Pakistan
Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Islāmī Jumhūriyah Pākistān)
Location: South Asia
Capital: Islamabad
Largest City: Karachi
Geography:
- Area: ~881,913 km² (33rd largest country).
- Borders: India (east), Afghanistan (west), Iran (southwest), China (northeast).
- Arabian Sea coastline in the south.
- Geography includes mountains (Karakoram, Himalayas), deserts (Thar), Indus River Valley.
- K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), world’s second-highest peak, is located here.
Population:
- Over 240 million (2025), world’s fifth-most populous country.
- Majority religion: Islam (over 95%).
- Ethnic groups: Punjabi, Pashtun, Sindhi, Baloch, Muhajir, and others.
Languages:
- Official: Urdu (national language), English (used in government and law).
- Regional languages: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki, and others.
Government:
- Federal parliamentary republic.
- President: Head of state.
- Prime Minister: Head of government.
- Bicameral legislature: National Assembly + Senate.
Economy:
- Developing economy; member of the Next Eleven and OIC.
- Major sectors: textiles, agriculture (cotton, wheat, rice), manufacturing, IT, and remittances.
- Strategic location for trade routes linking South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
History:
- Ancient civilizations: Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500 BCE).
- Later empires: Maurya, Mughal.
- Region under British colonial rule as part of India (19th–20th century).
- Created in 1947 after partition of British India as a homeland for Muslims.
- Became an Islamic republic in 1956.
- History marked by wars with India, military rule, and democratic transitions.
Culture:
- Influences from South Asian, Central Asian, Persian, and Islamic traditions.
- Rich heritage in poetry, music (qawwali, ghazal), and architecture (Mughal monuments, Badshahi Mosque).
- Cuisine: biryani, kebabs, curries, regional bread varieties.
- National sports: Field hockey (official), cricket (most popular), squash (historical dominance).
- Festivals: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Independence Day (14 August).
Symbols:
National Flower: Jasmine.
National Flag: Green with white vertical stripe and crescent moon with star.
National Anthem: “Qaumi Taranah.”
National Animal: Markhor (wild goat).
National Bird: Chukar partridge.
