Heer Ranjha the folk story

Tomb of Heer Ranjha in Jhang (Pakistan)

                                                                         Inner view of Heer Ranjha,s tonmb

Heer Ranjhais one of the four popular tragic romances of the Punjab. The other three are Mirza Sahiba, Sassi Punnun and Sohni Mahiwal[citation needed]. There are several poetic narrations of the story, the most famous being 'Heer' by Waris Shah written in 1766. It tells the story of the love of Heer and her lover Ranjha. Well-known poetic narrations have also been written by Damodar Das Arora, Mukbaz and Ahmed Gujjar, among others.

Plot summary

Heer is an extremely beautiful woman, born into a wealthy Jat family of the Sayyal clan in Jhang, Punjab. Ranjha (whose first name is Dheedo; Ranjha is the surname), also a Jat of the Ranjha clan, is the youngest of four brothers and lives in the village 'Takht Hazara' by the river Chenab. Being his father's favorite son, unlike his brothers who had to toil in the lands, he led a life of ease playing the flute ('Wanjhli'/'Bansuri'). After a quarrel with his brothers over land, Ranjha leaves home. In Waris Shah's version of the epic, it is said that Ranjha left his home because his brothers' wives refused to give him food. Eventually he arrives in Heer's village and falls in love with her. Heer offers Ranjha a job as caretaker of her father's cattle. She becomes mesmerised by the way Ranjha plays his flute and eventually falls in love with him. They meet each other secretly for many years until they are caught by Heer's jealous uncle, Kaido, and her parents Chuchak and Malki. Heer is forced by her family and the local priest or 'mullah' to marry another man called Saida Khera.
Ranjha is heartbroken. He wanders the countrtyside alone, until eventually he meets a 'jogi' (ascetic). After meeting Baba Gorakhnath, the founder of the "Kanphata"(pierced ear) sect of jogis, at 'Tilla Jogian' (the 'Hill of Ascetics', located 50 miles north of the historic town of Bhera, Sargodha District, Punjab), Ranjha becomes a jogi himself, piercing his ears and renouncing the material world. Reciting the name of the Lord, "Alakh Niranjan", he wanders all over the Punjab, eventually finding the village where Heer now lives.
The two return to Heer's village, where Heer's parents agree to their marriage. However, on the wedding day, Heer's jealous uncle Kaido poisons her food so that the wedding will not take place. Hearing this news, Ranjha rushes to aid Heer, but he is too late, as she has already eaten the poison and died. Brokenhearted once again, Ranjha takes the poisoned Laddu (sweet) which Heer has eaten and dies by her side.
Heer and Ranjha are buried in Heer's hometown, Jhang. Lovers and others often pay visits to their mausoleum.

Waris Shah's version

It is believed that the poem of Heer and Ranjha had a happy ending but Waris Shah gave it the sad ending described above, thereby giving it the legendary status it now enjoys. It is argued by Waris Shah in the beginning of his version that the story of Heer and Ranjha has a deeper connotation - the relentless quest of man (humans) for God.

In films

The epic poem has been made into several feature films. Prepartition Indian film versions include Heer Ranjha (1928) starring Zubeida, Heer Ranjha (1929), Heer Ranjha (1931), Heer Ranjha (1948). Later Indian versions include the Hindi films Heer Raanjha (1971) directed by Chetan Anand and starring Raaj Kumar and Priya Rajvansh, Heer Ranjha (1992), and the Punjabi film Heer Ranjha (2009) starring singer & actor Harbhajan Mann.[1] Pakistani versions include Heer Ranjha (1970) directed by Masood Pervaiz

Ucchali Lake

Ucchali Lake

Complex: Tucked in the southern periphery of the Salt Range and hemmed in by its higher cliffs, is a cluster of natural lakes — Ucchali, Khabbeki and Jhallar in district Khushab. These lakes are said to be 400 years old, maybe more. The lakes are a prime sanctuary for the migratory birds and were declared a protected sanctuary for the native and migratory avifauna on the appeal of World Wildlife Fund. Nestled at about 800 meters above the sea, lakes have some marsh vegetation and are mostly surrounded by cultivated land, which is picturesquely intersected by hillocks. The lakes are fed by the spring, seepage from adjacent areas, and run off from the neighbouring hills of the historic Salt Range. The lakes are one of the most important wintering areas for the rare white-headed ducks (Oxyura leucocephala) in Pakistan that comes here from Central Asia. Locals believe that there is a volcano hidden beneath the surface of the Ucchali Lake due to which the colour of the water keeps changing. The appearance of a vert broad and brightly coloured rainbow in 1982 for consecutive 15 days is also attributed to this analogy. in 1982, a strange phenomenon was observed in the villages Ucchali and Dhadhar. The lakes’ water is also said to cure gout and skin diseases. People have been taking the water from the lakes as far as Lahore and Karachi. People think that a pure white winged creature called Great egret, from Grus family, found in the area is a symbol of longevity.

Saif ul Muluk Lake

                               Saif ul Muluk Lake in Kaghan Valley

The lake is located in the northern end of Kaghan Valley. At an altitude of 3,224 m (10,578 feet) above sea level, it is amongst one of the highest lakes in Pakistan. The lake rests under the foot hills of mighty Malika Parbat mountain, whose reflection shines in the lake and gives an awesome captivation. It is speculated that an underground river empties into the lake; which is why its depth is unknown. Malika Parbat at 5,290 metres (17,356 ft) is the highest mountain in Kaghan valley. The lake is accessible by a 14 km jeep road from Naran (which is accessible by a metalled road from Mansehra via Balakot and Kaghan) during the summer months. On foot, the trek from Naran to the lake takes about 4-6 hours. The water is clear with a slight green tone. The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers all around the high basin feeding the lake which provides a good scenery. The lake also lies on the path of another high altitude lake called Ansoo Lake or Ansoo Jheel. The lake is famous for its fairytale of Saiful Maluk written by the famous poet Mian Muhammad Baksh.

Manchar Lake

                                                       Manchar Lake
 
Manchar Lake located at a distance of about 18 kms from Sehwan Sharif, district Dadu, west of the River Indus is by far the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan and one of the largest in Asia. It is a vast natural depression flanked by the Khirthar hills in the west and the Laki hills in the south. The area of the lake fluctuates with the seasons from as little as 350 km² to 520 km². The lake collects water from numerous small streams in the Kirthar Mountains and empties into the Indus River. It provided a livelihood for a large number of fishermen, irrigation water for various crops and aquatic plants including lotus. The lake was created in the 1930's when the Sukkur Barrage was constructed on the river Indus. The lake is fed by two canals , the Aral Wah Canal and the Danister Canal from the river Indus. Until recently the lake supported thousands of fisher folk who depended on the freshwater fish they caught in the lake. However, the lake is now undergoing environmental degradation resulting in the water becoming saline killing off the fish and forcing the fisher folk to look elsewhere for employment. Until recently, the lake was a stop-off on the Indus flyway for Siberian migratory birds, but now the numbers have fallen from 25,000 birds counted in 1988 to just 2800 bird counted in 2002, because the lake no longer provides the birds' main food, the lake fish. In the place of the birds, the lake now hosts a saline water reed.

Hana lake - Quetta

Hana lake - Quetta 

Balochistan province is otherwise a water starved province, hence no big wetlands can be seen. With the coming up of a number of dams, however, the number may increase. Presently Hana Lake near the capital city of Quetta is the life line for inhabitants of Quetta and surrounding areas - located ten kilometres from Quetta at the confluence of Urak Valley. The picturesque lake with its greenish- blue water portrays a rich contrast to the sandy brown of the hills in the back ground. The Lake had its tourist attraction and boats are available to row around the lake. In sever weather conditions, the lake dries up and threatens the very existence of human and animal life.

The Norther Areas and the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan is a Heaven on Earth. It provides spectacular view of some of the beautiful and breathtaking sceneries around the world. Its lakes with crystal clear blue icy waters are wonders of their own kind - no where found anywhere else.

Haleji Lake

             Haleji Lake

 Located in Thatta District, 70 km (about 52 miles) from Karachi, the lake is Asia's largest bird sanctuary where every winter, thousand of migratory birds come from as far as Siberia. The migratory birds include Dalmatian Pelican, European Wigeon and Black Coot. Thousands of Black-crowned Night Heron roost in the area.  As many as 223 bird species have been recorded in the environs of Haleji lake. For instance, osprey, Pallas's fish eagle, Buzzards, Harriers, falcons, Wigeon, coot, shoveller, pintail, Teals, Mallard, heron, Jacana, flamingos and some times Bewick's swan.

In Punjab province there are a number of man made and natural lakes that are essential for the stopover of the migratory birds beside a source of natural vegetation, fisher and provision of water for the locals.

Muree hill station

              Muree hill station

Murree in the Punjab and its adjoining hill stations, mostly situated in the Frontier Province, provide a cool retreat in summer to the people of the Punjab and the Frontier Province, particularly to those living in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Murree is the most developed of these hill stations and has cool climate in summer and crisply cold in winter. It was developed by the British as a summer resort of the Punjab which it continued to be up to 1876 when the name was transferred to Simia. It is therefore a developed town with good hotels and roads and excellent shopping where products and handicrafts of the entire region are available.Situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters, Murree is considered the most beautiful hill station in northern Punjab. The winding drive from Islamabad passes through Sarannab woodland, rocky shrubs and cedar, birch and at precisely 1,000 meters lofty pine forests.
As in the other hill stations the British tried to build a little England, with a mall for promenading, parks, churches, schools, not to mention clubs and cafes. Hence scruffy houses with names like ''Primrose Cottage" or "Goodland Walk". "Hotel Cecil' or those times still remain a colonial atmosphere in huge, high, ceilinged rooms with roaring log fires.
At the north end of the Mall, a good landmark of the city is the Post Office from where one may wander down through the bazaar below having stalls and souvenir shops all along the way. Walking down the Mall is perhaps the main amusement of Murree. You can also take horse or donkey rides. Going north and leaving Post Office on the left one finds the Murree Club. From the Post Office to Kashmir Point is the area where many embassies have their summer residence.
Murree lies at about two hours journey from Rawalpindi and a little less from Islamabad, especially so if you are driving in a car. There is a toll of a few rupees on the way and for the first few miles you pass through the flat country. Then, the climb starts which becomes pretty steep as you approach Murree.

Rawalakot/Poonch Azad Kashmir

                  Rawalakot/Poonch Azad Kashmir


Rawalakot  is a city in Azad Kashmir, and is the capital of Poonch Division and Poonch District. It is in a saucer-shaped valley at an elevation of 1615 metres (5300 ft), also popular summer hill station.
Rawalakot is situated 76 kilometres (47 miles) from Kohala, Pakistan and about 120 kilometres (84 miles) from the city of Rawalpindi. It is linked with Rawalpindi and Islamabad via Goyain Nala(shortest and fastest link) and Tayeen roads. It is also linked with Rawalpindi via Sudhnuti.
Location
Bagh District lies to the north and Sudhnuti District lies to the south. The road passing through (Jalooth) Paniola connects Rawalakot to Bagh and Muzaffarabad. Toward the west are Murree, Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions of Pakistan.
Climate
Average temperature during the summer varies from 60 °F (16 °C) to 75 °F (24 °C). During the winter snowfall starts during the month of December and lasts through January.
Before the partition of the subcontinent, the Rawalakot trade route was the only road link between Poonch and Sudhnati, now called Rawalakot. The Line of Control (LoC) is 15 kilometres from Hajira and 43 kilometres from Rawalakot.
Transportation
Construction of the Guoien Nalla road between Rawalakot and Azad Pattan has considerably reduced travel times between Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Rawalakot. Buses, vans and taxis are available for long and short route travel.
Rawalakot Airport is non-operational, as there is no demand for the air service provided by Pakistan International Airlines. The airport has been closed since 1998.
Tourism
Rawalakot region is most visited and popular for tourism in Azad Kashmir, and its well-known spots are Banjosa and Toli Pir. Lodges, government-owned and private guest houses, and hotels are available in different parts of Rawalakot(Poonch district).
Attractions include: mountain-based adventure tourism, rock climbing, mountaineering, trekking, summer camping and hiking, water-based adventure tourism, and paragliding. Rawalakot has a downtown area, which consists of shops selling everything from groceries to electronic goods.

Pearl Continental Lahore

The Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore Is Situated On Shahrah-e-quaid-e-azam, The Mall, Opposite The Governor House. It Is Only 7km From Lahore International Airport, 6km From The Main Railway Station And 1.5 Km From The Main Business Centre. The Accommodations Comprise Of 485 Rooms Varying From Presidential Suites To Standard Rooms. The Hotel Boasts A Varity Of Dining Possibilities Meeting Facilities As Well As Health And Recrteational Facilities.

Sheraton Karachi Hotel

Hotel Description

407 rooms, 9 floors
Located in the heart of Karachi, the Business Capital of the country, Sheraton Karachi Hotel is the only internationally managed five-star hotel in Pakistan, managed by the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The hotel is at a walkable distance from the citys main attractions, business districts, shopping centers and clubs and is ideally positioned for business travelers, offering wireless connectivity in the Lobby area. The hotel offers extensive multi-purpose banqueting space accommodating upto 3000 guests, be it a conference, seminar, meeting, wedding reception or a corporate dinner, our professional event planners & coordinators take care of the fine details & arrangements.

The hotel has recently concluded a multi million dollar refurbishment of 48 well appointed & tastefully furnished rooms at the Sheraton Hotel, which offers a one-of-its kind hotel accommodation in the country. Al-Suite accommodation of the hotel are currently undergoing renovation. The hotel is home to four specialty restaurants where the guests are spoilt for choice between Lebanese, Italian, Japanese, Chinese & Pakistani cuisine & a 24- hour caf Fanoos. The guests have 24-hour access to state-of-art equipped health club, swimming pool, flood-lit tennis court, jogging track, 24-hour functional Business Center and a large shopping arcade. The hotel ensures stringent security measures in compliance with international security and safety standards, since guest comfort and safety is a matter of supreme priority.

Serena Hotel Faisalabad

Serena Hotel Faisalabad Pakistan Serena Hotel, P.O. Box 433 Club Road Faisalabad, Pakistan

Location Serena hotel faisalabad is conveniently located very close to the business district surrounded by lush green gardens on the tranquil Club Road. Serena is the heartbeat of the city. The sprawling building is spread out on seven acres of landscaped gardens, which captures the intricacies.A well-known landmark of the city, Faisalabad Serena Hotel is easily accessible from all parts of the town. Faisalabad has excellent air, road and railway connections with all the major cities in the country.The intensely indigenous character of Faisalabad is evident in the décor of the guestrooms that forms a wonderful blend of functionality, comfort and aesthetics. The Hotel has 144 beautifully appointed rooms and suites - all equipped with central air-conditioning/heating with individual controls, colour cable TV, radio, music, direct International telephone lines, Internet connections, mini fridge and private bathrooms.

Amazing Margalla Hotel Islamabad

THE Capital Development Authority is out to give Islamabad a new face. Judging by the number of commercial, infrastructural, housing, and sport and recreational projects in the pipeline, the capital city will have a brand new image once these projects are completed within the next few years.

The most exciting commercial project is the multi-storey multi-purpose tower in Blue Area, whose construction process is scheduled to begin this year. With its futuristic eye-catching architectural design (which seems to symbolise the rolling Margalla hills and peaks), the yet-to-be-constructed building is already being dubbed as an icon that would promote and symbolise Islamabad in the same way that the now famous yacht sail design of the Burj Al-Arab, the first seven-star hotel in the world, is recognized around the world as a symbol of Dubai.

Incidentally, this would-be icon of Islamabad has been designed by the same international firm that conceptualised the Burj Al-Arab. The 30-storey building will comprise a 350-bedroom world-class hotel with a panoramic restaurant at the top capturing the views of the capital city and its mountainous skyline, a shopping mall and more than 300 service apartments. The building is said to be designed to sustain earthquakes up to 9.5 on the Richter Scale.

Four more top class hotels are also in the pipeline, viz., Sheraton Hotel in F-5, the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Le Meridian Hotel in the Convention Centre area, and the Al-Faysal Hotel in G-6.

Apart from these hotels, a string of government and private high-rise buildings will also be coming up soon. These include the Islamabad Stock Exchange Tower, the Telecom Tower and the State Life Tower (all three in Blue Area and under construction), Nadra headquarters in G-10 and CDA headquarters in G-8. Other private sector buildings include the Warid Plaza in Blue Area, Fortune Plaza in G-8/F-8, Telenor Plaza (completed) and Ammar Shopping Mall (near completion), the last two located in Jinnah Supermarket.

The tragic Margalla Towers episode notwithstanding, Islamabad’s skyline is poised to be dominated by many more multi- storey residential buildings, concentrated particularly in F-11 sector. Some of the residential buildings that are coming up or already up include Al-Rizwan Towers, Al-Mustafa Towers Valley Apartments, Crystal Courts, Park Avenue, Al-Safa Heights, Millennium Heights and Abu Dhabi Heights.

Never has Islamabad seen so much developmental activity since its establishment. Several major infrastructural projects have already been completed in the past two years. These involve mostly road construction, e.g., widening of Islamabad Highway into six lanes, dualization of Margalla Road, construction of 2nd Avenue linking Murree Road with Quaid-i-Azam University, and the extension of Constitution Avenue connecting it with Margalla Road in F-5.

The new-uniformed Islamabad Traffic Police plus the new blue-and-white-coloured road and street signs are already giving the capital a fresh new look. The standardized and improved signs are more useful for road users. For example, in the residential sectors the new street signs now indicate access to other street numbers or that the street is a no-through road. Many street signs also indicate the house numbers located in particular streets.

Many more ambitious road projects are underway or being planned. These include the Zero Point flyover, the three underpasses at Jinnah Avenue, the service road in sectors I-14 and I-15, the dualization of all service roads around each sector, Tarnol Interchange, Tarnol-Fateh Jang Road dualization, the Kashmir Highway extension (Motorway to the proposed new airport), Islamabad-Murree dual carriageway, the Ring Road project connecting Rawat to I-14, and the Pirwadhai-Faizabad Highway (the last four are under construction).

In addition to these infrastructural and commercial projects, a number of sports and recreational projects are also being executed or planned, the most prominent of which are the redevelopment of F-9 Fatima Jinnah Park, Rawal Dam area and Argentina Park; the establishment of a cultural complex at Shakarparian Hills and an Art and Craft Tourist Village at Saidpur; and the completion of the National Art Gallery. Meanwhile, some redevelopment of Pir Sohawa Point and Daman-e-Koh on the Margalla Hills as well as of Jinnah Supermarket, F-6 Supermarket and Melody Food Park have already taken place.

The road to development has not been a completely smooth-sailing one for CDA, which has been facing resistance in some of its road widening projects. CDA has tried to tackle this resistance by offering alternative places for affected stakeholders. For example, resistance to the widening of 7th and 9th Avenues by the three affected cricket clubs/grounds and a weekly bazaar have been resolved by persuading them to relocate to other nearby grounds which CDA would help to develop and equip with the latest facilities.

Resistance to the widening of a service road in the South Mauve Area from G-8 to G-10 sector also appears to have been resolved as work on widening the road has started recently. Some 38 government offices located along this road (including the Pakistan Post Headquarters, PTCL Headquarters, FIA Headquarters, KRL Hospital, the National Highway Authority and the National Police Foundation) had opposed the widening project because it would affect their car parking facilities across the road opposite their buildings.

However, two prominent development projects which have come under heavy fire, especially from environmentalists, are the Mini Golf Valley project in F-7 and the half-kilometre Margalla Tunnel through the Margalla Hills, which is supposed to link the federal capital with Haripur in NWFP expanding Islamabad in the north. The former project was terminated by a Supreme Court ruling against it two months ago.

While it is easier to develop from scratch on undeveloped grounds, it has been much more difficult to redesign and uplift old and cluttered developed areas, a process known in some countries as urban renewal or urban redevelopment. For example, CDA’s proposal to redevelop the existing Blue Area and give it a facelift has met with resistance from commercial plaza owners who are reluctant to renovate their buildings.

Moreover, CDA’s proposal of banning unwieldy and congested car parking in front of the shops and offices and its plan of establishing five multi-storey parking plazas for Blue Area visitors who will then have to pay for parking, have not exactly been met with enthusiasm either.

Similarly, CDA’s efforts to spruce up the old Aabpara Market, the first market to be established in the capital, by cleaning up encroachments, etc., have not been very successful.

Nevertheless, capital residents are watching the transformation of their city with pride. They are looking forward to the completion of the above mentioned and other mega projects like the new Islamabad International Airport and the new industrial estate at Chakri. To top it all, the capital will also be having the new GHQ in E-sector!

In fact, many feel that development is not progressing fast enough. For example, what is stalling projects such as the Zero Point flyover, the three underpasses on Jinnah Avenue and the dualization of the road from Pirwadhai to Faizabad?

Development, however, is not all concrete and stone. Development also means ensuring the provision of uninterrupted supply of essential utilities like clean water, gas and electricity to all residents of the Federal Capital Territory irrespective of sectors or zones. Annual water rationing and electricity loadshedding/cut-offs are no-nos in any modern city.

Finally, development also means the provision of affordable and qualitative healthcare and housing, as well as the provision of an efficient and reliable public transport service - something which is very much lacking in Islamabad.

Pearl Continental Bhurban Hotel (Murree)

The Pearl Continental Bhurban, usually shortened to PC Bhurban, is a member of Pearl Continental Hotel chain in Pakistan. It is located in the town of Bhurban in Murree, which is famous for its scenic beauty. This place is a popular summer resort for the residents of Islamabad and nearby cities. In August 2008 the Punjab government levied a toll on vehicles entering the hotel, this has angered tourists who have harangued the toll collectors. Local politicians have opposed the imposition of the toll including the Nazims of Rawat, Numbal and Phagwari.

Location

PC Bhurban is located at approximately 13 km from Murree Hills and two hours' drive from Islamabad.

Bhurban Accord

This place received much media coverage, locally and internationally, when on March 8, 2008 a political agreement was signed by the two political parties Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) here. According to the Bhurban Accord, also known as the Murree Declaration, the two political parties decided to restore the judiciary to pre-Nov 3 position.

Tourism in Pakistan

Tourism in Pakistan has been stated as being the tourism industry's next big thing. Pakistan with it's diverse cultures, people and landscapes has attracted 0.7 million tourists to the country. Almost double to that of a decade ago.
The country's attraction range from the ruin of civilization such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which attract those interested in winter sports. Pakistan is home to several mountain peaks over 7000m, which attracts adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially K2. The north part of Pakistan has many old fortresses, ancient architecture and the Hunza and Chitral valley, home to small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community claiming descent from Alexander the Great. The romances of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is timeless and legend. Punjab province has the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, with many examples of Mughal architecture such as Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. Before the Global economic crisis Pakistan received more than 500,000 tourists annually.
In October 2006, just one year after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, The Guardian released what it described as "The top five tourist sites in Pakistan" in order to help the country's tourism industry. The five sites included Taxila, Lahore, The Karakoram Highway, Karimabad and Lake Saiful Muluk. To promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the Prime Minister launched the "Visit Pakistan" marketing campaign in 2007.  This campaign involved various events throughout the year including fairs and religious festivals, regional sporting events, various arts and craft shows, folk festivals and several openings of historical museums.
In 2009, The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked Pakistan as one of the top 25% tourist destinations for its World Heritage sites. Ranging from mangroves in the South, to the 5,000-year-old cities of the Indus Valley Civilization which included Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

Historical building of Multan

The Multan Fort, a Pakistani military installation, was a landmark of Indian defence and architecture. It was built near the city of Multan, in Punjab province, on a hillock separated from the city by the Ravi River. The fort was destroyed by British forces during the British occupation of India.

The fort was notable both for its effectiveness as a defence installation and for its architecture. Contemporary reports put the walls of the fort at 40 to 70 feet (21 m) high and 6,800 feet (2 km) in circumference. The fort's 46 bastions included two flanking towers at each of the four gates (the De, Sikki, Hareri and Khizri Gates). A ditch 25 feet (7.6 m) deep and 40 feet (12 m) wide and an 18-foot (5.5 m) glacis protected the fort from intruders.

Within the fort stood a citadel flanked by 30 towers, enclosing mosques, a Hindu temple and a Khan's palace. The citadel was severely damaged by the battering it got from the guns of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1818.

The Fort was originally known as Katochgarh and is attributed to have been built by the Katoch Dynasty.

Jinnah International Airport

Jinnah International Airport (IATA: KHI, ICAO:OPKC) (previously Quaid-e-Azam International Airport قاۂد اعظم بین الاقوامی ہواگاہ) is Pakistan's largest international and domestic airport. It is located in Karachi, Sindh, and its passenger terminal is also commonly known as the جناح ٹرمینل Jinnah Terminal. The airport is named after Crown attorney/statesman Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan and its first Governor General, who was popularly known as the Quaid-e-Azam ("Great Leader").

The airport provides primary hub for the flag carrier,Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Shaheen Air International, and Airblue as well as many other private airlines. The airport is equipped with aircraft engineering and overhauling facilities including the Ispahani Hangar for wide-body aircraft.

Port Muhammad Bin Qasim

The Port Muhammad Bin Qasim (Urdu: بندر گاہ محمد بن قاسم), also known as Port Qasim, is a seaport in Karachi, Pakistan on the coastline of the Arabian Sea. It is Pakistan's second busiest port, handling about 35% of the nation's cargo (17 million tons per annum). Port Qasim and Karachi Port, the busiest port of country, together handle more than 90% of all external trade of Pakistan.

The port encompasses a total area of 12,000 acres wherein many industrial zones operate. In addition to thePakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and KESC Bin Qasim Power Plant, around 80% of the Pakistan's automotive industry is located at Port Qasim. The port also provides direct waterfront access to two major nearby industrial areas, Export Processing Zone (Landhi) and Korangi Industrial Area. Approximately 60% of country's export and import is originated from these areas. Port Qasim is managed by Port Qasim Authority, a semi-autonomous government body.

Minar-e-Pakistan (Lahore)

Minar-e-Pakistan is a tall minaret in Iqbal Park Lahore, built in commemoration of the Pakistan Resolution. The minaret reflects a blend of Mughal and modernarchitecture, and is constructed on the site where on March 23, 1940, seven years before the formation of Pakistan, the Muslim League passed the Pakistan Resolution (Qarardad-e-Pakistan), demanding the creation of Pakistan. This was the first official declaration to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims living in the South Asia. Pakistan now celebrates this day as a national holiday each year.

The monument attracts visitors from all over Pakistan, as well as the inhabitants of the Walled City of Lahore. The large public space around the monument is commonly used for political and public meetings, whereas Iqbal Park area is popular among kite-flyers

Khewra Mines

The main centre of mining is Khewra in the Salt Range where the world's largest salt mines are located. Khewra salt mines are 154 kms away from Rawalpindi. The route is Mandra-Dudyal-Chakwal-Bhaun-Choa Saidan Shah-Khewra. A longer route is through Kallar Kahar-Katas. The nearest hotel accommodation is at TDCP resort Kallar Kahar. For permit to visit the mines and to book the accommodation at the PMDC Rest House at Khewra, you may contact their office in Islamabad at Plot No.13, H-9 (Manager Salt Tel: 250928-30) through PTDC Tourist Information Centres in Rawalpindi or Islamabad, at least 4 days in advance.

Jinnah Garden Lahore

Jinnah Garden Lahore that is situated on 141 acres (0.57 km²) at this time, earlier it was in 176 acres (0.71 km²), but the land was given to Lahore zoo, botanical garden govt. college university Lahore and to roads alongside the garden. Now it is almost the plant area except roads building is 121 acres (0.49 km²). It is most beautiful and well managed botanical garden in Pakistan.

It has almost 150 varieties of trees, 140 types of shrubs, 50 types of creepers, 30 palms, almost 100 succulent and about same indoor along with almost all varieties of annual flowers. The garden has a good name in Chrysanthemum shows, it was the first institute that started growing chrysanthemum and maximum no of varieties for it. It has 3 nurseries, 4 hilloaks in it.