  • Top universities:

    • Quaid-i-Azam University, LUMS, NUST, Punjab University

  • Federal and provincial education ministries oversee curriculum

  • Emphasis on digitization, youth skills, higher education reforms

Healthcare

  • Public and private systems coexist

  • Tertiary hospitals: PIMS (Islamabad), JPMC (Karachi), Mayo (Lahore)

  • Health reforms: Sehat Sahulat Program, polio eradication, maternal-child health

  • Provincial health ministries manage public hospitals

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Jinnah Intl. (Karachi), Allama Iqbal (Lahore), Islamabad Intl.

  • Motorways: M1–M14 under National Highway Authority

  • Rail: Pakistan Railways modernization underway

  • Seaports: Karachi Port, Port Qasim, Gwadar Deep Sea Port (CPEC)

Tourism & Attractions

  • Mountains: Hunza Valley, Skardu, Nanga Parbat, Fairy Meadows

  • Historical: Mohenjo-daro, Taxila, Lahore Fort, Rohtas Fort

  • Religious: Kartarpur Corridor (Sikh), Sufi shrines, Buddhist sites

  • Coastal: Gwadar, Kund Malir Beach, Astola Island

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Languages: Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki

  • Major Religion: Islam (Sunni majority, Shia minority), with Hindu, Christian, Sikh minorities

  • Clothing: Shalwar Kameez (national dress), Ajrak, turbans

  • Cuisine: Biryani, Nihari, Haleem, Chapli Kabab, Sweets (Gulab Jamun, Jalebi)

  • Arts: Qawwali, Truck Art, Classical music, Folk dances

Summary

Pakistan is a country of strategic location, strong identity, and diverse potential. With a youthful population, deep cultural roots, and active regional diplomacy, it is navigating challenges toward economic revival, technological advancement, and social development. As a land of poetry, power, and perseverance, Pakistan remains pivotal in shaping South Asia’s future.