The land of Pakistan is located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent. It is bordered with India on the east, Afghanistan and Iran on the west and the Arabian Sea on the south. The word Pakistan has been derived from the two Urdu words “Pak” and “stan” that means pure country. Pakistan is approximately twice the size of California.
Geography of Pakistan
The landscape of Pakistan is predominated by the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges and it includes some of the world's highest peaks - K2 (28,250 ft; 8,611 m) and Nanga Parbat (26,660 ft; 8,126 m). There is the Baluchistan Plateau to the west and the Thar Desert, Punjab and Sind to the east. The Indus River and all its tributaries flow through Pakistan from Kashmir to the Arabian Sea.
Government of Pakistan
There was military rule in Pakistan and this was instituted in October 1999. In June 2001 nominal democracy was declared by Pervez Musharraf who was the ruling military leader.
Climate of Pakistan
The climate of Pakistan varies as much as its topography. Winters are cold winters and summers are hot in the north. The Southern part has a mild climate. The climate is further moderated by the influence of the ocean. But the central parts have continental climate that is extremely hot with temperatures rising to 45 °C (113 °F). It is then followed by very cold winters and temperatures fall below freezing point. Rainfall is scanty with rainfall ranging from less than 250 millimeters to more than 1,250 millimetres. Rain is usually caused by the south-westerly monsoon winds that blow during the late summer. It is due to the construction of dams on the rivers that the shortage of water has somehow been eased out.
Tourism in Pakistan
Tourism is growing in Pakistan and this is due to the diversity of cultures, peoples and landscapes. There are a huge variety of attractions that range from the ruins of ancient civilizations such as Harappa and Taxila, Mohenjo-daro, to the Himalayan hill stations. Do not miss the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the historic city Lahore, Tomb of Jahangir Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, and the Lahore Fort.
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