Pakistan is one of the most strategically placed countries in the world. It borders China to the North, Iran, and Afghanistan to the West, and India to the East. There are many interesting stories and facts about Pakistan that are often portrayed in the media.
Its neighbors are also big players in the global political game, which only amplifies the significance of Pakistan. However, these are not the only things that Pakistan is famous for. It is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries to explore.
Here are some fun facts about Pakistan and why you should not overlook the country as a travel destination.
Historical Facts About Pakistan
Pakistan gained its independence in 1947, and since then, many significant things have happened in the country. Let’s take a look at some historical facts about Pakistan.
Benazir Bhutto From Pakistan, From The First Female Prime Minister Of The Muslim World
Pakistani people broke a big stereotype when they elected Benazir Bhutto as their prime minister. She was not only the first female prime minister of Pakistan but also the first-ever Prime Minister of any Muslim country in the modern world. Since then, many Muslim countries have elected female prime ministers and presidents.
Pakistan International Airlines Holds An Impressive Speed Record
Pakistan International Airlines is older than the country itself. It was founded in 1946 as Orient Airways. When Pakistan gained its independence in 1947, the company shifted to the newly formed country, where it was nationalized and renamed Pakistan International Airlines.
In 1962, two Pakistani pilots flying a Boeing 720B broke the world record for the fastest commercial flight between London, UK, and Karachi, Pakistan. It took them a little over 6 hours and 45 minutes to reach their destination with a speed of 938.78 KM per hour. What’s more shocking is that the record still stands.
Pakistan Was Once A Dominion Of The British Empire
Pakistan got its independence from the British Empire in 1947; however, it stayed a dominion of the British Empire till 1956, which means that both King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II ruled over Pakistan.
Cultural Facts About Pakistan
Pakistan’s culture is somewhat similar to other countries in South Asia, but it does have its own unique elements as well. If you are planning to visit the country, then it is important for you to know these cultural facts about Pakistan.
Pakistanis Love Tea
Tea can be considered the favorite beverage of the Pakistani people. Drinking tea is a big part of Pakistani culture. People drink it at breakfast, in their offices, and even at night. This love for tea may be due to the influence of Britain’s culture, as the Sub-Continent was once a colony of the British Empire.
You can always enjoy a cup of hot tea in the morning, or after a meal to help digest all the delicious Pakistani food.
Meaning Of The Name Pakistan
Pakistan’s official name is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The word PAK means pure, whereas STAN means Land Of. So the word Pakistan literally translates to “Land of The Pure.”
Weddings In Pakistan Go On For Days
Weddings in Pakistan aren’t a one-day matter like weddings in the western world. The preparations begin months before the actual event, and the wedding event itself goes on for days.
Pakistani weddings are lavish, and both sides spend a fortune on the event. Giving dowry to the groom’s side is prevalent in Pakistani culture.
There Are Over 80 Languages Spoken In Pakistan
The national language of Pakistan is Urdu, but there are other local and provincial languages, including Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Hindko, Saraiki, and many others.
Interesting Facts About Pakistan For Kids
For kids that love geography trivia, Pakistan has a lot of impressive things to learn about. These Pakistan facts for kids are fun and interesting.
World’s Largest Deep-Sea Port Is In Pakistan
Gwadar Sea Port, located in the province of Balochistan, is the largest deep-sea port in the world. Deep seaports have the capacity to hold more deadweight tonnage as compared to other ports.
The Gwadar port is operational, but regular upgrades are also done to the port. By 2045 the port will be able to hold over 400,000 deadweight tonnages.
The World’s Highest ATM Is Also Located In Pakistan
The ATM is located on the Karakoram Highway at the Khunjerab Pass near the Pakistan-China border. The ATM is owned by the National Bank of Pakistan, and it is located at a height of over 16,000 ft above sea level.
K2 Mountain Is The World’s Second Largest Mountain
We all know that the largest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, but the second largest mountain in the world is located in Pakistan. The mountain lies in the Karakoram Mountain Range and has an elevation of 8611 km.
The K in the name comes from the Karakoram, whereas the ‘2’ represents that it is the second-highest peak in the world. Mountaineers from all over the world make their way to Pakistan to climb the K2.
The Youngest Nobel Laureate Is From Pakistan
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist who has been advocating for female education in tribal areas in Pakistan. She was attacked by the Taliban for promoting female education in the tribal areas of the country.
For her efforts, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 when she was only 17 years old. This makes her the youngest Nobel peace prize winner in the history of the world.
Useful Pakistan Facts For Travelers
If you are a traveler planning your next trip to Pakistan, then it is important to familiarize yourself with the country’s geography and culture. Here are some helpful Pakistan facts for travelers.
Pakistan Has Six UNESCO Heritage Sites
There are six UNESCO heritage sites in Pakistan, including Rohtas Fort, Shalimar Garden & Lahore Fort, Makli Necropolis, Takht-i-Bahi, Taxila, and Moenjodaro.
Changa Manga in Pakistan Was Once The Largest Man-Made Forest In The World
Changa Manga was, at one moment, the largest man-made forest in the world. The title has been taken over by Rio de Janeiro, followed by Johannesburg. The forest has its own unique flora and fauna.
It is spread over 12510 acres and is a popular picnic spot for people from nearby cities. Over the years, it has become a popular tourist destination that offers outdoor sports, resorts, parks, and a lot of other fun activities.
The Highest Polo Ground Is Located In Pakistan
Polo is an elegant sport that was played exclusively by people belonging to the nobility. It may not be as popular as other sports, but it still has a die-hard fan base.
Standing at a staggering height of 3700 meters, the Shandur Top in Pakistan has the world’s highest polo ground. Every year Shandur Polo Festival takes place in the region.
The festival is three days, with the final of the polo tournament taking place on the last day. In addition to the polo matches, you also get to listen to folk music and watch traditional Gilgit dance.
Pakistan Has The Second Largest Salt Mine In The World
Khewra Salt Mine is the second largest salt mine in the world, second only to Canada’s Sifto Salt Mines located in Ontario. It is said that these mines were discovered by Alexander the Great in 326 BC.
When Alexander and his army were camped in the region, his horse started to lick the stones. This is when one soldier from his army also licked the stone, and voila! Khewra Salt Mines were discovered. The turnout of the Khewra Salt Mines is over 300,000 tons per year.
Common Facts About Pakistan
Let’s take a look at some general facts on Pakistan.
The Most Popular Sport In The Country Is Cricket
Even though the national sport of the country is field hockey, the most popular sport in the country is Cricket.
The country won its first cricket world cup back in 1992. The captain of that team went on to become the prime minister of the country in 2018. Cricket is as famous in Pakistan as Baseball is in the US or Football is in the UK.
Nankana Sahib Is The Birth Place Of The Founder Of Sikhism
The founder and first guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, was born in Nankana Sahib. The place holds a lot of significance in Sikhism, which is why thousands of Sikhism followers from all over the world visit Pakistan on Guru Nanak’s Birth anniversary. The place of death of Guru Nanak is a city called Kartarpur, which is also located in Pakistan.
It Is The Fifth Most Populous Country In The World
Pakistan has a population of over 235 Million, which makes it the fifth most populous country in the world.
Other Interesting Facts About Pakistan
Here are more amazing facts about Pakistan to understand the country better.
Edhi Foundation Has The Largest Volunteer Ambulance Service In The World
Abdul Sattar Edhi was Pakistan’s most famous philanthropist. His foundation is known for having the largest volunteer ambulance service in the world.
The ambulance service runs 24/7. They coordinate with both public and private hospitals so that the patients can be brought to the hospital on time.
The foundation is also involved in other philanthropy work, including old age homes, orphanages, and natural disaster relief efforts. The foundation donated $100,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts back in 2005.
Two Pakistani Brothers Invented The First-Ever Computer Virus
The first ever computer virus was invented by two Pakistani brothers named Basit Alvi and Amjad Alvi. Even though computer virus is now used to damage other people’s digital assets and their devices, the brothers invented the virus to protect their medical software from copyright infringement.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Pakistan
These are some of the interesting Pakistani facts that offer a glimpse of its history and diversity. Pakistan is a large country with over 200 million people, and it is almost impossible to put all the facts on paper.
If you want to know more about Pakistan’s culture, there is no better way than to visit and experience the place firsthand. You will uncover more fascinating facts about Pakistan as you journey through this incredible country.
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