Why I made this page? Lot of people who are not on my friend lists have asked me to setup a page to share what I click though I completely admit that my photographic skills are just on an amateur level.

I would be happy to have your inputs and comments if you somehow enjoy my work.. Thank you for dropping by and hope to interact with you soon !! .

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ahmed-Zohas-Photography/188350821185454?v=app_392248091048&ref=ts

Ok, so I am back after a long time … Apologies for that and thanks for appreciating my last post “Amazing Pakistan “. I never expected such an immense response as the blog post has been shared on more than 300 forums just in three months time with viewing statistics surpassing 30,000 in 7 months “Unbelievable and definitely encouraging for me“.. Bundle of thanks for all who liked it and shared, and even thanks to those who copied it without my explicit permission ; but at the end it serve the purpose, that what matters to me =)..
I am not a professional photographer, just a hobbyist nor I do have any kind of professional training so bear with me if you are unhappy with the shared pictures.. As I don’t have enough time to write so the alternative to feed my creative soul is to start clicking.. Below are the pictures from my last trip to Pakistan that captures the feel of two major cities Islamabad and Karachi and definitely not even close to painting the big picture that depicts the true aroma and soulfulness of these places.. I hope you Enjoy the first part of this series, you are most welcome to drop your comments..

Last but not the least , All the pictures are under © Creative Common License, These picture can be shared and copied but without any alteration to the images giving due credit to the publisher/owner.

Mohatta Palace is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It was built by Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta, an ambitious self-made Sikh businessman from Marwar as his summer home in 1927.The architect of the palace was Agha Ahmed Hussain. Later on it was used by Fatima Ali Jinnah as a residential building

One of the unexplored beaches in Pakistan, I guess Goth Mubarak don't have that much of visitors perhaps as it is a bit far from the populous areas in the way towards Baluchistan.. I am astonished to see the beach with noticeable two shades of water light green and blue and very thin grinned sand.. Amazing place that needs to be explored..

I grew up in Islamabad and affiliation and love for this place is somewhat natural. For me the serenity and calmness of this place I found no where else filled with my childhood memories...This picture is my personal favorite as it gives an aerial view

This place is called "Shehsha Tikka house", where the specialty is of course "Tikka" , but they are not only good at tikka , their chicken karahi , and chanp are too good.. Enjoy !

Pakistan Monument lies in the heart of Islamabad representing the nation's four provinces and three territories. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces of Pakistan while the three smaller petals represent the three territories (Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas). The walls of the monument is engraved with the story of Pakistan's Movement dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves for future generations.

f a demoiselle crane ever challenges you to a "Dance Dance Revolution" competition, politely decline. This bird is a master when it comes to cutting a rug, as it not only uses the technique to attract a life partner, but also as a way to get their hormones going. In fact, if they don't dance, they won't be able to lay eggs, so their survival actually depends on it. @ Lake View Park Islamabad

Dedicated to the children of my land: Khuda Kare k Mere Arze Pak per utre Woh Fasl-e-gul jisse Andash-e-Zawal na hu , Yahan ju phool Khile , Khila rahe sadiyun Yahan Khizaan ku guzarne k bhi Majal na hu ..(Dua by Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi)

Image Credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grmoghal/4377764119/

Who is Ghulam Rasool ? A testimonial by Richard Garstang who is the National Programme Manager / Chief Technical Advisor, VPakistan Wetlands Programme – WWF-Pakistan

Born in Gujranwala in the summer of 1976, Ghulam Rasool first encountered wildlife while accompanying his cousins who were avid bird hunters. While bird-hunting afforded an opportunity to see birdlife up close, GR’s fascination with birds rapidly matured into a broader interest in all forms of wildlife, their habits and habitats. He acquired his first camera, a relatively ancient Yashica Electro 35 in 1988 and recalls his early attempts to capture the sunrise on the Punjab plains, reflected in the village pond.

After completing his studies in journalism at Punjab University he acquired his first modern camera, a Canon EOS-20D. His rare ability to both harness the highly technical features of the relatively new digital `format with an intricate understanding of the ways of wildlife soon began to deliver spectacular results. In July 2005, he was engaged as the professional wildlife photographer of the WWF team which was chosen to implement the Pakistan Wetlands Programme. His task was to capture digital images of as much of Pakistan’s biodiversity and landscapes as he could while accompanying the Programme’s research teams to both familiar and remote wetlands through the length and breadth of Pakistan. These sorties ranged from salt marshes and the marine weltlands of the Makran Coast to the icy alpine lakes of the Hindukush, Himalaya and the Karakoram cordilleras.

His growing portfolio of exceptional wildlife photographs has been used extensively in comprehensive awareness-building initiatives of the Wetlands Programme. His bird photographs in particular have also been featured in prestigious publications such as Birding ASIA, the bi-annual magazine of the Oriental Bird Club, as well as in Russell Slack,s acclaimed Rare Birds book.

[Credits: http://www.ghulamrasool.com/testimonials.html]

He is an exceptionally talented photographer and one of the very few wild life photographers in Pakistan who can portray the magic and diversity of wild life that dwells in our planes. The venue for the exhibition is as follows

Venue: Photospace Gallery, 77-D, Block2, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan.
Date: Feb 25th – March 14, 2010
Opening Time: 5:30pm

I would highly recommend the readers in Karachi to go and visit the exhibition and appreciate such a talent. One who are far away can still enjoy his work by visiting the following link
http://www.ghulamrasool.com/exhibition.html

Credit | http://www.flickr.com/photos/grmoghal/

Chakoor Credit | http://www.flickr.com/photos/grmoghal/

Watching “Avatar”, I fell short of words to appreciate the maker of this movie. James Cameron once again doing the magic, the magic that has spell-bounded millions throughout the world. Every moment, every second justifies the hard work that had been put through in the last 10 years to make this master piece. What should be wowed about ” Is it the story, the special effects, the action, the drama “, if you question me I would love to answer “What not?”.. I’m not a movie critic, nor I want to pen down the review of the film, but as an ordinary viewer the feeling that walked with me as I stepped out of the movie theater is the “message” James wants to convey to the masses. There are lots of things in the world,which we get fascinated with; we appreciate it, we love it but never truly able to get the essence behind it. “Avatar” is one such thing, the movie with all it’s excellence, the breathtaking sequences, the heart touching drama, the melancholy of love ; but the undertones of the dialogues shouting a bitter message. A message that relates with the nerve of the time we are living in, the message that must be heard by every human being, by every person that has a heart and a soul. The message that must be realized by every individual on this planet so that they can voice against what’s going wrong in the world today ;just like Jake, Dr Grace,Joel and Trudy. I believe after watching the film this very message keeps knocking on the door of your hearts , keeps on saying to you:

“No war can be won without solid moral grounds”

This message is a lesson from the history, but still in the current times we can easily relate United States of America playing the role of Colonel Miles Quaritch ( the chief of security on Pandora) who wants to wage war with all the ammunition, high tech planes, state of the art weaponry without any moral grounds. A character that is more interested in combat than resolution. Let me point out few of the dialogues from Colonel Miles, which can be easily be correlated with the past and the present times

” Every living thing wants to kill you and eat your eat your eyes for Jujubees”

Does it reminds you of with one of the 9/11 Bush speeches ? Can you recall such similar tones that had successfully created the “War Hysteria” for the past few years .. Can you?

Another dialogue by Colonel Miles asking Jake to gain the trust of Navie’s

” I want you to learn from the inside, I want you to gain their trust”

This dialogue would surely ring the bells of most of the Pakistani’s who can easily relate what I am pointing towards..Let me quote one more dialogue that strongly portrays James message in which Jakes revealing the whole philosophy behind the story as he came back to the Navies and said

” They (sky people) send us a message, they can take whatever they want, but we will send them a message that this, “This is our land..”

“They can take whatever they want”, still confused ? Still unable to relate James message to the ongoing massacre in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. I really want to mention here that there are not only people like “Colonel Miles”, within USA there are hundreds and thousands of people like Jake, Dr Grace,Joel and Trudy who accepts, realize and are fighting for the message that no war can be won without any solid moral grounds. This world needs peace, acceptance and respect for every human being regardless of which color, religion or race he or she belongs to. This is the need of the time ,We need to stand up for the truth, strive for the peace, promote the message of love just as strongly as James did by making such a gem of a movie.

What should I say? How should I place my words in the right order such that they can rightly applaud Abbas effort of reviving the aroma of the master piece ” Raat Yun Dil Mein Teri Yaad Aye“. I must say it takes courage to even think of doing justice by re-arranging and singing a master piece that has already found it’s place in the hearts and minds of thousands and thousands of Faiz  lovers. I have always believed throughout these years that perhaps it is only Nayyar’s voice that can picture the depth of Faiz’s poetic artistry , especially these lines makes time stand still

Raat yun dil mein teri, khoyi hui yaad aayi,
Jaise viraane mein chupke se bahaar aa jaye,
Jaise sahraaon mein haule se chale baad-e-naseem,
Jaise bimaar ko be-wajaah quraar aa jaaye.

One of my friend forwarded me Abbas Ali khan’s cover of “Raat Yun Dil mein teri yaad aye”, I was never expecting it to be as relaxing and soothing as a somber autumn breeze. I repeatedly listened it for a while with my eyes closed , a dreamy composition in a blend with Abbas vocals pulled my hand and draws me back in time. It feels like , if I was watching the dance of the silence as  raindrops hymn..

Hat’s off  to Abbas Ali khan and surely this industry needs mature musicians like him.. Wish to hear more from his side in future.

Credit: Top news | People of Swat travelling in the night

Credit : Reuters | Due to shortage of food supplies starvation is increasing

Pakistan is going through a worst crisis of it’s time. According to UN ” It the biggest internal displacement in Pakistan since Independence in 1947″ . The Jalala Camp in the north of Mardan was declared full just after 4 days. Pakistani government, the army and the Volunteers organizations are trying their level best to cope the situation but ” Do you really think without the united efforts of all the Pakistani’s they alone can take Pakistan out safely from this whirlpool that is severe threat to it’s existence“

Credits: Guardian.co.uk

Relief agency World Vision reported “intolerable” conditions at some camps due to heat, overcrowding and inadequate toilet facilities. “We may not be able to meet the most basic needs of the refugees as quickly as they are arriving,” said senior official Jeff Hall in a statement.

(credits: guardian.co.uk)

This is not the first time, this nation has showed the world just after Oct 2005 when the deadly earthquake had swallowed millions of lives but the people of this country stood united and the spirit of brotherhood drives us out safely from one of the worst crisis of human times. ” We need that spirit back, We need to act as one for our brothers, We have to fight for the survival of our country ” .. The immortal couplet of Majrooh beautifully portrays the strength and power of   self esteem

میں اکیلا ہی چلا تھا جانب منزل مگرلوگ آتے ہی گئے اور کارواں بنتا گیا

Please wake up and contribute. Every single penny can make a difference, there are million other ways to contribute . Imagine yourself been dragged out of your home with no food , no water and you keep on walking bear footed with all hopes wrecked and all dreams shattered. What it would feel like?  Our Morality , our conscience and our religion demands us to act , to show the generosity like Hazarat USMAN Ghani (R.A) , to act as if their pain as our pain, to act on the principles of humanity and brotherhood as explained to us by Our Prophet (P.B.U.H) .  You can contribute not only monetarily but also you can put use of your skills, your expertise,  you can help them morally and the least you can do is to spread the message to let your fellow pakistani’s realize that ” It is a crisis that must be resolved through a united effort or else the chaos can grow so large that it could threat our existence...”

The youth of Pakistan has come forward and you can also contribute on the following platforms

Pakistan Youth Revolution (PYR’s Effort)

http://www.swat.pyr.org.pk/

(Muslim AID)

http://www.muslimaid.org/index.php/what-we-do/current-campaigns/pakistan-crisis

——— Join Hands to save your own people ———-

The Holy Kabba| Image taken from CHANNEL 4

This long series has been aired on CHANNEL 4 that potrays the life and beliefs of six young people who belong to different part of the world but share the unity of belief, the spirituality of being connected to same creator the Almighty ALLAH, and a desire to bow down infront of  “THE HOLY KABBA” that is a centre of Muslim’s life and soul. With few of the loopholes the video documents beautifully the inspiring Muslim architecutre within some of the historic mosques across the Muslim  world.

The Holy Kabba, the Al-aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, Alhamra in Granada, Spain , the Blue Mosque in Istanbul,Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali, The Imam Mosque in Esfahan, Iran and lastly the Bashahi mosque in lahore Pakistan they all represent the zenith of Muslim architecuture . This documentary revived back to me the beauty of oneness , the unity , the peace , and the message of equality as presented to the  the whole mankind by the religion I follow and we all know as “ISLAM”.  Allah may bless the Muslim Ummah with a true spirit of oneness and enlightens those hearts and minds who belongs to us but sparks differences with in due to their ignorance (Ameen)

This article is co-authored by Huneza Khan and Dua. I’m really thankful to them for joining hands in the effort of unveiling the true spirit of being a Pakistani characterized by the liveliness, the passion, the lifestyle, the glee and the zest that is clearly reflected by the architectural heritage and the geography of this pure land. The spirit that holds an energy that resonates in the atmosphere epitomized by the roads & streets of Pakistan. This article touch upon the three major cities trying to paint the vivid colors and the distinguishable textures of life and structures within each .

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ISLAMABAD: The ‘Switzerland’ of South Asia

Islamabad: Top View from Peer Sohawa | Photographed by Imran Shabbir

Islamabad (Capital of Pakistan) meaning “City of Peace” lies in the lap of nature, surrounded by lush green Margalla hills and high headed pine trees is often quoted as  “The Switzerland of South Asia” due to it’s serene elegance. It is listed amongst the most well planned cities in the world. The amalgamation of modern architecture and nature’s artistry exhibits a heavenly magnificence that symbolizes the aspirations, dreams and hopes of a progressive and shinning Pakistan.

Secretariat Islamabad

Faisal Mosque- Islamabad

Islamabad: Faizabad-Interchange

Jinnah Avenue Islamabad

The Lotus lake, Loke Virsa ( The National Cultural Center and Museum), 21st century architectural wonderment like Convention Centre, Serena Hotel, well sculpted gardens like Shakarparian Hills, Jasmine garden, Rawal Dam, Golra Shareef, South East Asia’s largest park Fatima Jinnah park and the breathtaking PeerSohawa are few highlights of Islamabad. To the west of Islamabad lies Buddhist site of Taxila where one find the traces of Greek history. Taxila is oftenly described as “World’s Oldest University” [1] discovered by Aristotle where eminent scholars from different part of the world used to lay the foundation of earliest research in medical science. Islamabad, a city that hold in itself a history from the pages of time, a charisma of today’s vision, and a future for tomorrow.

National Momument Islamabad representing 4 provinces of Pakistan

The Centaurus Tower Islamabad: A 37 Story Complex symbolises the growth of Pakistan

LAHORE: The heart of Pakistan ….(by Dua)

Lahore the heart of Pakistan , a versatile city having its historical, cultural and commercial value maintained in today’s modernized era. The city famous for its livelihood, joviality and aroma of it’s food . It is commonly said whosoever hasn’t seen Lahore hasn’t sensed life’s true spirit to its entirety. Sun never sets in Lahore , thrill and compassion dwell in the atmosphere that better describe the spirit of lahori’s (people of Lahore). Life giggles in the corners of streets and smiles in the hearts of hospitable residents of Lahore. Colors of love, life and liberty spread their unanimous shades, never fading.

An evening at Lahore Fort | Photographed by Micheal Foley

A city with a historical origin embracing the architectural marvel during the Sultanate period. The Mughal rule greatly enhanced its cultural and social aspect. Some of the monuments that depicts the splendid architecture of the Mughal period are Shahi Mosque, Shalamar Gardens, Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort)and Jahangir’s Tomb. The Diwan-e-Aam, the marble Baradari, the splendid Sheesh Mahal, studded with glittering mirrors and Masjid Wazir Khan are treat to watch. The Badshahi Mosque, built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1670 is one of the largest mosques in the world. It can accommodate nearly 100,000 worshippers in its spacious yard to offer their prayers.

Badshahi Mosque| A mosque that can accomodate 100,000 worshippers

The “walled city” Lahore comprises of 13 gates known as “old city” which is embodiment of old values ,art and culture. Minar-e-Pakistan which is also called Lahore Monument is situated in the famous Iqbal park with all it’s grandeur symbolizing the sacrifices of our ancestors who gave their precious lives to acquire freedom.

Fun & festivity never ends in Lahore. Food is something that makes lahore special apart from other cities, as lahori’s are said to have real good taste buds. Food Street is the place which is a tourist’s main attraction. In the day light the place is a busy lane bustling with traffic but as soon as sun sets, various lamps lit up the street & side buildings that are built on Kashmiri-Persian architecture and turns into a heaven for food lovers where you will find all kind of traditional Pakistani food. Lahore is famous for it’s basant festival celebrations as the sky get covered with thousands of kites with bright and shinny colors representing the passion, joviality, warmheartedness of the people of lahore. Lahore is also termed as the city of gardens because of the fascinating gardens like Lawrence garden, Shalimar garden, Race coarse park and many more…

Basant Festival Celebrations

Lahore | Jinnah Garden

Lahore | Minar-e-Pakistan

Lahore | Food Street

Asia’s most expensive motorway M2 connects Lahore to Islamabad passing through various smaller cities is an exhibit of technical marvelous in the road design and construction . It then become M1 linking Islamabad with Peshawar and in between near khewara Salt range lies ” Asia’s Highest Pillared Bridge” designed by highly professional architects , thus becoming another landmark for this country.

Asia's Highest Pillared Bridge near Khewara Salt Range Pakistan

Karachi: 7th Largest City in the World (by Huneza Khan)

Karachi | The City of Lights

Karachi, the 7th largest city in the world with population exceeding 13 million spreads over 3,530 km² (2,193 sq mi) in area. It is located in the south of Sindh, on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It’s ablaze with flyovers, high rises and expansive roads. The coastal climate is idyllic as the breeze never stops; the sun never heats up. Karachi is rich in aesthetics due to the Victorian architecture and tendency to amalgamate diversified cultures characterized by the blending of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Western influences, as well as the status of the city as a major international business center. Soon after the creation of Pakistan this city has been inhabited and developed majorly by Muslims migrating from India to their homeland but like any other major metropolitan center it has a unique diversity with a wide variety of communities belonging to different religious and linguistic groups drawn from N.W.F.P, Kashmir, Punjab, Baluchistan, and of course from different parts of Sindh. In this way Karachi has developed into a National Metropolis. No wonder, it is often described as miniature Pakistan, which it really is, just as Bombay is mini-India, London is mini-England, and Paris is mini-France.

Karachi |Narang Churagni FlyOver

Karachi | kothari Parade | Pictured by Ahmed Jalbani

Karachi Port Trust

The city’s multicultural lifestyle, its monument of historic value, the beaches and structures of various architectural styles has all the flavors for attracting tourist.The unprecedented vitality in the indo-gothic and the Neo-gothic styles of Frere Hall, Empress Market and St. cathedral is highly appreciated. Italian Renaissance was very popular and was the language for St. Joseph’s Convent (1870) and the Sindh Club

The Hindu gymkhana and Mohatta Palace are the example of Mughal revival buildings. Mohatta palace is built using pink Jodhpur stone in combination with the local yellow stone from Gizri. There is the secret underground tunnel that leads from the grounds of the palace all the way to a subterranean Hindu temple less than a kilometer away. Its also wide heard that the palace is haunted and the museum guides and curators have acknowledge supernatural happenings.

Karachi | Empress Market

Karachi | Mohatta Palace

Karachi | Frere Hall

Tomb of Founder of Pakistan

Manghopir has the oldest sufi shrines in Karachi famous for its crocodiles and hot sulphur springs that are believed to have curative powers. Similarly the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar built in 1356 with mirror work and sindhi kashi tiles and two Gold plated doors give a paramount prestige and spiritual contour to Clifton beach.

The Port Fountain is the World’s third tallest fountain located on the Oyster Rocks off the Karachi Harbour. It rises to a height of 620 feet. Because the fountain rises so high into the air, it is easily seen from many locations of the city. Alliance Francaise, Area 51, The Arena’s ice-skating rink, Goethe Institute, Sadequain Gallery, T2f, Universe Cineplex are places to forget the tedium of the humdrum of life and getting indulge in various activities like theatre, drama, music, film, contemporary & classical dances, cultural festivals, sports and education, which are highly appreciated by the local community.

Karachi Port Fountain | 3rd Tallest Fountain in the World

Glittering lights of Karachi Harbour| Picture by Ali Reza

Karachi is the city that never sleeps, The core attraction of this city lies in the beaches which are being renovated and its magnetism is galvanized by the mega projects that are being planned and are under construction. One such mega-project that adds exuberance to the city is Asia’s largest rotary food street at Karachi Port named as “Port Grand Food Resort and Entertainment Complex” which will be inaugurated in August 2009.

A Sunset at SeaView Beach karachi

Asia's Largest Rotatory Food Street at Karachi Port| "Port Grand Food Street"

Pakistan: The land of Emperors

Derawar Fort - Cholistan Desert

Pakistan, a piece of land that had been dreamed by the mightiest Emperors in the history of mankind. Whether it was the Aryans in 1,700 B.C followed by the armies of Cyrus the great which later overcome by Alexander the great who stopped it’s voyage of conquer due to the harsh desert regions of Baluchistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Later came Ashoka, the Parthians and lastly the Great Mughal Emperors , all of them left behind monumental signs of their glory in this region. The architecture and design of their Forts symbolizes their strength, knowledge and their pride. Pakistan is endowed with charismatic and mind impelling forts of these great emperors. Ranikot Fort is the “World’s largest Fort“ [1] with a circumference of 18 miles located 30 km south of Jamshuru District, Sindh Pakistan. Derawar, Rohtas, Attock, Giri, Rawat and most famous of all Royal Fort Lahore are few of the notable jewels of Pakistani heritage.

Ranikot Fort: World's Largest Fort with a circumference of 18 miles

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The above article provides a glimpse of magnificence owned by the people of this pure land we know as ” Pakistan“. Apart from these three major cities , every city has a unique story to tell hiding in itself some of the most unbelievable wonders and sites, villages with traditional & exuberant life. Words are not enough to do justice with all of them but it is just an effort to portray the real picture of my homeland.

The next and the last part of Amazing Pakistan will be co-authored by Mujtaba Saeed that would focus on technological growth of this country and alongside it provides a synopsis on Sport’s achievements by some of finest players this land has given to the World of Sports. It would be published by the last week of May. Thank you all for reading and spreading the word

— Be a Proud Pakistani —

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Pakistan meaning the “The land of pure” where each day the sun rises with a new hope, with an enduring majesty as the rays of light flushing down towards the snowcapped peaks of Himalaya’s and Nanga Parbat. A land where love finds a meaning in the heart warming hospitability of people, a land where history and ancient civilization mystifies one’s heart, a land where spiritualism unveils its mystery at the shrines of Sufi Saints. This is the land I belong to, this is the land I’ll die for and this is the land that defines my identity.

The Invincible 167 Million : 6th largest Nation of the World

The invincible 167 million Pakistani’s progressing forward with  high hopes and a mission holding an unquenchable thirst to be the world leader’s soon. Despit the chaos, despite the ill spilled by the westeren media to demoralize the nation and to uproot the patriotism from the hearts and minds of people of this country, despite the foreign funded terrorists bombing hundreds of Pakistani’s each day painting the roads red with the blood of young children, women and men. Every drop of it shouts back loud ” You can never take us down, We’ll fight back till our last breath“. Reminding you this is the nation which has a 7th largest pool of scientists and Engineers in the World[1]. and the country that is ranked 9th in the world where English language is spoken and used as an official language [1].

Pakistan: World's 9th Largest English Speaking Country | Photo by Sultan Dogar: Abbotabad Medical College

Pakistan: World 7th largest Pool of Scientists and Engineer | Photo : Moin Ali Nawazish making a World Record by passing 23 A level Exams

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan became the 7th nuclear power of the world giving a loud and clear message to the enemies that this nation is fully equipped and ready to defend it’s sovereignty. Pakistan has world 7th largest standing arm forces [1] well trained possessing state of the art technology.  Pakistan Air force (PAF) is the symbol of pride for the nation and a galaxy of highly trained professionals emerged in latest technological developments. The highly skilled PAF personals are renowned for their excellence and handling of aircraft and surely are the worst fear for the enemies.

Pakistan: 7th largest Standing Arm Force in the World

Air force :Air Commodore MM ALAM has a world record of shoting down 5 Indian planes in less than a Minute

Pakistan : The Roof Top of the World

Pakistan the land of grand mountain ranges, a land that holds 4 out of 14 most highest peaks in the world. K2 the second highest mountain in the world with all it’s grandeur symbolizing the pride and strength of the people of Pakistan.

Pakistan: K2 the 2nd highest mountain peak in the World

Hunza is said to be a place ” Where Time Stops and Fairy Treads“, Kalash and Chitral are the natural wonders of the world where poetic verses find their inspirations from the beauty and elegance of high peak mountains, lush green fields and the fragrant breeze singing across the poplar trees. Some of the places which are not highlighted by the media but still due to their magnitude find their places on the World record books are ; Aisa’s Highest Railway Station Kan Mehtarzai [2] that is located 2240 meters above sea level near Quetta.

Pakistan: Asia's Highest Railway Station "Kan Mehtarzai "

Pakistan: Lalazar often termed as most beautiful place on earth

Pakistan: Nanga Parbat 9th Highest Peak in the World

What it would feel like to play a sport that is wild, challenging and manly at the top of the world surrounded by the drumbeats and the music of the reed instrument. Yes Shandur Polo tournament is played every year at World’s highest Polo ground at Shandur, Northern Pakistan.

Pakistan: Shundur Polo festival at the World's highest Polo ground

Karakoram Highway : Eighth Wonder of the World

Karakoram Highway runs through the northern areas connecting Pakistan with China’s Xingjiang province is often described as ” Eighth Wonder of the World” due to the marvel of civil engineering as it has taken 15 years to complete by the Pakistan Army Engineers in collaboration with China. It’s been labeled as “ World’s highest paved international Road” under world’s toughest terrain.

Pakistan: Karakoram Highway World's highest paved international Road

World’s Largest Deep Sea Port : Gwader

“Gwa” means Air and “Dar” means door, and the word Gawadar means ” The door of the wind” is the world’s largest deep sea port lies in southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan. The design and construction of the port is carried out in collaboration with China and it has just started it’s operation.It’s going to emerge as a world’s biggest skyline due to it’s capacity and infrastructure of handling bulk carriers. It has been declared as a Duty Free Port and Free Economic Zone by the Pakistani government that has increased the commercial worth manifolds. It has an immense geostrategic importance as it is the entrance to the Persian Gulf and is considered to be a substitute of Dubai Port.

Gawader: World's Largest Deep Sea Port

Khewra Mines : Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Khewra Salt Mine located in Khewra, Jehlum Punjab, Pakistan is the second largest Salt Mine in the world and is considered to be the oldest in the subcontinent. It was said that discovery of Salt mines were not done by Alexander or his army but by their horses as they started licking the stones when they stopped here for rest. Thousand of visitors each year visit Khewra Salt mines and get fascinated by the nature’s miracle in the heart of mountains.

Khewra Salt Mine: Second Largest Salt Mine in the World

Haleji Lake : Asia’s largest Bird Sanctuary

Pakistan is a land of serene beauty , a country with diverse wild life , fresh water lakes, a 1046 km coast lines. Some of the most unique species of birds are found in northern Pakistan with awe-inspiring natural wonders like Lake Saiful Maluk, Lake Shandur, Dudipatsar Lake, kutwal lake, Zalzal lake and many more. But Haleji has it’s own significance as it is Asia’s largest waterfowl reserve. During winter thousands of birds of different species fly down to Haleji from Siberian colder areas

Pakistan: The heavenly Shandur Lake

Thar Desert : One amongst the largest deserts in the World

Thar is a arid region in the north western part of Indian subcontinent, it lies mostly in Indian state of Rajasthan but it covers eastern Sindh province and the southeastern portion of Pakistan’s Punjab province. It is amongst one of the largest deserts in the world rich multifaceted culture, heritage, traditions, folk tales, dances and music. The poetic expression of Kafi written by Sufi poets of Sindh resonates in the cold nights as the Thari musicians start singing them on sorrowing rhythmic beats. In the night the granules of the sand lit up like stars as the moonlight walks on them.

Pakistan: Tharparker

The land of oldest Civilization : Indus Valley and Mohenjo-Daro

Moenjodaro is the province of Sindh, Pakistan and archeology trace back it exitence 5000 years ago. It provides an earliest instance of exemplary form of town planning and community organization and  found to be as one of the oldest cities known today. It is said to be the pilgrimage of ancient ruins. The splendor of Indus Valley civilization spread over a thousand mile from the high peak snowy mountains of Kashmir to the glittering sand dunes facing the Arabian Sea. One of the oldest known civilization that flourished in the Indus river Basin embraced within its fold almost the entire country now known as Pakistan.

One of the oldest Civilization Known today

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This is just an effort to provide a glimpse of blazzing glory of the culture, heritage, beauty within my country. In the next part of Amazing Pakistan I will try to cover the traditions, the culture and the city life that defines a spirit of being a Pakistani. All the facts given above have been checked and can be verified

Reference:

[1] Wikipedia

[2] http://www.ukasian.co.uk/Pakistan/Quetta.html