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Travel warning
Non-essential travel to Pakistan is advised
against, to northern areas, the North West Frontier Province and
Baluchistan in particular. People of non-Pakistani origin are at
greater risk. For further advice visitors should contact their local
government travel advice department.
Pakistan has borders with Afghanistan, India, Iran and the Arabian
Sea. The terrain varies from rugged and mountainous to flat, alluvial
plains. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, is situated on the
shores of the Arabian Sea near the mouth of the Indus. The streets are
lively with hundreds of street restaurants, teahouses, samosa and
juice stalls. Boats can be hired to sail out of the harbour. Lahore,
in the Punjab, is a historic, bustling city with buildings of pink and
white marble. There is plenty to see: bazaars, the Badshahi Mosque -
one of the largest mosques in the world and an example of Moghul
architecture rivalled only by the Taj Mahal. Islamabad, the capital of
Pakistan since 1963, and Rawalpindi, are both located on the Pothowar
Plain. The old part of the town boasts fine examples of local
architecture and the narrow streets are crammed with bazaars where
craftsmen are still using traditional methods. The Kashmir province
has some of the highest mountains in the world including the famous
Nanga Parbat and second highest mountain in the world, K2. Pakistani
cuisine is based on curry or masala (hot and spicy) sauces
accompanying chicken, mutton, shrimps and a wide choice of vegetables.
Cultural programmes of traditional music and dance can be seen and the
Pakistani Arts Academy performs at various times during the year. |
