The Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Urdu: اسلامی جمہوریۂ پاکستان, islāmī jamhūriya i pākistān), or Pakistan (Urdu: پاکستان, pākistān) is a country located in South Asia that overlaps onto the Greater Middle East and Central Asia. The country borders Iran (Persia), Afghanistan, China, India and the Arabian Sea. The name of the country "Pakistan" in Urdu and Persian means Land of the Pure. With around 163 million inhabitants, it is the sixth most populous country with the second largest Muslim population. It is a member of the UN, the World Trade organisation, the organisation of the Islamic Conference, the Economic Cooperation organisation, the Commonwealth of Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Pakistan has a total area of 803,940 square kilometres, over three times the size of the United Kingdom. It has a land area of 778,720, slightly less than the combined land areas of France and the United Kingdom put together.
To the south is the Arabian Sea, with 1,046 km (650 mile) of Pakistani coastline. To Pakistan's east is India, which has a 2,912 km (1,809 mile) border with Pakistan. To its west is Iran, which has a 909 km (565 mile) border with Pakistan. To Pakistan's northwest lies Afghanistan, with a shared border of 2,430 km (1,510 miles.) China is towards the northeast and has a 523 km (325 mile) border with Pakistan.
The northern and western areas of Pakistan are mountainous. Pakistani administered areas of Kashmir contain some of the highest mountains in the world, including the second tallest, K2. Northern Pakistan has many areas of preserved moist temperate forest.
Pakistan has a rich and unique cultural heritage, and has actively preserved its established traditions throughout history. Many cultural practices and monuments have been inherited from the rule of Mughal emperors.The rich traditions of Pakistan before it was subjugated by Mughuls no more exist in the country.
Pakistani society is largely multilingual and multicultural. Religious practices of various faiths are an integral part of everyday life in society. Education is highly regarded by members of every socio-economic stratum. The traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred, although urban families have grown into a nuclear family system, owing to the socio-economic constraints imposed by the traditional joint family system. Past few decades have seen emergence of a middle class in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Faislabad, Sukkur, Peshawar, Gujarat, Attobabad and Multan. The North-western part of Pakistan, bordering with Afghanistan, is highly conservative and dominated by regional tribal customs dating back to hundreds of years.
Pakistan has a very rich cultural and traditional background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC–1800 BC. The region that is now Pakistan has in the past been invaded and occupied by many different peoples, including Greeks, White Huns, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. There are differences in culture among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, and religion, especially where pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices.
The pleasures of Pakistan are ancient: Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples, Palaces and Monuments built by Emperors, tombs, pleasure grounds and Anglo-Mogul mansions - some in a state of dereliction which makes their former grandeur more emphatic. Scuplture is dominated by Graeco-Buddhist friezes, and crafts by ceramics, jewellery, silk goods and engraved woodwork and metalwork.
Things you should know when travelling to Pakistan
Acts of terrorism, including bombings, occur. Westerners have been kidnapped, and there have been attacks and threats against embassies and other international facilities, although these have declined in the past year. Petty crime is common throughout Pakistan. Rallies and demonstrations should be avoided. They can occur on very short notice and can lead to violence.
There is a potential threat from terrorists posing as street vendors or beggars in busy streets. Canadians who regularly travel between their place of residence and their workplace should vary their times of travel and routes. Exercise vigilance in traffic situations and be particularly alert to possible attacks when waiting at traffic lights. Try to avoid busy, heavily congested traffic routes when possible.
Sectarian violence is a serious problem, particularly in Karachi and other cities in Sindh and Punjab provinces. Canadian should exercise caution and avoid public transportation and crowded areas.
Violent crime is high in Karachi. There have been outbreaks of ethnic and sectarian violence including bombings, shootings, and mass demonstrations, resulting in deaths and the imposition of curfews. Do not travel after dark. Do not travel overland into Sindh province unless police are notified well in advance and are able to make the necessary security arrangements.
Baluchistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling. Serious ethnic violence can lead to gun battles in the streets. Curfews have been imposed. Travel in certain areas of Baluchistan requires advance permission from the government.
A cease-fire is in effect along the Line of Control with India and at military outposts in the Karakoram Mountains (including the Siachen Glacier). Tensions have eased significantly, but caution is always advised, as the situation remains unpredictable. Mountain climbers in the disputed areas face a significant risk of injury or death. The following peaks are considered dangerous: Rimo; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II, and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri.
In Islamabad, security forces have intensified their presence, and no major incidents have occurred since the March 2002 bombing of a Protestant church. Travel to the city of Peshawar is relatively safe. Travel to the federally administered tribal areas, especially in North West Frontier province, is dangerous and requires advance permission from the government. Ethnic, political, or sectarian violence may still be encountered outside the tribal areas.
Canadians intending to trek in Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral, and the Swat Valley should use licensed guides and tourist agencies only. Assaults have occurred. An unaccompanied tourist was murdered in Gilgit.
We have received occasional reports of Canadian citizens being forced into marital arrangements. Some are detained in Pakistan against their will and subjected to threats, intimidation, and violence by family members. Passports have been retained by family members. Some have been unable to return to Canada without intervention by the Canadian and Pakistani authorities. Forced marriages are contrary to Canadian law.
