Pakistan, a vibrant country in South Asia, holds a treasure trove of fascinating facts. From its stunning landscapes, such as the majestic Karakoram mountain range, to its rich cultural heritage, Pakistan offers a unique blend of experiences. Did you know that Pakistan is home to the second-highest peak in the world, K2? With its warm hospitality and diverse cuisine, Pakistan invites travelers to explore its hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.
1. Pakistan has the second highest mountain
K2, the third highest, Tirich Mir, and the world’s three tallest mountain ranges (Hindukush, Karakoram, and Himalayas).
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- 2. Gwadar, the largest deep-water port in the world, is located in Pakistan.
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- 3. The eighth wonder of the world, the Karakoram Highway, which connects China and Pakistan, is the highest paved road in the world and is located in Pakistan.
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- 4. The largest volunteer ambulance service in the world is proudly operated by the Edhi Foundation in Pakistan.
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- 5. Sialkot, Pakistan, manufactures more than half of the world’s footballs, making it the world’s largest producer of hand-sewn football. Pakistan produced the official footballs used in the last two FIFA World Cups.
- 6. Pakistan has the fourth-largest irrigation system in the world, located in the Indus Basin.
- 7. The world’s second-largest salt mines, Khewra Mines, are located in Pakistan. The most well-known pink Himalayan salt mines in the world are located in Pakistan as well.
- 8. Shandur, Pakistan, is home to the world’s highest polo field.
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- 9. The only Muslim nation with nuclear power in the world is Pakistan.
- 10. Pakistan’s Jahangir Khan went undefeated from 1981 to 1986, winning 555 straight games in the process, the longest winning streak of any player in elite professional sport.
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- 11. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Laureate, was born and raised in Pakistan.
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- 12. While Prime Minister Imran Khan was the first cricket player in history to hold the position of PM, Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi is only the second dentist in history to hold the office.
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- 13. In what is now Pakistan, the Indus Valley Civilization flourished and became one of the oldest and largest civilizations in history. Emerging around 3300 BCE, it thrived in the fertile plains of the Indus River and its tributaries. The civilization was known for its advanced urban planning, with well-organized cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, featuring grid-like streets, sophisticated drainage systems, and impressive architecture.
- 14. The Tarbela Dam in Pakistan holds the distinction of being the largest earth-filled dam in the world by structural volume. Located on the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, it was constructed primarily to control water flow, generate hydroelectric power, and support irrigation. The dam has a structural volume of over 106 million cubic meters, making it a marvel of engineering.
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- 15. At the age of 21, Pakistani high-altitude mountaineer Samina Baig made history by becoming the first and youngest Muslim woman to ascend all seven summits in 2014, including Mount Everest (2013). A documentary titled “Beyond the Heights” was produced during her Everest trek.
- 16. A journalist, filmmaker, and activist from Pakistan, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has won two Oscars, six Emmys, and a Knight International Journalism Award. She became the first Pakistani Academy Award winner when she won for Saving Face. She is one of just eleven female directors to have ever won an Oscar for a non-fiction picture and the only one to have won two Academy Awards by the time she was 37.
These are just a few of the many amazing facts about Pakistan, a country steeped in a rich and ancient history that stretches back thousands of years. From the remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban centers, to the architectural wonders of the Mughal Empire, Pakistan’s historical tapestry is both vast and varied.
Positive Perspective of Pakistan Through Culture and Beauty