Pakistan History:

Pakistan History:    Pakistan traces its history back to 2,500 years B.C., when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. Excavations at Harrappa, Moenjodaro, Kot Diji and Mehr Garh have brought to light, the evidence of an advanced civilization existing even in more ancient times. Around 1,500 B.C., the Aryans overwhelmed this region and influenced the Hindu civilization, whose centre moved to Ganges valley, further east. Later, the Persians occupied the northern region in the 5th century B.C. up to the 2nd century AD. The Greeks came in 327 B.C., under Alexander of Macedonia, and passed away like a meteor. In 712 AD, the Arabs, led by Muhammad Bin Qasim, landed somewhere near modern Karachi and ruled the lower half of Pakistan for 200 years. During this time, Islam took roots in the soil and influenced the life, culture and traditions of the people. In the 10th century AD, began the systematic conquest of South Asia by the Muslims from Central Asia, who ruled here up to the 18th century. Then the British came and ruled for nearly 100 years over what is Pakistan now.    Independence Movement:  The Muslim revival began towards the end of the last century when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a renowned Muslim leader and educationist, launched a movement for intellectual renaissance of the Muslims of South Asia. In 1930, the well-known poet-philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, conceived the idea of a separate state for the Muslims of South Asia. In 1940, a resolution was adopted by the All-India Muslim League, demanding a separate independent home land for the Muslims. After 07 years of un-tiring struggle under the brilliant leadership of Quaid-e-Azam (the great leader) Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan emerged on the world map as a sovereign state, on 14th August, 1947.

Culture & Lifestyle:

Pakistan has a wealthy cultural and ethnic background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC – 1800 BC. The region of Pakistan has been invaded in the past, occupied and settled by many different people, including Aryans, Greeks, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. And indeed the region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural complex of South Asia from earlier times. Ancient sites in Pakistan include Buddhist monuments, Hindu/Buddhist 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. Sculpture is dominated by Greco-Buddhist friezes, and crafts by ceramics, jewellery, silk goods and engraved woodwork and metalwork.

Pakistani society is largely multilingual and multicultural. 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.

Wedding Ceremonies  A Pakistani wedding is a great feast of fun, merriments, and celebrations. The wedding is followed by several pre-wedding customs and rituals which consist of Mayoun, Mehndi, Barat and Walima. The Actual Wedding Ceremony (Barat) takes place on third day. On the wedding day, the bride usually wears the traditional red wedding dress. The bride's gown is very elaborate with a veil and heavy jewelry. The groom wears a traditional turban.

Festivals and Events Pakistan is a home to hundreds of traditional festivals and events throughout the year. Below are links of a few Festival Highlights that take place in Pakistan. Basant Festival   Kalash Festivals Shandur Polo Festival   Sibi Mela Mela Chiraghan      Silk Road Festival World Art Performing Festival Jashn e Bahran

Cuisines The Cuisine of Pakistan  can be described as fusion of cuisine from three Asian regions - South Asia, Central Asia, and Middle East. Pakistani cuisine is often spicy and also known for its richness. Within Pakistan, the food also varies greatly from region to region, reflecting the country's ethnic, cultural and culinary diversity. International cuisine and fast food are popular in cities. Blending local and foreign recipes (fusion food) is common in large urban centres.

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