Pakistan is situated in South Asia and has the most ancient history in the world. One of the most significant facts is that the region has its roots in the early Indus Valley, including the Himalayas, the Khyber Pass, and the Arabian Sea. In 1947, The Islamic Republic Of Pakistan came into being under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. As a result, a significant section of Muslims migrated to their own country in the north-west of British India. Here is a rundown of some interesting facts about Pakistan’s history.
Some Interesting Facts About Pakistan
1- Name ” Pakistan.”
The name Pakistan is a combination of two words. The Persian word Pak means holy, clean, or pure, and “istan” means land. A Pakistan Movement activist, Choudhry Rehmat Ali, referred to the names of five northern regions of the British Raj: Punjab, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan. Thus, he proposed the name “Pakistan” and published it in the pamphlet “Now or Never” in 1933.
2- World’s earliest civilizations
Pakistan is home to one of the world’s earliest and oldest societies, the Indus valley civilization. It was the most widespread among the ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. The Indus civilization consisted of many well-planned towns and cities with urban drainage and water supply system. There were many buildings grouped that indicate the government structure. The population was almost 5 million at its peak.
3- World’s largest contiguous irrigation system
According to the United Nations, Pakistan comprises the world’s largest contiguous and canal-based irrigation system, with almost 80% of the cultivated area irrigated. Also, the main supply of water to the irrigation system is from the Indus River. The system has three major reservoirs—Terbela and Chashma on the River Indus and Mangla on the River Jehlum.
4- Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Pakistan has six historical places designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, many buildings are on the tentative list. The archeological ruins of the six declared sites include:
- 1. Taxila
- 2. Takht-i-Bahi and the neighboring city remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol.
- 3. Moenjodaro
- 4. Rohtas Fort
- 5. Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens
- 6. Monuments at Makli, Thatta
5- Highest Mountains in the World
Pakistan holds some of the world’s highest mountains globally, the Himalaya, the Greater Himalaya or the Karakoram, and the Hindukush. The world’s second-highest peak, K2 standing at 28,251 feet, is a part of the Greater Himalaya range or the Karakoram range. It stretches to China as well as India. Next, is Tirich Mir, also located in Pakistan’s Hindu Kush Range. These mountains make Pakistan a leading destination for serious mountaineers and a hot winter spot for sports professionals.
6- The Karakoram Highway
The world’s highest paved road, called Karakoram Highway, is the highest road ever built. Karakoram Highway is the China-Pakistan friendship road and runs 800 miles from Abbottabad, Pakistan, to Kashgar in Xinjiang, China. The highest point of the highway is Khunjerab Pass at 4800 meters high. The road passes through incredible views of hills, mountains, valleys, glaciers, lakes, and rivers.
7- The World’s First PC Virus
Two Pakistani brothers Basit Farooq Alvi and Amjad Farooq Alvi invented the world’s first PC Virus in 1986 and targeted IBM PC platforms. They named it Brain. The two brothers created the virus and left their names, phone numbers, and address inside the virus’s code. Both brothers are successful businessmen now and own a company named “Brain Telecommunication.”
8- World’s deepest seaport
Pakistan has the world’s largest natural deep port, called Gawader Port at the Arabian Sea, Balochistan. Therefore, Pakistan has a superior position in Asia, making it a center of trade. To increase it further, Pakistan is operating a plan in collaboration with China to develop Gwadar port infrastructure. As a result, the port will be a portal for western China and Central Asian countries through the Strait of Hormuz’s vital route.
9- Best footballs in the World
Pakistan is the larger manufacturer of soccer balls in the world. The footballs made in Pakistan are all hand-stitched by the local workers. Furthermore, according to The Atlantic, Pakistan is manufacturing about 40 percent of all soccer balls in one Pakistani city: Sialkot. Earlier, the Britishers were fed up with the long waiting time for football shipment. Therefore, they placed orders for footballs to local repairs for punctured balls. However, they became happy with the outcomes and placed some manufacturing orders that set the industry to become the largest globally.
10- Highest polo ground in the world
The world’s highest polo ground at Shandur Top, Gilgit, is one of the interesting facts about Pakistan. It is at a height of about 12,250 ft. Therefore, it is also known as “Roof of the World,” where Balti Prince Ali Sher Khan started the traditional polo game. The Shandur Polo Festival is a tournament between local teams. It invites visitors to view the game, folk music, dance, and celebration.
11- World’s second-largest salt mines
Khewra Salt Mines of Pakistan lies in the north of Pindi Dadan Khan, Jehlum District, Punjab. However, the mines are the second-largest in the world and attract tourists from all over the world every year. Furthermore, the largest mines have over 40 km long tunnels and produce 347,027 tons of salt per year.
Moreover, the history of the salt mine dates back to its discovery by Alexander‘s troops in 320 BC. Afterward, the trading of salt started in the Mughal Era. The mines are also famous for the production of pink salt, known as Himalayan salt.
12- The Largest Volunteer Ambulance Service in the World
In 1997 Abdul Sattar Edhi founded the world’s largest volunteer ambulance service in Pakistan. The name of the service is Edhi Foundation. Even its headquarter is in Karachi, but the organization runs a 24-hour emergency ambulance service throughout Pakistan. Also, the service includes a shelter for the homeless, drug rehabilitation, and an orphanage. Besides, they offer free health care and adoption services. It provides benefits for local and international disaster relief. Furthermore, Edhi Foundation is offering education services too. However, the service is only available in Karachi, Nawabshah, and Mirpur Khaas.
Lastly, Pakistan has several interesting facts, beautiful cultural sites, and many ancient sites. People from all over the world come here to visit our rich cultural heritage, thus making us proud.