Peshawar

Peshawar valley is one of the most colorful Pakistani cities (and that's saying a lot!) and the capital city of North West Frontier Province. Its proximity to the Afghan border, give it a real border town flavour, not unlike the Wild West towns of the USA in 19th century.
Peshāwar (known as Pesha-awar or Purushapura in the old days of Gandhara's history) is a city in Pakistan 's North-West Frontier Province, near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass.
Peshawar used to be the capital of the Gandhara empire by Kaniska the First at 58 BC. Being among the ancient cities of the world, it has been for centuries and centuries a centre of trade between the Indian Subcontinent, Afghanistan, central Asia and Europe.
The formalities of dress and manner give way here to a free and easy style, as men encounter men with a firm hand-clasp and a straight but friendly look.

Hefty handsome men in baggy trousers and long, loose shirts, wear bullet studded bandoleers across their chests or pistols at their sides as a normal part of their dress, but nowadays you would not be able to see the guns anymore as carying guns has been made illegal.
There is just that little touch of excitement and drama in the air that makes for a frontier land. An occasional salvo of gun fire- no, not a tribal raid or a skirmish in the streets but a lively part of wedding celebrations. Although just-for-fun gun firing has also been banned now you might just be able to hear some.
The main sights in town and in its sorroundings are, Peshawar Museum in Peshawar cantt, the old Peshawar city, the Qisa Khawani bazaar, Sadar bazaar, the spectecular architecture of Masjid Mohaabt Khan in old city, the Fort Bala-Hissaar, Islamia College, Peshawar University, Rose Garden of Agriculture University Peshawar, the largest Shopping Mall of Pakistan - The Karkhano Market, the guns industry at Darra Adam Khael, the tomb of a sofi scholar and saint, Kaka Sahib Nowshera, the Maqbara (tomb) and Library of legendary sofi poet and leader - Khoshal Khan Khattak at Akora Khattak, the venture spot of two famous rivers of subcontinent, River Indus and River Kabul at Attock and the Mughal erra Attock Fort. You can enjoy hill stations just on few hours drive away from Peshawar, such as Swat, Chitral Kaghan, Kohat
From Peshawar you can visit the Khyber Pass, which still is the most important pass between central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. For centuries and centuries armies have swept down to plunder the fertile plains of the Indus valley.

Source : world66.com/asia/southasia/pakistan/peshawar

Rawalpindi

History

Rawalpindi city, also known as Pindi, has a history spread over several millenniums extending to the ancient times corresponding with the decaying period of Buddhism to the invasions of the Macedonians and then to the dawn of the Muslims era. The long spells of darkness overcast the history of the religion as well as the city before Muslims conquest.
Archaeologists believe that a distinct culture flourished on this plateau as far back as 3000 years. The material remains found on the sight of the city of Rawalpindi prove the existence of Buddhist establishment contemporary to Taxila but less celebrated than its neighbors.
It appears that the ancient city went into oblivion as a result of the Hun devastation. the first Muslim invader, Mahmood of Ghazni (979-1030 AD), gifted the ruined city to a Gakkhar Chief, Kai Gohar. the town, however, being on invaders' route, could not prosper and remained deserted until Jhanda Khan, another Gakkhar Chief, restored it and gave the name of Rawalpindi after the village Rawal in 1493 AD.
Rawalpindi remained under the rule of Gakkhars till Muqarrab Khan, the last Gakkhar ruler, was defeated by Sikhs in 1765 AD. Sikhs invited traders from other places to settle here. This brought the city into prominence. Sikhs lost the city to British in 1849 AD.
Following the British occupation in 1849, the city became permanent cantonment of the British army in 1851. It was around 1881 that the railway line to Rawalpindi was laid. The train service was formally inaugurated on January 1, 1886. The need for having railway link arose after Lord Dollhouse made Rawalpindi the headquarters of the Northern Command. And, Rawalpindi became the largest cantonment in the South Asia.
Rawalpindi, after independence of 1947, has been the home of various political powers and important events that shaped the future of the country. This included the unfortunate murder of First elected prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali khan, in the Liaquat Garden, in 1951. Rawalpindi has the long time honor of having Army headquarter . Now the Airforce headquarter has also moved here.
The famous Murree road has been the hot spot for the various political and social events. In 2004 Murree road will have its first underpass to decrease the enormous traffic load it faces, every day. The sites proposed for these flyovers and underpasses are Committee chowk, Sixth road and Mareer chowk.
Nala Lai, famous for its floods, runs in the middle of the city, dividing it into city area and Cantt. area. History describes Nala lai water pure enough to do washing clothes but now it has become polluted with the waste water from all sources including factories and houses.
With historical buildings and bazaars, vast parks and high hills and chilling winter and hot summers, Rawalpindi has proven its status as the MUST visit place.

Famous Historical Places

Leh Nullah :

The Leh Nullah flows zigzagging through the city. An early edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica describes the Leh Nullah as a river. Until 1923, according to the old timers, the water of the Leh was crystal clear and considered fit for human consumption or performing ablutions. At that time, the city drains were not allowed to be discharged into the Leh as all the nullahs were supposed to flow toward depression on the other side of the Arya Mohalla running along the Murree Road. Now it has been reduced to a carrier of sewage of the twin cities. Heavy amounts of industrial wastes combined with the domestic refuse are deposited in Leh. The presence of two factors had made the Leh water highly polluted and rendered it unsafe even for agricultural use in the suburbs of the city. And, pungency of the flowing water has made the life of those living beside the nullah miserable.
The Mall :Rawalpindi's Thandi Sarak, better known as The Mall - the glory of the cantonment - with its row upon row of the senior Cypresses and seasonal flower beds, was formally inaugurated in 1910 with the beautifully sculpted statue of Queen Victoria standing majestically at the convergence point of the Murree Road an The Mall in close vicinity of the flashman's. The statue was chiselled in the United Kingdom in 1906. After independence, the statue was shifted from The Mall to the British High Commission.

Lal Haveli :

In old times, Rawalpindi had developed a unique architectural style. Both in the older quarters of the city and cantonment, it was considered fashionable to have wooden balconies with intricately designed motifs.It is located in the neighbour hood of the Purana Qilla, Sarafa Bazaar, Bohar Bazaar and Moti Bazaar. In 1920 in the pre-partition days, it was home to Budhana Bibi, a famous dancing girl.

Purana Qilla :

Enter the old part of the city and you will find yourself in archetypal form of an ancient town - crooked and narrow streets, dense housing, intricate woodwork on Jharokas, bay windows and doors, cut brick corbellings. Like Multan, Pakpattan or Lahore, the old quarters of the city, better known as the Purana Qilla, have a series of alleys with some of them being so narrow that they barely leave enough space for two people to walk side by side at the same time. At least there is one street through which only one person can walk. It is the entire urban fabric of the place that is historic. There is still a chance of seeing specimen of solid old masonry in construction of some of the old buildings. Homes have also retained their essential trait despite renovations to make them comfortable for modern living and their division for growing population.

source : pindiplus.com

History of Abbottabad.

Abbottabad, the headquarters of Hazara Division, situated at an altitude of 1,225 m (4002 ft) above sea level and surrounded by refreshing green hills of Sarban, is one of the best-known hill resorts of Pakistan. It is situated on the Karakoram Highway (Silk Route) to China, 120 Km from Rawalpindi/Islamabad and 205 Km from Peshawar. The climate is temperate with 4 distinct seasons-spring, summer, autumn and winter. The summer is pleasant while the winter is moderately cold with occasional snowfall. The city is non-industrial, situated in the green Orash valley and is free from environmental pollution. It has a population of over 300,000.
Like Hazara, Abbottabad has seen many invasions from outside by the conquering forces of diverse races, tribes and kingdoms. The modern city of Abbottabad was founded by Major Abbott, the British deputy commissioner of Hazara (1849 to 1853) during British rule in the subcontinent. Major Abbott is credited with making major changes in the administrative setup in the region, so that after his departure, the city was named after him. The British maintained a sizeable military presence here, evidenced even today by the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), which has remained as the major training academy for military officers. The PMA provided fame to Abbottabad for many years, prior to the recent development of the city, from a non-industrial backward area, to a busy modern business, economic and academic centre. The creation of Ayub Medical Complex has once more brought the city into the national limelight and spurred a lasting chapter of growth and development.
Abbottabad is a small neat and clean town in spacious valleys surrounded by green hills. It is a popular summer resort, located at the end of Murree-Abbottabad hill tract, noted for its verdant parks, gardens, golf course and pine covered hills. Abbottabad, apart from being famous for its educational institutions and Military Academy, also serves as the gateway to almost all-beautiful places in Pakistan. The formidable Karakorams & , the enchanting Himalayas can be approached from Abbottabad. Though the importance of the city has been diminished a little by the completion of Karakoram Highway because, in the past, the only track available to reach Karakoram was through Babusar Pass, which in its turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad.

Culture of Abbottabad

Languages
Hindko is the major language of the District. According to the 1998 Census, 94.26% of the total population speaks Hindko. Other languages spoken in the District are Urdu? 1.05%, Pushto? 2.22% and Punjabi? 2.30%.

Customs and Traditions
Abbottabad is well-cultured area, modern and ancient cultures are combined here. Although the young generation is found of modern culture but religious bonds are very tight and majority of the population like the Islamic traditions and follow the path of Allah. The Hujra meetings (sitting) are also included in the customs. The Islamic traditions are outstanding in rural area and have high moral values in the society.
Dresses
Common dress of the people is Shalwar Qamiz, however Government officials and students use trousers and coats. Turban, Kraquli, Patti caps are worn by the people. Men often wear Waistcoats and Coats over Shalwar Qamiz. Women?s dresses are also very simple and consist of Shalwar, Qamiz, Dopatta and Chadder.

Cuisine
The food of inhabitants of the District is very simple. Maize, wheat and rice are eaten everywhere. Desi Ghee and Lassi is used eagerly in the rural areas.
Occupations in District Abbottabad
A large majority of the population? (60%) depends upon agriculture for their subsistence. However, income from agriculture is too meager to support the population. As a result, many of them have found work in other parts of the country or left for abroad. Other minor professions to which people have taken to, include those of cobblers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, weavers, barbers, washermen, labourers etc.

NGO's in Abbottabad

Development Agencies & NGOs Working in Abbottabad

IUCN ? Abbottabad Conservation Strategy (ACS) Support Unit

Natural Resource Conservation Project (NRCP) Galliat

Sarhad Rural Support Corporation (SRSP)

Abbotonian Medical Association (AMA)

Rotary Club Abbottabad

Society for Public Awareness & Development (SPADE)

Khidmat Foundation

SUNGI Development Foundation

Press Club Abbottabad

Source: apnaabbottabad.com

Hyderabad Attractions

Hyderabad, 164 km north of Karachi the second largest city in Sindh and one of the largest in Pakistan. Hyderabad is five km from the eastern bank of the Indus changed its course away from Khudabad, at that time the capital of the region, the new capital was shifted to Hyderabad. In 1766 the Kalhora ruler constructed a fort half a square km in area and it still stands today. In 1843 the British arrived and defeated the Talpurs, completing their conquest of Sindh.
In the old city, buildings are topped by badgers that look like chimneys on roof tops. They catch the cool breezes which blow steadily in a south-west direction for 40 days from late April each year. Hyderabad is hot for most of the year, although in autumn and winter the temperature dips down to around 24 C . In the old sections of the town, cows still roam the streets giving it a distinctly mediaeval atmosphere.
On the northern side of the hill on which Hyderabad is sited there are tombs from the Talpur and Kalhora periods. The tomb of Ghulam Shah Kalhora is one of the finest, although its dome collapsed and has now been replaced by a flat roof.
Also worth a visit is the Institute of Sindhology's museum at the University of Sindh. It has displays on all aspects of Sindhi history, music and culture depicting the lifestyles of the desert tribes. Infrequent GTS buses go to the campus, otherwise take a miniwagon to Jumshero, across the river from Hyderabad, and walk the 1-1/2 km to the university.

Multan Attractions

Multan is a city in south central Punjab province. It is built just east of the Chenab River. About 966 km from Karachi and more or less right in the center of the country lie the ancient city of Multan. Multan, the 'City of Pirs and Shrines' is a prosperous city of bazaars, mosques, shrines and superbly designed tombs.
A circular road around the rampart gave access to the city through thirteen gates. Some of the imposing structures of these gates are still preserved. In the bazaars of the Old City one still comes across tiny shops where craftsmen can be seen busy turning out master-pieces in copper, brass, silver as well as textiles in the traditional fashion.
The old city has narrow colorful bazaars full of local handicrafts and narrow winding lanes. There are many places of historical, cultural and recreational interest in the city.
Multan is a commercial and industrial center, it is connected by road a rail with Lahore and Karachi and by air with Karachi, Quetta, and Faisalabad. Industries include fertilizer, soap, and glass factories; foundries; cotton, woolen and silk textile mills; flour, sugar and oil mills; and a large thermal-power station.

Source : world66.com

Lahore Attractions

Lahore , the provincial capital of Panjab, is a tourists' heaven. Being the cultural nucleus of Pakistan , it offers visitors and locals alike, a rare treat of architectural splendour, magnificent museums, stunning gardens and colourful festivals. Over the years thousands of tourists have come to Pakistan to witness a multitude of unparalleled attractions. According to legends, Lahore was founded by the son of Lord Rama almost 4000 years ago. From the 16 th to the 18 th century, the city was part of the Mughal Empire and this period saw Lahore reaching to glorious heights. Most of Lahore attractions were built under the patronage of Mughal rulers.
Royal Fort (Shahi Qila)
Centrepiece of Lahore 's Mughal architecture is the Royal Fort or Shahi Qila. Initially constructed by Mahmood of Ghazna and Akbar, the fort has seen many additions and extensions by every succeeding Mughal Emperor, the Sikhs as well as the British. A highlight of this stunning Lahore attraction is the Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors , featuring a collection of multi-coloured mirrors.
Roshnai Gate Area
Roshnai Gate serves as an entrance to the Walled City . The Badshahi Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques, is located just outside the Northeast corner of the Walled City . Between the mosque and the historic Lahore Fort lies the Hazuri Bagh Garden , featuring a marble pavilion. The Mausoleum of Muhammad Iqbal, the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh and the Shrine of Syed Ali Hajveiri (ra), renowned as Data Ganj Bukhsh, are all located in the garden.
Masti Gate Area
The Masti Gate entrance is situated behind the Lahore Fort and this area is predominantly occupied by shoe vendors. Going further down the street, one comes across one of the city's oldest mosques, the Mosque of Mariyam Zamani, named after the mother of Jahangir.
Bhati Gate Area
Entrance of the Bhati Gate is located on the western wall of the Old City and inside the gate is a popular area for dining in Lahore . The Data Durbar, the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Ali Hajweri (also known as Data Sahib Ganjbaksh) is situated just outside the Bhati Gate and people visiting here on Thursday evenings can witness the performances of Qawwali music.
The Lohari Gate
The Lohari Gate, another work of great architecture in Lahore , is located close to Bhati Gate. It is surrounded by shops. In urdu 'loha' means iron and the gate gets its name because of the blacksmiths (Lohars) who lived outside the gates and had their workshops here.
Delhi Gate Area
Delhi Gate is an entrance on the eastern wall of the Walled City . The Shahi Hammam or 'Royal Baths' are located inside the gate on the left hand side. Further down is the beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque, named after a viceroy of Punjab during the reign of Shah Jahan. The Sonehri Masjid is also located close by.
Anarkali
Located on Mall Road in Lahore , Anarkali is one of the oldest bazaars on the Indian subcontinent. Legend says that when the Mughal Prince Saleem fell in love Anarkali, she was buried alive inside one of the walls of the bazaar, on the command of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Gawal Mandi
Gawal Mandi is home to the Food Street - the centre of authentic Pakistani cuisine. Surrounded by ancient buildings of Kashmiri-Persian architecture and several bazaars, the Food Street is a not-to-be-missed Lahore attraction. Visitors come here to enjoy the delicious Lahore cuisine and linger till late in the night, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Tomb of Shah Jamal
The tomb of Sufi Saint Baba Shah Jamal is located in Ichhrah, Lahore . The famous Pappu Sain performs at the shrine every Thursday evening. Pappu Sain is a master dhol (Indian drum) player in Pakistan , who has performed in Germany , Switzerland , Britain , and throughout the Muslim world.
The Mausoleum of Bibi Pak Daman
The Bibi Pak Daman mausoleum houses the graves of five ladies from Prophet Muhammad's household (Ahlulbayt).
Parks and Gardens
The Shalimar Gardens , located just five kilometres east of old city, is one of the most popular Lahore attractions. A breathtaking work of art by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, the garden's exquisite landscape is enclosed within high walls with watchtowers in the corners. The Golden Mosque is situated in the Kashmiri Bazaar inside the garden.

Source : worldexecutive.com

Karachi Attractions

Karachi, the commercial nerve centre of Pakistan, is one of the most richly rewarding regions of the world to visit. Its scenery is captivating and varied; its history and culture is mystifying and impressive. The myriad Karachi attractions keep travellers attracted throughout the year and more than anywhere else in Pakistan, there’s much to do and see in Karachi if you enjoy shopping, nightlife and dining.
With its stunning beaches, yachting, golf courses and famous horse racing meets, Karachi echoes an imperial charm. Within the city, talented artisans with age-old skills produce handicrafts of exquisite beauty. The countless Karachi restaurants prepare a wide choice of Pakistani and international cuisines. Its markets and bazaars boast rugs and carpets in handsome designs.
The Tombs of ChaukundiChaukundi is located along the National Highway, just 17 miles (27 kilometres) from Karachi. The Chaukundi tombs comprise of innumerable sandstone graves with mysteriously-carved motifs, dating back to 16th - 18th centuries in Sind. The most distinguishing features of these graves are the superb carvings and engravings on the sandstone slabs with floral motifs, designs of jewellery, horses and swords.
BhamboreThis archaeological site is believed to be the ancient port city of Debul, which flourished during the 8th century AD. It is also where the Arab conqueror Mohammad Bin Qasim first touched the shores of South Asia in 712 AD, and where, after a fierce battle with the then reigning king, the Arabs consolidated their hold for subsequent expansion.
Haleji LakeAsia's most diverse water fowl reserve and a very popular Karachi Attraction, Haleji Lake is approximately 52 miles (84 kilometres) from Karachi. During winter, hundreds of migrant birds fly down to Haleji to escape the cold of Siberia. It is a bird watchers' paradise.
ThattaLocated approximately 61 miles (98 kilometres) east of Karachi, Thatta was the capital of Sind for 4 centuries. Thatta is an ancient burial site. Many of these tombs boast elaborate stone-carvings and glazed tile decorations. Also in Thatta is the Shahjahan Mosque built on the orders of Emperor Shahjahan. Its blue tiles and mosaic work are alluring.
Wazir MansionLocated in Kharadar, Wazir Mansion is the birthplace of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. It now serves as a museum and national archive. The house has been declared a protected national monument by the Government of Pakistan.
Quaid-E-Azam's Mausoleum This white marble mausoleum with its curved Moorish arches and copper grills rests on an elevated 54-square metre (66-square yard) platform. Today the Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum is one of the most prominent and impressive landmarks in Karachi. Nearby are the graves of the ‘Quaid-e-Millat’ - Liaqat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Quaid’s sister Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.
Bazaars and Karachi ShoppingThe Sarafa Bazaar is an oriental market, filled with little gold and silver trinkets. The Zainab Market specialises in garments. The Saddar Co-operative Market offers a delightful range of handicrafts made from onyx, wood and brass. Express Market, with its gothic style, was built by the British to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign. From its centre rises a tall clock tower. The market contains shops that sell meat fish, poultry, vegetables and other groceries. The bazaars of Karachi offer a wealth of exciting shopping and irresistible bargains.
Clifton Beach and FunlandScattered along miles of golden sand are several stalls selling handicrafts made from sea shells. Clifton also has an amusement park with a bowling alley and an aquarium.
French Beach The French Beach, located half way between Hawkes Bay and Paradise Point, is a small fishing village known to the locals as Haji Abdullah Goth. Surrounded by a boundary wall, it offers 20 huts, constructed by the villagers, for rent. The village has neither running water nor electric power. Its rocky beach and clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Visitors must bring their own equipment as well as food and drink supplies.
National Museum of Pakistan / Burns GardenThis museum contains an impressive collection of artefacts relating to Pakistan’s ancient heritage. On display are items from the Indus Civilisation, Gandhara sculptures, Islamic art, brilliant paintings, ancient coins and manuscripts documenting Pakistan’s political history. There is also an interesting ethnological gallery.
Town Hall / Liaqat HallLiaqat Hall was originally known as Frere Hall and was once the Town Hall where, in colonial days, concerts and social events were held regularly.
Hotels in Karachi

Source : worldexecutive.com