A Nation of Heritage, Resilience & Geostrategic Significance
Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan is a country of immense geopolitical importance, rich historical legacy, and diverse landscapes — from the peaks of the Karakoram to the fertile plains of the Indus Valley.
Formation & Historical Background
Ancient Civilizations: Home to the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE), one of the world’s earliest urban societies.
Islamic Influence: Arrival of Islam in the 7th–8th centuries via Arab traders and later conquests.
British India Era: Colonized by the British in the mid-19th century.
1947: Independence achieved through partition of British India; Pakistan established as a homeland for Muslims.
1971: East Pakistan secedes to become Bangladesh after civil conflict.
Current Structure: Islamic Republic with a federal parliamentary system.
Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Islamic Republic of Pakistan |
| Government Type | Federal Parliamentary Republic |
| Capital | Islamabad |
| Largest City | Karachi |
| Head of State | President Asif Ali Zardari (2025) |
| Prime Minister | Shahbaz Sharif (2025) |
| Area | Approx. 881,913 sq. km |
| Population | Over 240 million (2025 est.) |
| Currency | Pakistani Rupee (PKR) |
| Dial Code | +92 |
| Time Zone | Pakistan Standard Time (UTC+5) |
| Top-Level Domain | .pk |
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 Structure
Provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Balochistan
Federal Territories: Islamabad Capital Territory
Autonomous Territories: Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)
Districts: 150+ administrative districts
Local Governance: Union Councils, Tehsils, District Councils
Provinces:
Punjab – Most populous, cultural and agricultural heartland
Sindh – Economic powerhouse (Karachi), diverse heritage
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) – Mountainous terrain, tribal culture
Balochistan – Largest by area, rich in minerals and energy
Autonomous Territories:
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)
Federal Capital:
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)
Each unit is divided into Divisions, Districts, Tehsils, and Union Councils.
Geography & Borders
Borders With:
India (East)
Afghanistan (West)
Iran (Southwest)
China (North)
Coastline: Arabian Sea (South)
Key Geographic Features:
Karakoram & Hindu Kush Mountains
Indus River Basin
Thar Desert
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
Religion & Language
Official Religion: Islam (state religion)
Religious Demographics:
Muslim (96%) — mostly Sunni, with significant Shia minority
Christian, Hindu, Sikh minorities
Official Language: Urdu
Common Languages: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, English
Economy & Key Sectors
Agriculture: Major sector — wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane
Textiles & Garments: Largest export industry
Remittances: Significant inflows from overseas Pakistanis
IT & Digital Economy: Emerging sector with strong youth presence
CPEC (China–Pakistan Economic Corridor): Multibillion-dollar infrastructure and trade initiative with China
Education & Healthcare
Top Universities:
University of the Punjab
NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology)
LUMS (Lahore University of Management Sciences)
Literacy Rate: Approx. 60% (2025 est.)
Healthcare: Mix of public and private sectors, with growing medical infrastructure
Tourism & Cultural Attractions
Natural Wonders:
Hunza Valley, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Swat Valley
K2 — world’s 2nd highest peak
Historical Sites:
Mohenjo-Daro (Indus Valley site)
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Taxila Ruins
Cultural Experiences:
Truck Art, Qawwali Music, Traditional Cuisine
UNESCO Sites:
Makli Necropolis, Rohtas Fort, Shalimar Gardens
Pakistan on the World Stage
| Category | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power | One of nine countries with nuclear weapons |
| OIC Member | Active member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation |
| Strategic Location | Central in China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) |
| Diaspora | Millions of Pakistanis across the Gulf, UK, USA |
| Peacekeeping | Contributor to UN Peacekeeping Missions |
Summary
Pakistan is a land of ancient civilizations and youthful ambitions. With its rich cultural fabric, strategic geography, resilient population, and a growing economy, Pakistan continues to play a vital role in South Asian and global affairs.
📢 News & Articles
Click to explore the latest articles, updates, and insights related to Pakistan:
Pakistan’s Role in the Belt & Road Initiative
Revival of Tourism in Northern Areas
Digital Transformation and Startups in Pakistan
Women in Education and Social Change
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Detailed info on provinces, cities, districts, people, and culture
Accurate coverage of history, religion, economy, and tourism
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