HEAVENLY BEAUTY PAKISTAN

دنیا کی پراسرار ترین جگہ، ٹیکسل (جاوید چودھری)

2016-09-13T10:18:00.001-07:00

ٹیکسلا‘ اسلام آباد سے شمال مغرب میں33کلو میٹر دور واقع ہے۔ یہ خوب صورت وادی شمال مشرق کی جانب مری‘ جنوب مشرق سے مارگلہ اور شمال مغرب کی طرف پہاڑیوں میں گھری ہوئی ‘شمالاً جنوباً 5 میل اور شرقاً غرباً 17 میل پر محیط ہے۔یہاں سے دو دریاگزرتے تھے جو اس کے شاداب ہونے کے ضامن تھے‘ اس کا جغرافیائی مقام اس کی اہمیت میں مزید اضافہ کرتا ہے۔ یہ تین اہم تجارتی راستوں کا مقام اتّصال تھا جن میں ایک راستہ برصغیر پاک و ہند‘ دوسرا وسطی ایشیا ء اور تیسرا غربی ایشیا ء کو جاتا تھا۔

اس شہر کا ذکر ہندومت‘ جین مت اور بدھ مت کی مذہبی کتابوں میں بھی موجود ہے۔ اس کی دستیاب تاریخ حضرت عیسیٰ علیہ اسلام سے چھ سو سال قبل سے شروع ہوتی ہے۔ 330-580 میں یہ شہر ایرانی شہنشاہیت کے زیرنگیں تھا۔ ان سے قبل یہاں تیکشا قبیلہ حکم ران تھا۔ ٹیکسلا سنسکرت لفظ تیکشا اورسیلا کا یونانی مخفف ہے جس کا مطلب سانپوں والی پہاڑی ہے۔ ہندوؤں کا عقیدہ تھا کہ تیکشا سانپوں کی اس نسل سے تعلق رکھتے تھے جو اپنی مرضی سے انسانی شکل اختیار کر لیتے تھے۔ مہا بھارت میں ذکر ہے کہ آریا مہاراجا ’’جنم جایا‘‘ نے جنگ میں شکست دے کر تیکشا قبیلے کا قتل عام کیا اور اس فتح کے بعد یہاں ناگ کی قربانی دی۔
چھٹی صدی عیسوی ق م میں ٹیکسلا اپنی قدیم جامعہ ’’گندھارا‘‘ کی وجہ سے علم و فضل کا مرکز مانا جاتا تھا۔ جوتی پال‘ جودیکا‘ کوتلیا‘ چانکیا جیسی ممتازشخصیات ان ہی درس گاہوں سے فارغ التحصیل تھیں۔سکندر اعظم (326ق م) کی آمد کے موقع پر یہاں موریا خاندان کا راجا امبھی حکم ران تھا‘ اس نے مقابلہ کرنے کے بجائے سکندر کی مدارات کی اور شہر میں کئی عمارتیں سکندر کے لیے تعمیر کروائیں۔ چار سال بعد چندر گپت موریا نے یونانی افواج کو دریائے اٹک کے پاربھگا دیا اور ٹیکسلا اور پنجاب کی دیگر ریاستوں کو بھی اپنی سلطنت میں شامل کر لیا تاہم اشوک اعظم 273-232)ق م)کی وفات کے بعد موریا سلطنت بکھر گئی اور 190ق م کے قریب باختریوں نے وادئ کابل‘ پنجاب اور سندھ کے علاقے فتح کر کے ٹیکسلا کو اپنا دارالحکومت بنالیا۔ کچھ عرصہ بعد باختریوں نے اس شہر کو چھوڑ کر شمال مشرق میں نمرہ نالہ کے بالمقابل ایک نئے شہر کی بنیاد رکھی جسے سرکپ کہتے ہیں جو دوسری صدی بعد ازمسیح تک یکے بعد دیگرے باختریوں(Bactrian Greek)‘ شاکا(Scythians)‘ پہلوی(Parthians)‘ کُشان (Kushans) ا ور ساسانیوں (Sasanians) کے زیر اثر رہا۔ سلطنت کُشان کے دوسرے بادشاہ ویم کیڈفائیسس نے سرکپ شہر چھوڑ کر ایک تیسرا شہر شمال مشرق میں دو میل دور لنڈی نالے کے پار سرسکھ نام کا شہر بسالیا۔ یہ شہر شایان کشان کے زیر اثر پانچویں صدی بعد مسیح تک آباد رہا455ب م کے اواخر میں سفیدہن (White Huns) ہندوستان پر حملہ آور ہوئے اور دوسرے شہروں کی طرح ٹیکسلا بھی اجاڑ دیا‘ اس کے بعد ٹیکسلا کی شان کبھی لوٹ کر نہ آئی۔ چینی سیاح ہیو سانگ ساتویں صدی عیسوی میں یہاں آیا تو اس نے دیکھا کہ ٹیکسلا سلطنت کشمیر کا صوبہ ہے‘ عبادت گاہیں تباہ و برباد اور معاشی حالات ابتر ہیں۔

بھیر ماؤند:ٹیکسلا کا پہلا شہر بھیر ماؤند(200۔600ق م) کے نام سے موسوم ہے یہ وہی شہر ہے جہاں اشوک نے حکومت کی‘ یہ وہی دور ہے جس میں تعمیراتی شاہ کار تخلیق ہوئے۔اس دور میں دنیا بھر میں اس معیار کا کام کہیں بھی نہیں پایا جاتا۔ ماہر آثار قدیمہ سر جان مارشل اور بعد ازاں پاکستانی ماہرین نے اس شہر کا کچھ حصہ بازیافت کیا ہے۔ یہ شہر 600 میٹر شرقاً غرباً اور 1000میٹر شمالاً جنوباً طویل تھااور اسے کچی اینٹوں ‘ گارے اور لکڑی سے بنی انتہائی مضبوط فصیل کے ذریعے محفوظ کیاگیا۔ اس کی کاری گرانہ مہارت بے مثال ہے۔ماہرین کا اندازہ ہے کہ یہ شہر تین بار تباہ ہو ا۔
سرکپ:دوسرا شہرسرکپ (200ب م۔تا۔200ق م) باختری عہد میں تعمیر ہوا ‘اس کی تعمیر میں اعلیٰ یونانی جیومیٹریکل ذوق جھلکتا ہے‘ اس کی تعمیر سطح مرتفع پوٹھوہار کو مدنظر رکھ کر کی گئی۔علم الارضیات پر ان لوگوں کی نظر گہری تھی۔ زمین کا تہ در تہ اور باہم دِگر ہونا‘ چند جدید ارضیاتی دریافتوں میں سے ہے جس سے وہ لوگ آشنا تھے ‘چناں چہ وہ ایک گہرا کنواں کھودتے جو پینے کے پانی کے لیے کھودے جانے والے کنوؤں سے زیادہ گہرا ہوتا تھا‘ دونوں کی گہرائی میں کم از کم دو ارضی تہوں کا فاصلہ ہوتا تھا تاکہ دونوں پانی آپس میں نہ مل سکیں۔دوسرا اہم کام اس میں یہ تھا کہ بے پیندے کے مٹکے اوپر تلے رکھ کر باہم جوڑ دیے جاتے تاکہ گندا پانی دائیں بائیں درمیانی سطح زمین سے صاف پانی کے کنوؤں کو آلودہ نہ کرپائے۔ یہ بے پیندے کے مٹکے ٹیکسلا کے عجائب گھر میں موجود ہیں۔ شہر خوب صورت مربعوں اور جیومیٹری کی پر کشش ڈرائنگ سے مزین ہے۔ یہ شہر 200 ق م میں بنایا گیا۔ پورا شہر ایک فصیل کے ذریعے محفوظ کیا گیا تھا جو پتھروں سے بنائی گئی تھی ۔21 فٹ چوڑائی کے مسلسل وقفوں کے بعد نیم ڈھلوانی ستونوں سے دیوار کو مضبوط کیاگیا تھا ‘اس کے علاوہ شہر کی پشت پر موجود پہاڑ پر ایک پولیس چوکی اس حفاظتی نظام کو مزید مستحکم کرتی تھی۔ شہر کا نقشہ اس بات کا غماز ہے کہ یہ شہر کسی ماہر ٹاؤن پلانر کی کاوشوں کا ثمر ہے۔ شہر کے بیچوں بیچ ایک خاصی چوڑی مرکزی شاہ را ہ ہے ۔ دائیں بائیں گلیاں متناسب انداز سے بنائی گئی ہیں۔ ایک کمرہ چند انچ بلند‘ دوسرا نیچے اور تیسرا اس سے نیچے تعمیر کیا جاتا تھا تاکہ نکاسی آب میں ڈھلوان کی قوت کو استعمال کیا جا سکے۔ مرکزی شاہ راہ پر ذرا آگے چل کر بازار آتا ہے پھر اشرافیہ کا رہائشی علاقہ اور اس کے بعد بادشاہ کا محل اور بڑا مندر آتا ہے۔ یہ ایک سیکولر شہر تھا‘ اس میں آتش پرست‘ بت پرست اور بدھ مت کے ماننے والے رہتے تھے۔یہ بات دوہرے سروں والے عقابوں کے مندر سے مترشح ہوتی ہے‘ یہ برصغیر میں اپنی نوعیت کا واحد مندر ہے جس میں ہندو‘ ایرانی اور یونانی تینوں تہذیبوں کے دیوی دیوتا موجود ہیں۔ شہر کے مغربی حصہ میں دربار عام‘ محافظوں کی جگہ‘ دربار خاص اور رہائشی علاقے ہیں۔ خواتیں کے کوارٹرز کے ساتھ ایک چھوٹا سا مندر بنا ہوتا تھا۔ سب سے بڑا مندر مرکزی شاہ راہ کے شرقی حصہ میں واقع ہے جو ایک اونچے پلیٹ فارم پر بنایا گیا تھا۔ اس کے چہار طرف دالان تھے اور دیواروں کو مجسموں اور خوب صورت تصویروں سے مزین کیا گیا تھا۔شہر کی آسودہ حالی کا اندازہ یہاں سے برآمد ہوے سونے چاندی کے زیورات کی کثرت سے ہوتا ہے۔ان زیورات پر بنائے گئے نقش و نگار ان لوگوں کے ذوق کی عکاسی کرتے ہیں۔ اس شہر گم گشتہ کی تلاش میں زیادہ تر جس حصہ میں کھدائی ہوئی ہے وہ ہتھیال کی پہاڑی کے شمال میں ہے۔ بالائی سطح سے لے کر 23 فٹ کی گہرائی تک آثار کی مسلسل سات تہیں دریافت ہوئی ہیں۔ یعنی سات شہر اوپر تلے واقع ہیں۔ان تہوں سے پتا چلتا ہے کہ شہر چار سو سال تک آباد رہا۔

سر سکھ :تیسرا شہر سر سکھ ہے ۔سرکپ اور سرسکھ کی وجہ تسمیہ اس علاقے کی لوک کہانیوں کے ایک کردار راجا رسالو اور سات شیطانوں سے منسوب کی جاتی ہے۔ دو بھائی سر کپ اور سرسکھ اس علاقے کے حکم ران تھے۔ اس شہر کی فصیل 18فٹ موٹی ہے اور بھاری بھرکم نیم قوسی ستونوں سے اسے مزید مضبوط کیا گیا ہے۔فصیل 4500 فٹ شرقاً غرباً 3300 فٹ شمالاً جنوباًپیمائش کی گئی ہے ۔ اس کی تعمیر میں بنیادی کردار عظیم کنشک نے ادا کیا ۔ شہر قریباً مستطیل شکل میں تعمیر کیا گیا ہے۔ شہر کی پیمائش قریباً 1500 x 1100 گز ہے‘ فصیل خوب صورت ڈائپر شکل میں ہے۔ابھی اس شہر کے یہی چند نوادرات دریافت ہوپائے ہیں۔
مشہورعبادت گاہیں اور خانقاہیں: مذکورہ بالا تینوں شہروں کے علاوہ ان شہروں کے اطراف ایک وسیع رقبے پربدھوں‘ جینیوں اور آتش پرستوں کی عبادت گاہیں اور خانقاہیں بکھری ہوئی ہیں۔ٹیکسلا پوری دنیا میں اپنے خوب صورت ممتاز اور ممیّز قسم کی عبادت گاہوں اور خانقاہوں کی وجہ سے مشہور ہے ۔ قدیم زمانے میں ٹیکسلا‘ جین مت کا ایک اہم مرکز تھا اور اس مذہب کی عبادت گاہوں کے آثار یہاں جابجا پھیلے ہوئے ہیں۔
ٹیکسلا کے گرداگرد پھیلے ہوئے چند اہم استوپ اور خانقاہیں مندرجہ ذیل ہیں: :دھرماراجیکا استوپ (500۔100ب م) پاکستان میں موجود غالباً سب سے پرانا استوپ ہے۔ عجائب گھر سے 2 میل جنوب مشرق میں واقع ہے ۔ یہ مندر بدھا کی راکھ کو از سر نو تقسیم کرنے کے لیے موریا خاندان کے مشہور بادشاہ اشوک اعظم نے تعمیر کیا تھا۔ اشوک کو بدھ مت کی خدمات کے عوض دھر ماراجا کا خطاب ملاتھا۔ اسے 1912-16 میں دریافت کیاگیا۔ اس گول استوپ جس کا قطر 131 فٹ اور بلندی 45 فٹ ہے۔ پتھروں کی کاری گری کا شاہکار ہے۔ 30 ب م کے زلزلے سے اس استوپ کو ناقابل تلافی نقصان پہنچا تھا۔ 40 ب م میں کشان حکم رانوں نے اسے دوبارہ تعمیر کروایا اور اسے گوتم بدھ کی زندگی کے مختلف ادوار کی نمائندگی کرنے والے مجسموں سے مزین کیا۔ یہ استوپ گندھارا آرٹ کے شاہ کار کا درجہ رکھتا ہے۔
۲: جندیال مندر‘ سرکپ شہر کے شمال کی طرف ہے۔ اس کو غالباً یونانیوں نے تعمیر کیا تھا جو یہاں آنے سے قبل آتش پرست تھے۔ اسے یونانی فن کا بہتر نمونہ قرار دیاجاسکتاہے۔
۳:موہڑہ مرادو استوپ ‘ٹیکسلامیوزیم کے شمال مشرق سے قریباً 6کلومیٹر پر واقع ہے ۔ اسکے ساتھ خوبصورت خانقاہ بھی ہے جس میں27حجرے مربع صورت اور ترتیب میں بنائے گئے ہیں اور ایک مربع صحن اس کے بیچوں بیچ ہے۔ 16فٹ اونچے صحن پر یہ استوپ بنایا گیا تھا اور اس کے متصل ایک چھوٹا استوپ بھی ہے۔ نویں حجرے میں ایک 20فٹ اونچی برجی پائی گئی ہے ۔ یہ کسی بڑے بھکشو کی تپسیا کی جگہ تھی اور اسی کی عظمت کو سلام کرنے کے لیے یہ یادگار بنائی گئی تھی۔ اس یادگار کی نقل عجائب گھر میں رکھی گئی ہے۔
۴:جولیاں(200-500 ب م) کا مندر عجائب گھر سے 7کلو میٹر شمال مشرق میں ایک پہاڑی کی چوٹی پر واقع ہے۔ یہ 916-17 میں دریافت ہوا۔یہاں سے برآمد ہونے والے بدھ کے اکثر مجسمے پتھر‘ چونے اور جپسم سے بنے ہوے ہیں۔ اس کے ساتھ ملحق خانقاہ ہے اور اس سے منسلک باورچی خانے اور غسل خانے وغیرہ بہتر حالت میں ہیں۔ یہاں سے برِہمی علامتی اور سنسکرت میں لکھی گئی کچھ تحریریں بھی برآمد ہوئی ہیں۔ یہ تحریریں پانچویں صدی عیسوی سے تعلق رکھتی ہیں۔
۵: کلاوان استوپ‘ دھرماراجیکا سے شمال کی طرف قریباً ڈیڑھ میل کے فاصلے پر ہے۔
۶:پپلان استوپ کے ہر طرف پیپل کے درخت تھے جس سے اس کا یہ نام پڑ گیا ۔ یہ 1923-24 میں دریافت ہوا۔ یہ استوپ پہلوی دور یا ابتدائی کشان دور سے تعلق رکھتاہے۔ یہ سر سکھ سے جنوب مشرق میں قریباً دو میل کے فاصلے پر ہے۔
۷:بھیمالا استوپ 1930-31ء میں دریافت ہوا۔ یہ سرسکھ سے شمال مشرق میں قریباً 5میل کے فاصلے پر واقع ہے۔ ان کے علاوہ بھلڑا استوپ‘ کنالا استوپ اوراس کے ساتھ منسلک خانقاہ ‘قادر موہڑا اور اخوری بھی قابلِ دید ہیں۔ زیادہ تر پانچویں صدی عیسوی کے دوران تعمیر کیے گئے تھے۔

ٹیکسلاعجائب گھر
1911 میں ٹیکسلا کے کھنڈرات کی دریافت کے بعد 1918 میں عجائب گھر کا سنگ بنیاد لارڈ وائسرائے اور گورنر جنرل کلیمس فورڈ نے رکھا۔ آرکیٹکٹ لی ایم سلیوان نے اس کو ڈیزائن کیا جو میو سکول آف آرٹ لاہور سے فارغ التحصیل تھے۔ افتتاح سرمحمد حبیب اللہ نے 5اپریل 1928 کو کیا۔ اس عجائب گھر کی تزئین و آرائش اور اشیاء قدیمہ کی ترتیبِ نو 2003 میں کی گئی ۔تمام اشیا ء کو تدریج و تسہیل کے بین الاقوامی انداز سے پیش کیا گیا ہے۔اس کے علاوہ عجائب گھر کے ساتھ ملحقہ باغات کو از سرِ نو سنوارا اور سجایاگیا ہے۔میوزیم کے پائیں باغ میں پیپل کا ایک درخت خاص طور سے سری لنکا سے لاکر لگایا گیا ہے۔اس درخت کی تخصیص یہ ہے کہ یہ اس درخت کی ایک پھوٹ ہے جس کے نیچے بیٹھ کر مہاتمابدھ نے ’’نروان‘‘ حاصل کیا تھا۔دوسری صدی ق م میں شہنشاہ اشوک کی لڑکی’ ’سنگھامیتا‘ ‘اصل درخت کی ایک پھوٹ سیلون لے گئی تھی جہاں انورادھاپور کے شہر میں یہ پروان چڑھتا رہا۔ 12دسمبر 1963 میں جب آمر جنرل ایوب خان سیلون کے دورے پر گئے تو سیلون کے وزیر اعظم نے انہیں اس مقدس درخت کی پھوٹ تحفے میں دی تھی۔ ذوالفقار علی بھٹو نے ٹیکسلا عجائب گھر سے ملحقہ باغ میں یہ پودا اپنے ہاتھ سے لگایا تھا۔
بودھا کا نایاب مجسمہ جو’’ برلن‘‘سے واپس لیاگیا
محکمۂ آثارِ قدیمہ کے مطابق تمام آثار قدیمہ کو افادۂ عام و خاص کے لیے تدریجاً صفحۂ قرطاس پہ مرقوم و محفوظ کرنے کے لیے ایک جامع منصوبہ بنایاگیا ہے جو اس وقت ٹیکسلا کے عجائب گھر میں محصور ہیں۔ دوسرے مرحلے میں آثار قدیمہ کو دستاویزی شکل میں محفوظ کرنے اور شائع کرنے کا سلسلہ 1500سے زیادہ قدیم استوپ آثار و نوادرات پر مشتمل ہے جب کہ تیسرا مرحلہ 3000 سے زیادہ ٹیراکوٹا کے نایاب آثار اور 4000 سے زیادہ دھاتی نوادرات پر مبنی ہوگا۔ محکمے نے بتایا کہ ان تمام کتابی مشمولات کی ضرورت اس لیے بھی ہے کہ ان کی غیر قانونی سمگلنگ کو روکا جاسکے۔ بین الاقوامی قوانین کے مطابق کوئی ملک نوادرات پر تحریری مواد کے ثبوت کے بغیر ان پر حقِ ملکیت کا دعویٰ نہیں کرسکتا۔ اس کی مثال بودھا کا وہ نایاب مجسمہ ہے جو برلن سے واپس حاصل کیا گیا ہے کیوں کہ اس کو کتابی صورت میں محفوظ کرلیاگیا تھا۔ یہ مجسمہ وادی پشاور سے چوری ہوا تھا۔ انہوں نے بتایا کہ ایک کثیر تعداد میں ٹیکسلا آثار قدیمہ کے نوادرات کو سٹورز میں محفوظ کیا گیا ہے اور بہت کم کو عجائب گھر کی زینت بنایاگیاہے۔ یہی صورت حال پشاور کے عجائب گھر میں بھی درپیش ہے جہاں950 نوادرات افادہ عام کے لیے رکھے گئے ہیں جب کہ 4544 محفوظ خانے میں رکھے گئے ہیں۔ سوات کے عجائب گھر میں 151نوادرات افادۂ عام کے لیے اور 3029 محفوظ خانوں میں رکھے گئے ہیں۔اتنی کثیر تعداد کے نوادرات کو منظر عام سے پوشیدہ رکھنے کی وجوہات یہ ہیں کہ عجائب خانوں کی موجودہ وسعت اس کی متحمل نہیں۔

GORAKH HILL SINDH,PAKISTAN

2014-01-21T10:16:00.001-08:00

Gorakh Hill

Gorakh is a Hill Station of Sindh, Pakistan. It is situated at an elevation of 5,688 ft.(1,734m) in the Kirthar Mountains,94 Kilometers north west of Dadu city.Gorakh Hill Station is situated on one of the highest plateaus of Sindh, spread over 2,500 acres(10km²),and due to its surroundings it attract nature lovers. Due to its elevation, it lies in a special climatic zone, with the temperature falling below zero degrees during winter and generally staying below 20^oC even in summer, with about120mm of rainfall annually on average.

RAWALPINDI HEART OF THE POTHOHAR(IN PROGRESS)

2012-11-16T10:41:00.002-08:00

RAWALPINDI

Rawalpindi also known as Pindi, is a city in the Pothohar region of Pakistan near the country's capital city of Islamabad, in the province of Punjab. Rawalpindi is the fourth largest city in Pakistan after Karachi,Lahore and Faisalabad. In the 1950s, Rawalpindi was smaller than Hyderabad and Multan, but the city's economy received a boost during the building of Islamabad (1959–1969), during which time Rawalpindi served as the national capital and its population increased from 180,000 at the time of independence to over 4.5 million in 2007. Rawalpindi is in the northernmost part of the Punjab province, 275 km (171 mi) to the north-west of Lahore. It is the administrative seat of theRawalpindi District. The total area of the city is approximately 108.8 square kilometres (42.0 sq mi). Rawalpindi is the military headquarters of the Pakistani Armed Forces.

Rawalpindi, named after Raja Pindi, is a bustling city on the northernmost part of the Punjab province, strategically located between the North-West Frontier Province andAzad Jammu and Kashmir. Many tourists use the city as a stop before traveling towards the northern areas. Rawalpindi is also a prime destination for the expatriate community of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Numerous shopping bazaars, parks and a cosmopolitan population attract shoppers from all over Pakistan and abroad. The city is home to several industries and factories. Islamabad International Airport is actually located in Rawalpindi and serves both cities.

Rawalpindi also maintains strong links with the Pahari-Potwari speaking people of neighbouring Azad Kashmir who have many businesses within the city and region.

History

The Mosque at Gulshan Dadan Khan

Rawalpindi has been inhabited for thousands of years, it is believed that a distinct culture flourished on this plateau as far in c1000BC. The material remains found at the site prove the existence of a Buddhist establishment contemporary to Taxila and of a Vedic civilisation. The nearby town of Taxila has another significance; according to the Guinness Book of World Records it has the world's oldest university - Takshashila University.

Sir Alexander Cunningham identified certain ruins on the site of the cantonment with the ancient city of Ganjipur or Gajnipur, the capital of the Bhatti tribe in the ages preceding the Christian era. Graeco-Bactrian coins, together with ancient bricks, occur over an area of 500 ha (2 mi²). Known within historical times as Fatehpur Baori, Rawalpindi fell into decay during one of the Mongol invasions in the fourteenth century.

It appears that the ancient city went into oblivion as a result of the White Hun devastation. The first Muslim invader, Mahmud of Ghazni (979-1030), gave the ruined city to a Gakhar Chief, Kai Gohar. The town, however, being on an invasion route, could not prosper and remained deserted until Jhanda Khan, another Gakhar Chief, restored it and named it Rawalpindi after the village Rawal in 1493. Rawalpindi remained under the rule of the Gakkhars until Muqarrab Khan, the last Gakkhar ruler, was defeated by the Sikhs under Sardar Milka Singh in 1765. Singh invited traders from the neighbouring commercial centres of Jhelum and Shahpur to settle in the territory.

Early in the nineteenth century Rawalpindi became for a time the refuge of Shah Shuja, the exiled king of Afghanistan, and of his brother Shah Zaman. The present native infantry lines mark the site of a battle fought by the Gakhars under their famous chief Sultan Mukarrab Khan in the middle of the eighteenth century. Rawalpindi was taken by Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1818.

British rule

The Mess Hall, Rawalpindi

Queen Victoria's Statue sculpted in England was placed in the city during the rule of the British Empire, 1939

Following the British invasion of the region and their occupation of Rawalpindi in 1849, the city became a permanent garrison of the British army in 1851. In the late 1870s a railway line to Rawalpindi was laid, and train service was inaugurated on 1 October 1880. The need for a railway link arose after Lord Dalhousie made Rawalpindi the headquarters of the Northern Command and the city became the largest British military garrison in British India.

On the introduction of British rule, Rawalpindi became the site of a cantonment and, shortly afterward, the headquarters of 2nd (Rawalpindi) Division. Its connection with the main railway system by the extension of the North-Western Railway to Peshawar immensely developed its size and commercial importance. The municipality was created in 1867.

Rawalpindi at the beginning of the 1900s became the most important cantonment in the British Raj - the colonial dominion of the Indic or South Asian sub-continent. For example, the municipality's population in 1901 population was 40 611, larger than any other cantonment. Its income and expenditure during the ten years ending 1902-3 averaged 180 000 and 210 000 Rs. (rupees), respectively. Income derived mostly (89%) from municipal import duties (octroi) which in that year ran 160 000 Rs. Expenditure included administration (35 000 Rs. or 17%), conservancy (27 000 Rs. or 13%), hospitals and dispensaries (25 000 Rs. or 12%), public works (9 000 Rs. or 3%), and public safety (17 000 Rs. or %).

The cantonment was a major center of military power of the Raj after an arsenal was established in 1883. In 1901 Rawalpindi was the winter headquarters of the Northern Command and of the Rawalpindi military division. It quartered six regiments - one each of British and Native cavalry; two each of British and Native infantry; three companies, one of garrison artillery and two of sappers and miners, including a balloon section; three batteries - one each of horse, field artillery, and mountain; and one ammunition column of field artillery. It has been recently disclosed that the British Government tested poison gas on Indian troops during a series of experiments that lasted over a decade.

Post-independence

The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Rawalpindi. In the succeeding years, Rawalpindi saw an influx of Muhajir, Pashtun and Kashmiri settlers. In 1959, the city became the interim capital of the country after President Ayub Khan sought the creation of a new planned capital of Islamabad in the vicinity of Rawalpindi. As a result, Rawalpindi saw most major central government offices and institutions relocate to nearby territory, and its population boom.

In 1951, Rawalpindi saw the assassination of the first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan in Company Bagh now known as Liaquat Bagh Park (also called Liaquat Garden.) On 27 December 2007, Liaquat Bagh Park's rear gate in Rawalpindi was the site of the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Her father, former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged in Rawalpindi in 1979.

The Murree Road during the construction of Committee Chowk Underpass

The famous Murree Road has been a hot spot for various political and social events. Nala Lai, in the middle of city, history describes Nala Lai water as pure enough for drinking but now it has become polluted with the waste water from all sources including factories and houses. Kashmir Road, was renamed from Dalhousie Road, Haider road from Lawrence road, Bank Road from Edwards Road, Hospital Road from Mission Road, Jinnah Road from Nehru Road. Today Rawalpindi is the headquarters of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan Air Force also has an active airbase in the Chaklala region of Rawalpindi.

Boundary and expansion

Though Rawalpindi has expanded mostly due to explosive population pressure, Nespak has been given the responsibility to render the urban planning services—analysing available data and other documents like master plans, structure plans, outline development plans and census reports. It is also responsible for defining the geographical features of the city and provides the a rough idea of how the city could be expanded in the next 20 years.

Climate

Similar to neighboring Islamabad, Rawalpindi features a humid subtropical climate with long and very hot summers, a monsoon and short, mild, wet winters. Rawalpindi during the summer season experiences a number of thunder or wind storms that sometimes cause damage to property. Wind speeds could reach an astonishing 167 km/h in some wind storms which results in the collapse of walls and roofs causing injuries and sometimes death. Rawalpindi is chaotic but relatively dust-free. The weather is highly variable due to the location of Rawalpindi. The average annual rainfall is 39 inches (990 mm), most of which falls in the summer monsoon season. However, frontal cloudbands also bring quite significant rainfall in the winter. In summer, the maximum temperature can sometimes soar up to 47 °C (117 °F), while it may drop to a minimum of −4 °C (25 °F) in the winter.

Economy

Bank Alfalah branch in Rawalpindi

According to the general survey of industry conducted by Directorate of Industries and Mineral Development Punjab, there are 939 industrial units operating in the district. This district is not famous for industrial goods like other districts. The progress has been mostly in the private sector. The existing industrial units provide employment to about 35,000 people, i.e., about 1.6% of district population is directly employed in large, medium and small industrial units. Apparently there is no shortage of skilled manpower. The Technical/Vocational Training Institute operating in the district turns out about 1,974 technicians/artisans annually. They are trained in engineering, air conditioning, drafting, metallurgy, welding, auto knitting and commerce, etc.

§ Kohinoor Textile Mills is the largest unit in the district. It is located near Naseer Abad and is equipped with 50,000 spindles and 1,021 power looms.

§ Wattan Woolen and Hosiery Mills is fitted 10,000 spindles.

§ Rahat Woolen Mills, established in 1954, is one of the oldest and most prominent mills in Rawalpindi.

Jinnah Road, formally known as City Saddar Road, is one of the busiest business markets. It could be considered as business headquarters northern Pakistan including retailers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers having an approximately cash flow of more than 1 billion rupeesper day. The importance of Jinnah Road can be seen by the presence of more than nine banks on the road with more opening soon.

Civic administration

Administrative subdivisions of Rawalpindi District.

The City-District of Rawalpindi comprises eight autonomous tehsils, besides Rawalpindi city (divided into Rawal & Potohar Tehsils):

1. Gujar Khan

2. Potohar (Southern Rawalpindi)

3. Taxila Tehsil

4. Rawal (Northern Rawalpindi)

5. Kallar Syedan

6. Kahuta

7. Kotli Sattian

8. Murree

Rawalpindi also holds many private colony's who have developed themselves rapidly for e.g. Pak PWD, Korang Town, Ghori Town, Pakistan Town, Judicial Town, Bahria Town which is the Asia's largest private colony, Kashmir Housing Society, Danial Town, Al-Haram City, Education City.

Demographics

The population of Rawalpindi is approximately 1,991,656 according to the 2006 census which includes many people who come from Punjab villages looking for work in the city. Punjabi is the language of people and most people speak Pothohari dialect of Punjabi language. The majority of the people of Rawalpindi are Muslims. There are many mosques throughout the city. The most famous Mosques are Jamia Mosque, Raja Bazaar Mosque and Eid Gah Mosque which attract thousands of visitors daily. Other minority religions are Christian, Zoroastrian, Bahai, Parsi, Hinduism and Sikhism. The literacy rate is 80% (2006–07). The population is ethnically and linguistically heterogeneous, comprising Rajputs, Pothohari,Sudhun, Dhamial Rajputs, Chauhans, Satti, Awans,Kathwals, Paharis, Kashmiris, Pakhtuns, Gujjars, Muhajirs, Hindkowans, Afghans, Sheikh, Hazaries, Punjabis,Qureshis.

Culture

Rapidly developing into a large city, Rawalpindi has many good hotels, restaurants, clubs, museums and parks, of which the largest is the Ayub National Park. Rawalpindi forms the base camp for the tourists visiting the holiday resorts and hill stations of the Galiyat area, such as Murree, Nathia Gali, Kotli, Ayubia, Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Abbottabad, Samahni, Swat, Kaghan, Gilgit, Skard,u and Chitral.

The crowded alleys of the old city are home to many attractions, including Hindu (in ruins now), Zoroastrian, Sikh temples and Islamic shrines. There are several museums and arts galleries such as the Lok Virsa, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, and the $Idara Saqafat e Pakistan.

Markets and bazaars

Raja Bazaar Rawalpindi

The main bazaar areas are Raja Bazaar in the old city, Moti Bazaar, Commercial Market, China Market and Saddar Bazaar, which developed as the cantonment bazaar between the old city and The Mall. Another developing market is the Commercial Market in the area of Satellite Town near Islamabad.

Military headquarters

Army Welfare Trust Building

Rawalpindi has been a military city since colonial times and remained Army headquarters after independence in 1947. Due to this, the city is home to the Pakistan Army Museum, with displays on colonial and present day armies, armoury of historical significance and war heroes. Today Rawalpindi is the headquarter of the Pakistani Army.

Parks and places of interest

The gate of Pharwala Fort

Ayub National Park is located beyond the old Presidency on Jhelum Road. It covers an area of about 2,300 acres (930 ha) and has a playland, lake with boating facility, an aquarium and a garden-restaurant. Rawalpindi Public Park is on Murree Road near Shamsabad. The Park was opened to the public in 1991. It has a playland for children, grassy lawns, fountains and flower beds.

In 2008 Jinnah Park was inaugurated at the heart of Rawalpindi and has since become a hotspot of activity for the city. People from as far out as Peshawer come to Jinnah Park to enjoy its modern facilities. It houses a state-of-the-art cinema, Cinepax, a Metro Cash and Carry supermart, an outlet of McDonalds, gaming lounges, motion rides and other recreational facilities. The vast lawns also provide an adequate picnic spot. In mid-2012 3D cinema, The Arena, started its operations in Bahria Town Phase-4 in Rawalpindi. The cinema has a maximum capacity of 264 people and caters to the needs of both Rawalpindi and Islamabad residents.

Rawat Fort is 17 km (11 mi) east of Rawalpindi, on the Grand Trunk (G.T.) Road leading to Lahore. Gakhars, a fiercely independent tribe of the Pothohar Plateau, built the fort in the early 16th century. The grave of a Gakhar Chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is inside the fort. He died in 1546 fighting against the forces of Sher Shah Suri. A climb up the broken steps inside the tomb is rewarded with a panoramic view of the plateau and the Mankiala Stupa. Besides Rawat, about an hour's drive from Rawalpindi on the Grand Trunk Road toward Peshawar, is Attock Fort. The Akbari fort is not open to the public as it is in active military use.

Pharwala Fort is about 40 km (25 mi) from Rawalpindi beyond Lehtrar road. It is a Gakhar fort built it in the 15th century on the ruins of a 10th century Hindi Shahi Fort. Emperor Babur conquered the it in 1519. Later, in 1825, Sikhs expelled Gakhars from this fort. Though in a crumbling state, it is still an attraction for castle lovers. The fort, situated in prohibited area, is only open to Pakistani visitors.

Architecture

Rawalpindi has numerous sights of architectural masterpieces. A few of the heritage buildings are Purana Qil'aa (The Old Fort), Bagh Sardaran (Chief's Gardens), Haveli Sujaan Sigh (the remains of the Sikh Nawabs of Rawalpindi; the grand building has been converted into Fatima Jinnah Women University, which is the only female university established in the region). Other ancient buildings include Jain Mandir, Jain Temple. Gordon College, a prestigious institution of high learning was set during the British Raj. The shrine of Hazrat Sakhi Shah Chan Charagh is one of the centres devotees flock to. An institution of high devotion and solace located near the famous Raja Bazar. He is the patron saint of the city and regarded as one of the two protectors of the twin cities, i.e., Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with Hazrat Bari Imam, his cousin brother. Similarly, Darbar of descendants of Hazrat Bari Imam i.e. Shah Miran Mustafa and Shah Sharif Badshah is located at Dhaman Syedan, Rawalpindi. Peer Syed Salamat Hussain Kazmi, a successor of Shah Miran Mustafa and Shah Sharif Muhammad, spread a message of peace, brotherhood and respect for humanity, as taught by his ancestors. Before the death of Peer Salamat Hussain Kazmi, he handed over all the religious responsibilities to his son Syed Talat Abbas Kazmi, who is adamant to the teachings of his father and forefathers.

Rawalpindi also has many high-rise buildings under-construction. Most of these building are destined to become shopping plazas but a few of them also belong to corporate entities, like, the Fauji Tower on Peshawar Road.

Sport

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

The city has an array of stadiums and grounds to meet the needs of all the popular sports played in the country. Rawalpindi is home to some of the many recognized players in the history of Pakistani cricket and is known to produce high-quality fast-bowlers. The most notable of the lot is the maverick paceman Shoaib Akhtar, known as the Rawalpindi Express. Mohammad Aamir is another aspiring fast-bowler from Rawalpindi.

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, built in 1992, has a grass pitch, floodlights, and an initial capacity to hold 20,000 spectators. In mid-2008 plans to increase its capacity were made but lack of adequate funds, and later the attack on Sri Lankan cricket team lead to abandoning of the project . The home team are the, one-time T20 champion, Rawalpindi Rams who enjoy fervent support and a considerable following for their swash-buckling brand of cricket. Apart from the RCS, there are many other cricket grounds in the city, including,Pindi Club Ground (home to the Pindi Club), KRL Stadium, CMTSD Cricket stadium as well as the Attock Oil Refinery cricket ground.

There are stadiums for hockey such as the Army Hockey Stadium, Army Signals Hockey ground as well as the Noor Station Ground Dhoke Hassu. A full-fledged, international hockey stadium, to be named after the hockey great Shahnaz Sheikh, is under construction near Municipal Road and is expected to be completed in late 2012.

There are stadiums for football including the Municipal Football stadium and the Army Football ground as well. The COD sports complex houses admirable facilities for indoor games.

Education

Govt College for Women

Rawalpindi Medical College, Tipu Road

Fatima Jinnah Women University

Rawalpindi boasts of one of the highest literacy rates in the country. It's 80% is second only to the capital,Islamabad's 87%. The local populace can easily communicate in Urdu, and a significant portion also understands and speaks English very well. Potohari is the mainstream local language, however other Punjabi dialects such as Saraiki, Hindko, Dhani and Pahari are also understood fairly well.

Education in Rawalpindi can be divided into five levels:primary (grades one through five); middle (grades six through eight); high (grades nine and ten, leading to theSecondary School Certificate); intermediate (grades eleven and twelve, leading to a Higher Secondary School Certificate); and university programs leading to graduate and advanced degrees. Rawalpindi has both public and private educational institutions. Most educational institutions are gender-based, from primary to university level.

Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University (also known as Barani University) is a well renowned public university offering research and education in a number of fields and specializing in agriculture. It is situated on the Murree Road and is placed near other landmarks of the city including the Pindi cricket stadium, Nawaz Sharif Park, Rawalpindi Arts Council etc.

Army Medical College is also known as the College of Medical Sciences and is located on Abid Majid Road in Rawalpindi. Separate computer labs are available for both post-graduate and undergraduate students. Other facilities in the campus include a library, cafeteria, college mosque, swimming pool, gym, squash court, and auditorium. There are seven hostels for male and female students near the college campus.

College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering is located on Grand Trunk Road in Rawalpindi, EME is the largest constituent college of NUST. The campus includes all on-campus facilities, auditorium and conference hall, accommodation and mess facilities. The library is fully computerized, with a collection of 70,000 volumes.

Military College of Signals is located on Hamayun Road in Rawalpindi Cantt, it is the oldest constituent college of NUST, founded in 1947 after the independence of Pakistan to train the members of Pakistan Armed Forces. The College of Telecommunication Engineering is located on this campus. The MCS library is computerized, with over 55,000 volumes.

The Rawalpindi Public Library was one of the earliest private public libraries organized after separation from India. The building was donated for a public library by the then-Deputy Commissioner Major Davis on the initiative of philanthropist Khurshid Anwar Jilani, an attorney, writer and social worker. However, the building was confiscated for election and political campaigning during the last days of Field Marshal Ayub Khan's reign, and rare manuscripts and artifacts were taken away by the influential.

Transport

Peshawar Road Rawalpindi

There are many ways to get in and around Rawalpindi. Public transport for travel within Rawalpindi is diverse, ranging from yellow taxis, auto-rickshaws, mini-buses and even tongas(horse-drawn carriages). Due to the lack of planning of roads, traffic jams are found even on smaller roads. For inter-city travel, air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses and coaches are regularly available to many destinations in Pakistan. There is also an Islamabad/Rawalpindi central railway station that allows travel to every major city in Pakistan. In addition to freight, Pakistan Railways provides passenger rail service throughout the day, with train coaches that have air-conditioning in first-class.

Rail

Rawalpindi Railway Station

The Rawalpindi Railway Station is located in the Saddar. The Railway Station was built in the 1880s by the government of British India. The British built many railways across South Asia to help facilitate trade and more importantly to help consolidate their rule. The routes the British built from Rawalpindi, which contained a major military base, linked to Lahore,Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sindh, Sukkur, Bahawalpur,Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Kohat, Khanewal, Nawabshah, Nowshera and the Malakand Pass.

Airport

Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Rawalpindi

Islamabad International Airport is actually located at Chaklala which technically is a part of Rawalpindi. The airport is served by over 25 airlines, both national and international. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier of Pakistan, has numerous routes, with many domestic and international flights every day. Construction on the new Rawalpindi/Islamabad international airport has now been started near the town of Fateh Jang approx 25 kilometres (20 mi) from both cities.

Roads

Mall Road

The main road running through Rawalpindi is the Peshawer Road. It is locally stated that "Every road in Rawalpindi ends up on Peshawar Road". This road runs through the city in an East-West direction and links up with the N-5 in doing so. Another major road in Rawalpindi is the Murree Road. This road runs South-North through the city (after branching from Peshawar Road) and continues to the hill station of Murree, which is a major summer attraction for Rawalpindi residents. Murree Road is one of the busiest roads in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and thus significant construction and expansion work is being done on it.

Rawalpindi is on the ancient Grand Trunk Road (also known as G.T. Road or, more recently, N-5) which links Rawalpindi to nearly every major city in northern and southern Pakistan, from Karachi, to Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sukkur,Bahawalpur, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Kohat, Khanewal, Nawabshah, Nowshera and theMalakand Pass.

The city is also served by two nearby six-lane Motorways, M2 (Lahore-Islamabad) and M1 (Islamabad-Peshawar), which were completed in the 1990s. Somewhat further away is the famous Karakoram Highway, the world's highest international road, which connects Pakistan to China.

Other forms of public transportation

General Bus Stand, Pir Wadhai is the principal bus station for interstate buses and other public vehicles which regularly transports passengers. GBS, Pir Wadhai caters government and private operated buses. It also constitutes large number of reasonable hotel for stay. Luxury Hino, Mercedes buses also operated from Pir Wadhai.

Rawalpindi also houses stations of high quality private bus services. Daewoo Express has a terminal located on Peshawar Road along with the likes of Faisal Movers and Niazi Express.

Taxis and Rickshaws are also readily available on the various hotspots of the city.

Telecommunication

The Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL) provides the main network of landline telephone with minority shares of other operators. All major mobile phone companies operating in Pakistan provide service in Rawalpindi. Pakistan's Broadband revolution has had a significant impact on telecommunications in Rawalpindi. The city, along with other major cities of Pakistan, enjoys a widespread coverage from WiFi and WiMAX operators, with Wateen, WiTribe, Qubee having the most shares. DSL internet also has a major coverage in the city with Nayatel and PTCL the main stakeholders.

Recently a high speed 3G Network, EVO Nitro, was also set up by PTCL with maximum speeds of 9.3 Mbit/s to add up to the already established EVO 3G Network. Though localized, it is the first instance in the history of telecommunication that EVDO RevB technology was commercially launched.

The city also has a significant optic fibre network, with nearly all major commercial and household areas covered. This network allows the local residents to enjoy maximum internet speeds of 50 Mbps, IPTV services and along with high-quality telephony services. Nayatel and PTCL are the market-leaders in the 'triple-play' service.

Parks

Artistic minarets on Peshawar Road

A view of Rawal Dam

§ Ayub National Park formerly known as Topi Rakh (keep the hat on) is located by the old Presidency, between the Murree Brewery Co. and Grand Trunk Road. It covers an area of about 2,300 acres (930 ha) and has a play area, lake with boating facility, an aquarium, a garden-restaurant and an open air theater. This park hosts "The Jungle Kingdom" which is particularly popular among young residents of the city.

§ Liaquat Bagh formerly known as the "company bagh" (East India Company's Garden), is of great historical interest. The first prime minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, was assassinated here in 1950. Pakistan's Prime Minister Banazir Bhutto was assassinated here on 27 December 2007. She was the youngest elected Prime Minister of the world.

§ Rawalpindi Public Park (also known as Nawaz Sharif Park) is located on Murree Road. The Park was opened in 1991. It has a play area for children, lawns, fountains and flower beds. A cricket stadium was built in 1992 opposite the Public Park. The 1996 World Cup cricket matches were held on this cricket ground.

§ Rawalpindi Golf Course was completed in 1926 by Rawalpindi Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs of Pakistan. The facility was initially developed as a nine-hole course. After several phases of development, it is now a 27-hole course. From the clubhouse, there is a panoramic view of Faisal Mosque, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and the course itself. Major golf tournaments are regularly held here.

§ Playland is another public located parallel to Ayub Park, its nearness to many classy colonies and housing schemes makes this wonderland an attractive hotspot during the holidays.

§ Liaquat National Bagh

§ Jinnah Park

§ Ayub Park

§ Rumi Park

§ Army Race Course Ground (Race Course Road, Rawalpindi)

§ Children Park

§ 502 (Workshop) Park

§ Rose and Jasmine Garden

§ Triangular Park (Tikoona Baagh) located just opposite to Military Hospital Rawalpindi.

Some old pictures of Rawalpindi

The mall Rawalpindi 1914

Saddur bazar Rawalpindi

Lockhart war Memorial Rawalpindi, 1900 AD(Roomi park Peshawar road)

Old picture of Rawalpindi showing Sirdar Sujan Singh antique Palace and gardens which is located at a walking distance from famous Raja / Sarafa / Bhabra bazars of Rawalpindi...1912 AD

Massy Gate and Jain Public Library, Rawalpindi

Old pic of Railway Station 1910

2012-10-16T09:38:00.003-07:00

Concordia (Karakoram)

Concordia is the name for the confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier in the heart of the Karakoram range of Pakistan. It is located in Baltistan region of Pakistan. The name was applied by European explorers, and comes from this location's similarity to a glacial confluence, also named Concodia , in the Bemese Oberland, part of the Central Alps.

Around Concordia are clustered some of the highest peaks in the world. Four of the world's fourteen “eight-thousander” are in this region, as well as a number of important lower peaks.

Concordia offers the region's best place to camp for mountain enthusiasts not involved in climbing. With breathtaking views, it also offers short hikes to several important base camps: K2 (three hours), Broad Peak (two hours) and the Gasherbrums (three hours). An alternative exit to returning down the Baltoro Glacier is available by climbing the Gondogoro Pass (5450 meters). Visitors to the region are advised to carefully monitor their water intake with concern. To avoid often painful and sometimes debilitating stomach upsets at high altitude, water should be obtained from clear water sources and brought to a rolling boil, or purified before consumption. Notable peaks in this area include:

§ K2, second highest in the world at 8,611m.

§ Gasherbrum 1 (K5), 11th highest in the world at 8,080m.

§ Broad peak (K3), 12th highest in the world at 8,047m.

§ Gasherbrum 11 (K4), 13th highest in the world at 8,035m.

§ Gasherbrum 111, 7,952m.

§ Gasherbrum -4, 17th highest in the world at 7,925m.

§ Masherbrum (K1), 22nd highest in the world at 7,821m.

§ Chogolisa, 36th highest in the world at 7,665m.

§ Muztagh Tower, 7,273m.

§ Snow Dome, 7,160m.

§ Biarchedi, 6,781 m

§ Mitre Peak, 6,010m.

Savayra Foundation UK,a name of trust

2012-08-05T12:51:00.003-07:00

DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAT IN SAVAYRA SKILL CENTER NO-5 KALLAR SYEDAN,DISTRICT RAWALPINDI

SAVAYRA FOUNDATION UK, A NAME OF TRUST

2012-07-31T11:32:00.002-07:00

JULY 15,2012
ZAKAT DISTRIBUTION IN POOR AND WIDOWS OF BEWAL,A TOWN IN TEHSIL GUJAR KHAN,RAWALPINDI

THE MONAL,PIR SOHAWA,NEAR ISLAMABAD(in progress)

2012-07-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

THE MONAL,PIR SOHAWA,NEAR ISLAMABAD

View of Islamabad from Pir Sohawa

Pir Sohawa is a rapidly developing tourist resort located on top of Margalla Hills and 45-minutes drive from downtown Islamabad. It has a 5000ft elevation and located in Monal village which is geographically part of Haripur District.
Pir Sohawa is a popular destination among the residents of Islamabad, as well as the foreign tourists.
On 6th January 2012, after almost six years, Pir Sohawa, the city’s highest tourist spot, received few inches of snowfall.

Tourist Attraction

Monal restaurant, named after a pheasant of rare and exquisite beauty, and located at the hilltop offers great food and its spacious terraces provides a spectacular view of the city of Islamabad.

BANBHORE SINDH PAKISTAN

2012-03-28T11:21:00.005-07:00

Sassi Palejo in the city of Sassi and Punno

Banbhore

Banbhore is an archaeological site, located about 64 kms (40 miles) east of Karachi. Archaeological excavations revealed a well planned city. Some scholars identify Banbhore with Debal, the port of city where the Arab General Mohammed Bin Qasim invaded in 712 AD who later marched north up the Indus and within a few weeks had taken Multan. A small museum at the site traces the history of the port. It has a good display of pottery of various types. After the young General conquered the city, Muslims built mosques other residential buildings and fifteen walls around the town.

Banbhore is also associated with the famous romance of Sassi and Punhu admired by sufi poets and folklore. Sassi belonged to Banbhore. The museum at the site houses a rich collection of painted pottery, coins and beads etc. About the 10th century it was the capital of a chief Bhambo Raja and was named Bhambor after him. This town was later destroyed in 1250 A.D. In the centre of a semi-circular palatial building remains of a mosque with numerous Kufic inscriptions carved on dressed stone slabs reveal that this was the earliest yet known mosque of the sub-continent. Its discoveries throw light not only on the Muslim era but also on pre-muslim times. They tell us about the civilization of early centuries of the Christian era. Some human skeletons have also been found in streets and houses. The Hindu temple of the pre-Muslim era has also been unearthed along with coins belonging to Khilafat period. Other stone, glass and ivory objects, pottery, jewellery, arms and certain human skeletons with arrows in their heads show that this town came to a violent end.

This is the site of a large town that existed at least 1400 years ago. The pieces of pottery found by archaeologists are similar to those found at Taxila and known to be of the 1st century B.C. Banbhore has given museums a strong archaeological heritage. One which attracts tourists from all corners and all continents.

LEGENDS OF PAKISTAN

2012-02-28T10:48:00.006-08:00

Nishan-e-Haider :- The Highest Military Award of Pakistan, made of gun metal, captured from the enemy in the previous wars, with a green ribbon and a star with five points is awarded to soldiers who Show great feats of bravery and courage in war or on active duty. It is a coincidence that all recipients of "Nishan-e-Haider' gave away the most valuable thing they had - their lives - in the service of the nation and in defending the frontiers of the motherland. So far 7 officers (including one from the Pakistan Air force) and three men have been awarded with this gallantry award. Here is a brief account of these men, who would be remembered for their feats of courage, bravery and selflessness.

Captain Muhammad Sarwar

Captain Muhammad Sarwar was born in village Singhori (Rawalpindi) in 1910, and joined the British Army (infantry -Punjab Regiment) in 1944. Upon creation of Pakistan he joined Pakistan Army. In July 1948 with war in Kashmir with India, Captain Sarwar launched an attack causing heavy casualties against a strongly fortified enemy position in the Uri Sector under heavy machine gun, grenade and mortar fire. On 27th July 1948, he volunteered to cut the enemy's barbed wire barrier to pave way for the move forward of his follow up comrades. However, while doing so he received a direct burst of enemy's heavy machine gun fire, and embraced shahadat at the spot. For his courage, selflessness and bravery, he was awarded with the first Nishan-e-Haider. Call it a coincidence, that the recipients of next two Nishan-e-Haiders were also from the Punjab Regiment.

Major Tufail Muhammad

Major Tufail Muhammad was born in 1914 and was commissioned in the 16th Punjab Regiment in 1943. Upon creation of Pakistan, he joined Pakistan Army. During 1958, with border skirmishes with India in the erstwhile East Pakistan, Major Tufail Muhammad was commanding a company of the East Pakistan Rifles near the town of Lakshmipur. The company encircled an illegal Indian post, which was erected by the Indians in violation of the internationally recognized boundary between the two countries. During the enemy action, Major Tufail was mortally wounded, but did not stop fighting even at close quarters. In the hand-to-hand encounter that followed, Major Tufail continued to lead his troops till the Indians were driven out, leaving four dead and three prisoners. However, Major Tufail himself succumbed to his wounds and embraced shahadat on the 7th August 1958. He was awarded with the second Nishan-e-Haider for his gallantry.

Major Raja Aziz Bhatti

Major Raja Aziz Bhatti was born in 1928 in Hong Kong and joined the 1st PMA Long Course and was commissioned in 1950 in the Punjab Regiment. He was a very well read officer, having passed out with the coveted Sword of Honour and knew many foreign languages. During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, he was commanding a company in general area Burki of the Lahore Sector. Major Bhatti's defences on the famous BRB (Banmban Wali Ravian Bedian) Link Canal was subjected to heavy Indian repeated attacks coupled with incessant artillery and tank fire for five days and nights. But Major Bhatti and his men stood like a rock. In order to have a clear view of the assaulting enemy, Major Bhatti would often come out of his bunker and stand clear of the canal bank. On 10 September 1965, while he was directing the artillery fire, he was hit by an enemy tank shell. Major Bhatti embraced shahadat and was awarded with the third and the only Nishan-e-Hiader of 1965 war.

Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas

Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas was born on 17th February 1951 and during 1971, he was under training in the Pakistan Air Force. In August 1971, when the Indians had put lot of pressure in the eastern wing, Rashid Minhas was busy in his routine training at PAF Base Masroor. On that fateful day of 20 August 1971, while he was taxiing his aircraft towards to runway, a Bengali dissident Instructor Pilot (IP) forced his way into the rear cockpit of the two-seat jet trainer and in the process hurt Rashid Minhas. The IP seized control of the aircraft and headed toward India. When Minhas regained consciousness, he realized that the absconding pilot was heading towards India, so he tried to regain control of the plane. But being injured, he was not able to take power on the controls, so he forced the aircraft to crash some thirty two miles short of the border. By losaing his own life, he not only saved the aircraft from getting in to the hands of the Indians, but also jeopardized the malafide intentions of his IP. He became the first PAF officer to receive Nishan-e-Haider.

Major Muhammad Akram

Major Akram was born in 1938 in village Dingha (Gujrat) and was commissioned in the Frontier Force Regiment in 1963. During 1971 Indo - Pak war, Major Akram was commanding a rifle company of the 4th FF Regiment in the forward localities of the Hilli district. The position held by Major Akram and his company was very vital and had blocked enemy's route of advance. Therefore it came under continuous and heavy air, artillery and tank attacks. But for almost two weeks, despite enemy superiority in both numbers and fire power, Major Akram and his men remained entrenched and repulsed every attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The Indians many a time asked him to surrender but Major Akram refused. Finally, overpowered and fatigued, Major Akram embraced shahadat fighting at close quarter battle in the famous "Battle of Hilli" and was awarded with the fifth Nishan-e-Hiader.

Major Shabir Sharif

Major Shabir Sharif was born in 1943 in village Kunjah (Gujrat) and was commissioned in 1964 in the Frontier Force Regiment. During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Major Shabir Sharif was awarded with Sitara-e-Jurrat (the third highest gallantry military award) for his courage and bravery. In 971, Major Shabir's 6 FF Regiment, was ordered in December 1971 to capture high ground near Sulemanki Headwork defended by more than a company of the Indian Assam Regiment supported by a squadron of tanks. Major Shabir and his men after crossing a minefield and massive obstacles and killing forty three soldiers and destroying four tanks, Major Sharif and his men held two enemy battalions at bay for days. However, on 6 december, the Indians mounted a fierce attack supported by tanks. Assessing the situation to be critical and not taking any chances with the enemy, Major Shabir himself took over an anti-tank gun from his gunner and fired on the enemy tanks. While doing so, the enemy tank fired its main gun on Major Shabir's location, killing him in the afternoon of 6th December. Brave as he always was, he proved his mettle once again and was awarded with the coveted Nishan-e-Haider.

Sowar Muhammad Hussain

Sowar (the basic rank in the Armoured Corps equivalent to a sepoy) Muhammad Hussain was born in 1949 in Dhok Pir Bakhsh and joined the 20 th Lancers (Armoured Corps) as a driver in 1966. Sowar Hussain was always eager to perform jobs that were not normally meant for drivers and was always in fore fronts to help the others. During the 1971 war, he spotted the enemy digging along a minefield near the village of Harar Khurd. Daring as he was, he on his own initiative called and directed accurate fire at the enemy resulting in the destruction of sixteen of their tanks. However, strange are the ways for the gallant and brave men chosen for them by the Almighty. While he was still directing fire from a recoilless rifles, he was hit in the chest by a burst of machine gun fire and embraced shahadat on 10th December 1971. While he was awarded with the Nishan-e-Haider for his courage and bravery, his village elders as a tribute to his bravery renamed their village as Dhok Muhammad Hussain Janjua.

Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz

Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz was born in 1944 at Pind Malikan (District of Rawalpindi) and was enlisted in the 15th Punjab Regiment as a sepoy in 1962. In 971 Indo Pak war, he was serving in the 'A' Company and his unit was deployed on the Wagah-Attari Sector near Lahore. The enemy advancing elements pinned down his company positions by unceasing frontal and cross fire from automatic weapons. In the process, his machine gun was destroyed by an enemy shell, but it did not dishearten the spirited Lance Naik, who advanced bare handed towards an enemy bunker whose automatic fire had inflicted heavy casualties. Even though wounded in both legs by shell splinters, when he reached the bunker he stood up and pounced on the enemy, but was hit. Although unarmed and amidst the enemy, he got hold of one of the enemy and was strangling him when another bayoneted him to death during the night of 17th December 1971. Living true to the traditions of the Punjab Regiment, whose three officers had already won Nishan-e-Haider, Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfooz also showed no less courage and gallantry in winning the fourth medal for the Punjab Regiment. Pin Malikan has now been renamed as Mahfoozabad.

Captain "Karnal" Sher Khan

Captain "Karnal (meaning a Colonel)" Sher Khan was commissioned in Pakistan Army in 1990 and later joined the Northern Light Infantry somewhere in 1998. Right from his childhood, he displayed feats of courage and was nicknamed "Kernal" by hisa fellows, which ultimately became a part of his name. Captain Karnal Sher Khan rose to the heights of glory when he emerged as the symbol of mettle and courage during the Kargil conflict on the Line of Control. He set personal examples of bravery and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. He defended the five strategic posts, which he established with his jawans at the height of some 17,000 feet at Gultari, and repulsed many Indian attacks. After many abortive attempts, on July 5 1998, enemy's two battalion ringed the post of Kernal Sher Khan with the help and unleashed heavy mortar firing and managed to capture some part of the post. Despite facing all odds, he lead a counter-attack and re- captured the lost parts. But during the course he was hit by the machine-gun fire and embraced Shahadat at the same post. For his courage and bravery, he was awarded with Nishan-e-Haider.

Havildar Lalak Jan

Side by side the officers, the men of the Northern Light Infantry, like Havildar Lalak Jan, displayed similar feats of gallantry as were displayed by Captain Kernal Sher Khan and fought furiously to thwart heavy Indian attacks. Although an appointment holder, whose task is to look after his men and provide administrative support, Havildar Lalak Jan volunteered himself to be deployed on the front positions located at the jagged peak in May 1999. Havildar Lalak Jan repulsed many aggressive ventures by the enemy and imposed colossal losses on the enemy. On July7, Havildar Lalak Jan sustained serious injuries as enemy pounded the area with heavy mortar fire. But despite being injured, he retained his position and frustrated the Indian assault. He, however, succumbed to his injuries at the same post he was defending. Havildar Lalak Jan was awarded with the Nishan-e-Haider for his courage and fighting beyond the call of the duty as an appointment holder.

MALALA YOUSAFZAI(BRAVE DAUGHTER OF PAKISTAN)

2012-01-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai (born 1998) is an eighth-grade Pakistani student from the town of Mingora in Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and is known for being a children's rights activist. At 13 years old she gained notability for championing the cause of the people of Swat by blogging for the BBC under a pseudonym about the atrocities of the Tehrik-i-Taliban regime. The international children's advocacy group KidsRights Foundation included Yousafzai among the nominees for the International Children's Peace Prize, making her the first Pakistani girl nominated for the award. South African Nobel laureate, Desmund Tutu announced the nominations during a 2011 ceremony in Amsterdam, Holland, but Yousafzai did not win the prize^.

Yousafzai lived in Mingora Swat, occupied by the Taliban before the military operation in 2009. During this time, education was banned and many townspeople were executed. Schools were destroyed, and girls' schools bore the brunt. She wrote a diary for the BBC under the pseudonym of "Gul Makai" where she related the deeds of the Taliban in Swat.

For her courageous and outstanding services for the promotion of peace under extremely hostile conditions, she was awarded the first National Peace Award by the Pakistani government on 19 December 2011. Speaking to the media afterwards, she expressed her intent to form a political party focused on education. Effective immediately, the Govt Girls Secondary School, Mission Road, was renamed as Malala Yousufzai Govt Girls Secondary School in her honor.

She was named after Malalai of Maiwand, a Pashtun poet and warrior woman.

ARFA KARIM (PRIDE OF PAKISTAN)

2012-01-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

Arfa Karim Randhawa (Urdu: ارفع کریم رندهاوا‎) (2 February 1995 – 14 January 2012), was a Pakistani student and computer prodigy, who in 2004 at the age of nine years became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in the world, a title she kept until 2008. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in USA. A Science park in Lahore was named after her as Arfa Software Technology Park.

Early life

Arfa was born in a family that hailed from the village of Chak No. 4JB Ram Dewali in Faisalabad, Punjab. After returning to Pakistan from a visit to Microsoft headquarters, Arfa had numerous interviews with television and newspapers. S. Somasegar, the vice president of the Software Development Division, wrote about her in his blog. On 2 August 2005, Arfa Karim was presented the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaukat Aziz on the occasion of 113th birth anniversary of Fatima Jinnah. She also received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award again in August 2005 by the President of Pakistan. Arfa Karim is also the recipient of the President's Award for Pride of Performance, a civil award granted to people who have shown excellence in their respective fields over a long period of time. She is the youngest recipient of this award. In recognition of her achievement Arfa was made brand ambassador for Pakistan Telecommunication Company's 3G Wireless Broadband service named EVO in January 2010.

Representation at international forums

Arfa Karim has also represented Pakistan on various international forums, she was invited by the Pakistan Information Technology Professionals Forum for a stay of two weeks in Dubai. A dinner reception was hosted for her there, which was attended by the dignitaries of Dubai including the Ambassador of Pakistan. During that trip, Arfa was presented with various awards and gifts including a laptop. During the same tour she also flew a plane in a flying club at the age of 10 and received the first flight certificate. In November 2006, Arfa attended the Tech-Ed Developers conference themed Get ahead of the game held in Barcelona on an invitation from Microsoft. She was the only Pakistani among over 5000 developers in that conference.

Cardiac arrest

In 2011, at the age of 16, Arfa Karim was studying at the Lahore Grammar School Paragon Campus in her second year of A Levels. She suffered a cardiac arrest after an epileptic seizure which damaged her brain on 22 December 2011, and was admitted to Lahore's Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in critical condition.

Offer by Bill Gates

On 9 January 2012, Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft, made contact with Arfa's parents, and directed his doctors to adopt "every kind of measure" for her treatment. Gates set up a special panel of international doctors who remained in contact with her local doctors through teleconference. The panel received details about her illness and provided assistance in diagnosis and treatment. Local doctors dismissed the option of Arfa being moved to another hospital due to her being on a ventilator and in critical condition. Relatives and family members of Arfa have lauded Bill Gates for offering to bear her treatment expenses.

Signs of improvement

On 13 January 2012, Arfa Karim started to improve and some parts of her brain showed signs of improvement. Her father, Amjad Karim Randhawa, said Microsoft had raised the possibility of flying Arfa to the US for care.

Death

On 14 January 2012, 16-year-old Arfa Karim died at 9:50 PM (Pakistan Standard Time) at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore. Her Namaz-e-Janaza was offered in Cavalry Ground Lahore at 10 AM on 15 January 2012, and later at Faisalabad the same day. The funeral was attended by Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif. She was buried at her ancestral village Chak No. 4JB Ram Dewali, Faisalabad.

Arfa Software Technology Park

On 15 January 2012, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that the name of Lahore Technology Park would be changed to Arfa Software Technology Park.

Arfa Karim Randhawa

Born	2 February 1995 Chak No. 4JB Ram Dewali, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Died	14 January 2012 (aged 16) Lahore, Pakistan
Resting place	Chak No. 4JB Ram Dewali, Faisalabad
Residence	Lahore
Nationality	Pakistani
Education	A-level (first year)
*Alma mater*	Lahore Grammar School
Occupation	Student
Known for	World's youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, 2004-2008
Awards	Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal Salaam Pakistan Youth Award President's Pride of Performance

SAVAYRA FOUNDATION UK,SEWING MACHINE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY,29TH DECEMBER 2011

2011-12-29T04:45:00.000-08:00

SEWING MACHINE DISTRIBUTION AMONG POSITION HOLDERS

Savayra Foundation UK held a ceremony at Bewal Centre today i.e. on 29^th December 2011.The Project Director,Mrs.Nusrat Mubashar distributed sewing machines among the position holder students of all Savayra Centres.The ceremony ended with the high spirits and new hopes of the prize winner students, and determination of the teachers and students alike to work harder in future.

SAVAYRA FOUNDATION UK HELPING PEOPLE IN HURIPUR ABBOTTABAD,PAKISTAN

2011-12-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

GILGIT,PAKISTAN

2011-12-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Gilgit

Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Gilgit City forms a tehsil of Gilgit, within Gilgit District. Its ancient name was Sargin, later to be known as Gilit, and it is still called Gilit or Sargin-Gilit by local people. In the Burushaski language, it is named Geelt and in Wakhi and Khowar it is called Gilt. Ghallata is considered its name in ancient Sanskrit literature. Gilgit City is one of the two major hubs in the Northern Areas for mountaineering expeditions to the Karakoram and other the peaks in the Himalayas, the other hub being Skardu.

History

Gilgit was an important city on the Silk Road, along which Buddhism was spread from South Asia to the rest of Asia.

The Dards and Chinas appear in many of the old Pauranic lists of peoples who lived in the region, with the former also mentioned in Ptolemy's accounts of the region. Two famous travellers, Faxian and Xuanzang, traversed Gilgit according to their accounts.

Early history

“

The former rulers had the title of Ra, and there is reason to suppose that they were at one time Pagans, but for the last five centuries and a half they have been Moslems. The names of the Pagan Ras have been lost, with the exception of the last of their number, Shri Buddutt. Tradition relates that he was killed by a Mohammedan adventurer, who married his daughter and founded a new dynasty, since called Trakhàn, from a celebrated Ra named Trakhan, who reigned about the commencement of the fourteenth century. The previous rulers—of whom Shri Buddutt was the last—were called Shahreis.

”

Trakhàn Dynasty

Gilgit was ruled for centuries by the local Trakhàn Dynasty, which ended about 1810 with the death of Raja Abas, the last Trakhàn Raja.

A Dance at Gilgit by G. W. Leitner, 1893

The rulers of Hunza and Nager also claim origin with the Trakhàn dynasty. They claim descent from a heroic Kayani Prince of Persia, Azur Jamshid (also known as Shamsher), who secretly married the daughter of the king Shri Badat. She conspired with him to overthrow her cannibal father. Sri Badat's faith is theorised as Hindu by some and Buddhist by others. However, considering the region's Buddhist heritage, with the most recent influence being Islam, the most likely preceding influence of the region is Buddhism. Though the titular Sri and the name Badat denotes a Hindu origin of this ruler.

Prince Azur Jamshid succeeded in overthrowing King Badat who was known as Adam Khor (literally man-eater), often demanding a child a day from his subjects, his demise is still celebrated to this very day by locals in traditional annual celebrations In the beginning of the new year, where a Juniper procession walks along the river, in memory of chasing the cannibal king Sri Badat away.

Azur Jamshid abdicated after 16 years of rule in favour of his wife Nur Bakht Khatùn until their son and heir Garg, grew of age and assumed the title of Raja and ruled, for 55 years. The dynasty flourished under the name of the Kayani dynasty until 1421 when Raja Torra Khan assumed rulership. He ruled as a memorable king until 1475. He distinguished his family line from his step brother Shah Rais Khan (who fled to the king of Badakshan and with who's help he gained Chitral from Raja Torra Khan), as the now-known dynastic name of Trakhàn. The descendants of Shah Rais Khan were known as the Ra'issiya Dynasty.

1800s

“

The period of greatest prosperity was probably under the Shin Ras, whose rule seems to have been peaceable and settled. The whole population, from the Ra to the poorest subject lived by agriculture. According to tradition, Shri Buddutt's rule extended over Chitral, Yassin, Tangir, Darel, Chilas, Gor, Astor, Hunza, Nagar and Haramosh all of which were held by tributary princes of the same family.

”

The area had been a flourishing tract but prosperity was destroyed by warfare over the next fifty years, and by the great flood of 1841 in which the river Indus was blocked by a landslip below the Hatu Pir and the valley was turned into a lake. After the death of Abas, Sulaiman Shah, raja of Yasin, conquered Gilgit. Then, Azad Khan, raja of Punial, killed Sulaiman Shah, taking Gilgit; then Tair Shah, raja of Buroshall (Nagar), took Gilgit and killed Azad Khan. Tair Shah's son Shah Sakandar inherited, only to be killed by Gaur Rahman, raja of Yasin of the Khushwakhte Dynasty, when he took Gilgit. Then in 1842, Shah Sakandar's brother, Karim Khan, expelled Gaur Rahman with the support of a Sikh army from Kashmir. The Sikh general, Nathu Shah, left garrison troops and Karim Khan ruled until Gilgit was ceded to Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in 1846 by the Treaty of Amritsar, and Dogra troops replaced the Sikh in Gilgit.

Nathu Shah and Karim Khan both transferred their allegiance to Gulab Singh, continuing local administration. When Hunza attacked in 1848, both of them were killed. Gilgit fell to the Hunza and their Yasin and Punial allies, but was soon reconquered by Gulab Singh's Dogra troops. With the support of Gaur Rahman, Gilgit's inhabitants drove their new rulers out in an uprising in 1852. Gaur Rahman then ruled Gilgit until his death in 1860, just before new Dogra forces from Ranbir Singh, son of Gulab Singh, captured the fort and town. In 1870s Chitral was threatened by Afghans Maharaja Ranbir Singh was firm in protecting Chitral from Afghans the Mehtar of Chitral ask for help, In 1876 Chitral accepted the authority of Jammu Clan and in reverse get the protection from the Dogras who have in the past took part in many victories over Afghans during the time of Gulab Singh Dogra.

British era

In 1877, in order to guard against the advance of Russia, the British Government, acting as the suzerain power of Kashmir, established the Gilgit Agency. The Agency was re-established under control of the British Resident in Jammu and Kashmir. It comprised the Gilgit Wazarat; the State of Hunza and Nagar; the Punial Jagir; the Governorships of Yasin, Kuh-Ghizr and Ishkoman, and Chilas.

The Tajiks of Xinjiang sometimes enslaved the Gilgiti and Kunjuti Hunza.

In 1935, the British demanded Jammu and Kashmir to lease them Gilgit town plus most of the Gilgit Agency and the hill-states Hunza, Nagar, Yasin and Ishkoman for 60 years. Maharaja Hari Singh had no choice but to acquiesce. The leased region was then treated as part of British India, administered by a Political Agent at Gilgit responsible to Delhi, first through the Resident in Jammu and Kashmir and later a British Agent in Peshawar.

Jammu and Kashmir State no longer kept troops in Gilgit and a mercenary force, the Gilgit Scouts, was recruited with British officers and paid for by Delhi. In April 1947, Delhi decided to formally retrocede the leased areas to Hari Singh’s Jammu and Kashmir State as of August 15, 1947. The transfer was to formally take place on August 1.

1900s

Gilgit Scouts progressed with Pakistani troops from north through High Himalayas and contributed in attacking of Skardu in summer 1948, pushing further towards Ladakh area.

After Pakistani advances of early 1948, Indian troops gathered momentum in late 1948. Finally, the newly formed India asked UN intervention, and a ceasefire was agreed on December 31, 1948. This conflict left Pakistan with roughly two-fifths of Kashmir along with Gilgit and Baltistan, leaving three-fifths of Kashmir along with Jammu and Leh to India.

Climate

Gilgit experiences a desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh). Weather conditions for Gilgit are dominated by its geographical location, a valley in a mountainous area, southwest of Karakoram range. The prevalent season of Gilgit is winter, occupying the valley eight to nine months a year.

Gilgit lacks significant rainfall, averaging in 120 to 240 millimetres (4.7 to 9.4 in) annually, as monsoon breaks against the southern range of Himalayas. Irrigation for land cultivation is obtained from the rivers, abundant with melting snow water from higher altitudes.

The summer season is brief and hot. The piercing sunrays may raise the temperature up to 40 °C (104 °F), yet it is always cool in the shade. As a result of this extremity in the weather, landslides and avalanches are frequent in the area.

Gilgit manuscripts

The Gilgit manuscripts were nominated in 2006 to be included on the UNESCO Memory of the World register, but without success. The Gilgit manuscripts are among the oldest manuscripts in the world, and the oldest manuscript collection surviving in Pakistan and India, having major significance in the areas of Buddhist studies and the evolution of Asian and Sanskrit literature. The manuscripts are believed to have been written in the 5th to 6th Century AD, though some more manuscripts were discovered in the succeeding centuries, which were also classified as Gilgit manuscripts.

This corpus of manuscripts was discovered in 1931 in Gilgit, containing many Buddhist texts such as four sutras from the Buddhist canon, including the famous Lotus Sutra. The manuscripts were written on birch bark in the Buddhist form of Sanskrit in the Sharada script. The Gilgit manuscripts cover a wide range of themes such as iconometry, folk tales, philosophy, medicine and several related areas of life and general knowledge.

Tourism and transport

Jeeps' are the best way to travel up in the North West Frontier.

Gilgit city is one of the two major hubs for all mountaineering expeditions in Gilgit-Baltistan. Almost all tourists headed for treks in Karakoram or Himalaya Ranges arrive at Gilgit first. Many tourists choose to travel to Gilgit by air, since the road travel between Islamabad and Gilgit, by the Karakoram Highway, takes nearly 14–24 hours, whereas the air travel takes a mere 45–50 minutes

Places to visit

There are several tourist attractions relatively close to Gilgit: Naltar Valley with Naltar Peak, Hunza Valley, Nagar Valley, Ferry Meadows in Raikot, Shigar town, Skardu city, Haramosh Peak in Karakoram Range, Bagrot-Haramosh Valley, Deosai National Park, Astore Valley, Rama Lake, Juglot town, Phunder village, Yasin Valley and Kargah Valley.

Road transport

Overview of the Karakoram Highway

Gilgit lies about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) off the Karakoram Highway (KKH). The KKH connects it to Chilas, Dasu, Besham, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Islamabad in the south. In the North it is connected to Karimabad (Hunza) and Sust in the Northern Areas and to the Chinese cities of Tashkurgan, Upal and Kashgar in Xinjiang.

There are various transports companies i.e. Silk Route Transport Pvt, Masherbrum Transport Pvt and Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO), from these NATCO offers most coverage. It offers passenger road service between Islamabad, Gilgit, Sust and Tashkurgan, and road service between Kashgar and Gilgit (via Tashkurgan and Sust) started in the summer of 2006. However, the border crossing between China and Pakistan at Khunjerab Pass—the highest border of the world—is open only between May 1 and October 15 of every year. During winter, the roads are blocked by snow. Even during the monsoon season in summer, the roads are often blocked due to landslides. The best time to travel on Karakoram Highway is spring or early summer.

Health care

Tuberculosis, endocrinal disorders with mainly iodine deficiency disorders, iron deficiency, and diarrheal diseases are more common. Sewage system has yet to be fully established, electricity and water supply are still faulty. These factors make a hindrance in developing a strong health care system.

Sister cities

Kashgar, China From May, 2009

SAVAYRA FOUNDATION UK HELPING PEOPLE IN HARIPUR ,KHABAR PAKHTUN KHUAH,PAKISTAN

2011-11-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

MUZAFFARABAD AZAD JAMMUN AND KASHMIR

2011-11-04T10:56:00.001-07:00

Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located in Muzaffarabad District on the banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. The district is bounded by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the west, by the Kupwara and Baramulla districts of the Indian side of the Line of Control in the east, and the Neelum District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the north. According to the 1998 Census, the population of the district was 725,000, and according to a 1999 projection, the population had risen to almost 741,000. The district comprises three tehsils, and the city of Muzaffarabad serves as the cultural, legislative and financial capital of what is presently known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Overview

The residents of Muzaffarabad are a highly literate and business orientated class maintaining close ties with the financial capitals of Northern Pakistan, primarily Rawalpindi and the NWFP. Muzaffarabad is a prime destination for further and higher education for the youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and also produces the elite class of Azad Jammu and Kashmir such as doctors, lawyers and businessmen. Rawalpindi is also a prime destination for further education and training.

Muzaffarabad is a centre of business once connected to Srinagar (Kashmir valley) and other north cities of which the culture can be seen to have had an effect. It must be noted that the entrance to the Kashmir valley faces northwards and passes westwardly through Neelum and down towards Muzaffarabad, where trade had flourished prior to the Kashmir dispute.

Location

Muzaffarabad is situated at the confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. The city is 138 kilometres from Rawalpindi and Islamabad and about 76 kilometres from Abbottabad. Cradled by lofty mountains, Muzaffarabad reflects a blend of various cultures and languages. The main language is a form of Hindko and Pahari. The Neelum river plays a dominant role in the microclimate of Muzaffarabad which joins Jehlum River near Domail.

Railways

The closest railway stations are Rawalpindi in Pakistan and Baramulla in India. Jammu and Kashmir (India-Administered) Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that he intended to extend the Kashmir rail line to Muzaffarabad, to facilitate movement of people and goods much easier across the LoC.

History

Early history

The original name of Muzaffarabad was Udabhanda.

“

Hieun tsang, the celebrated Buddhist pilgrim who is said to have visited the valley in 633 A.D mentions Pan-nu-tso i.e. modern day Punch, Ho-lo-she-pu-to i.e. modern day Rajauri. He entered India from Udabhanda, Urasa (present Muzafrabad and Uskara) entered the valley via Baramula gorge.

”

It is interesting to note that many places in Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the line of control still maintain Hindu names.

Udabhanda was the capital of the Shahi dynasty. The Shahi (Devanagari शाही), also called Shahiya, dynasties ruled portions of the Kabul Valley (in eastern Afghanistan) and the old province of Gandhara (northern Pakistan and Kashmir) from the decline of the Kushan Empire in third century to the early ninth century. The kingdom was known as Kabul-shahan or Ratbel-shahan from (565 - 670 CE) when they had their capitals in Kapisa and Kabul, and later Udabhandapura (also known as Hund) for its new capital. The term Shahi is the title of the rulers, likely related to the Kushan form Shao or Persian form Shah and refers to a series of 60 rulers probably descended from the Kushans or Turks (Turshkas). They are split into two eras the Buddhist Turk-Shahis and the later Hindu-Shahis, with the changeover occurring sometime around 870.

Modern history

The name "Muzaffarabad" (meaning Muzaffar's Town) comes from the name of Sultan khan Muzaffar Khan (a Muslim ruler of Khandan-e-Bomba). After the 1948-49 war, Muzaffarabad was made the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

On October 8, 2005, the city was struck by an earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter Scale.

2005 Kashmir Earthquake

The city was the site of the epicentre of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which occurred on October 8, 2005 and had a magnitude of 7.6. The disaster destroyed 50% of the buildings in the city (including most of the official buildings) and is estimated to have killed up to 80,000 people in the Pakistani-controlled areas of Kashmir, alone.

As of 8 November, the Pakistani government's official death toll was 87,350. Some estimates put the death toll over 100,000.

Humanitarian aid reaches the devastated far-flung areas of Pakistan's Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA).

Pakistani Soldiers carry tents away from a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter that was there on October 19. The United States took part in the multinational effort to provide humanitarian assistance and support to Pakistan and Afghanistan following the devastating October 8 earthquake.

Heavy snowfall in the region around the epicentre, shown here in a January 6, 2006 NASA satellite image, hampered the relief efforts which began shortly after the earthquake struck.

Sangam Hotel in Muzaffarabad that was destroyed in the earthquake.

Sites of interest

Muzaffarabad Fort

There are two historical forts on opposite sides of the Neelum River, known as the Red Fort and the Black Fort.

The construction of the Red Fort was finally completed in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad city. After the Mughalstook over Kashmir, the fort lost its importance. The Mughals were more interested in Kabul, Bukhara, and Badakhshan. During the period ofDurrani rule, however, the fort again once again assumed its importance.

Maharaja Gulab Singh and Rambir Singh, the Dogra rulers, reconstructed and extended the fort for their political and military operations. Towards the middle of 1947, the Dogra forces were forced to leave due to happenings of 1947 in the princely state of J&K.

The architecture of the fort shows that great experts in design and structure participated in its construction. It is surrounded on three sides by the Neelum River, formally known as the Kishenganga River. The northern part of the fort had terraces with steps leading to the bank of the river. The eastern side was well protected from the hazards of flood waters, but some parts on the north side have suffered damage. There used to be an inn at the entrance to the fort, but only traces of that structure remain now.

Other sites of interest

§ Pakistan occupied Kashmir Assembly

§ Pakistan occupied Kashmir Supreme Court

§ Mosque Assembly Secretariat

§ Kh. Khurshid Tomb

§ Chehla Bridge

§ Subri (Langarpura) Lake

§ Quadiezam Bridge

§ Allama Iqbal bridge

§ Jallabad Garden

§ Jallalabad Mosque

§ President's house

§ Pearl continental Hotel

§ Nelum Hotel

§ Sungum Hotel

Valleys

§ Pirchinassi

§ Neelum Valley

§ Leepa Valley

§ Jhelum Valley

§ Chickar

§ Garhi Dopatta

§ Nakkah

§ Bugna Kairabad

§ Darakoti, Nakar Fatot

Villages

§ Buttdara

§ Buttal (Battal)

§ Nulha

§ Bandi

§ Devlian

§ Patika

§ Sangri Mera

§ Dhmanchulh

§ Danna

§ Athmaqam

§ Sarra

§ Ranjatta

§ Sri Janha

§ Kurhee

§ kherha

§ Khumanh

§ Lawat

§ Leswa

§ Sharda

§ Kel

§ Ashkot

§ Jura bandi

Administration

The district is administratively subdivided into three tehsils.

§ Tehseel Muzaffarabad

§ Tehseel Athmakam

§ tehseel Ponch

NUSRAT MUBASHAR,WORKING WITH SAVAYRA FOUNDATION UK PART-06

2011-10-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

AMAZING PAKISTAN "NORTHERN AREAS "

2011-10-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

Chinar Bagh Bridge (Skardu) small village in the way of skardu
Wild Life In Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit Kutwal Lake Haramosh
Chitral Valley, Pakistan
Shimshal mountains
Attabad in Hunza
Biafo Hisper Snow Lake Trek
K2 Trek River crossing
Frightening Sight? Yes, a suspension bridge at Hunza River is really thrilling experience to cross
Nanga Parbat, 8125m

Ansoo Lake

Broad Peak

The Deosai Plateau, known as the highest plateau in the world, is located at the boundary of the Karakoram and the western Himalayas. Deosai Plains are a backwoods country at about 30 kilometres from Skardu. It is a beautiful summer pasture with greenery and countless species of Fiona flora. The view of the Karakorum Range from the top of the 4785 meter pass is legendary. Apart from fairies, this plateau is the habitat of the greatly threatened Himalayan Brown Bear and many other wild animals. Although few people will see a bear, quite a few are said to make their homes in the heart of the plateau. At an average elevation of 3500 meters, Deosai officially is a National Park and protected area for wildlife.
Jissay Allah Rakhy ussy Kon Chakkhy,,,,,,We all the Pray of Traveler's

taoubat valley (Nelam Valley)
hussani bridge passu valley
camp on upper basin of braldu glacier (Snow Lake)

PAKISTAN`S NUCLEAR TEST POINT"CHAGAI" BALOCHISTAN,PAKISTAN

2011-08-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

CHAGAI DISTRICT

Chaghi/Chagai District
— District —

Country	Pakistan
Province	Balochistan
Capital	Chagai
Established	1896

Area
- Total	50,545 km² (19,515.5 sq mi)
Population (2005 Estimate)
- Total	250,000
- Density	4.95/km² (12.8/sq mi)
Time zone	PST (UTC+5)
Website	http://www.Chaghi.Tk

Chaghi/Chagai is the largest district of Pakistan and is located on the north west corner of Balochistan, Pakistan. It forms a triangular border with Afghanistan and Iran. Pakistan conducted a nuclear weapons test in 1998 at Ras Koh Hills Chagai District.

History

Chaghi/Chagai District was created in 1896. Nushki was the only sub division of the district with two tehsils, Nushki and Dalbandin. Naukundi sub tehsil was upgraded to tehsil in 1950. Chagai district was attached to Kalat District in 1957 but was detached after two years. The Police Department is still under the Superintendent of Police, Kalat. Dalbandin Tehsil was upgraded to Sub-Division on 1 February 1978. Taftan was created as sub tehsil in 1981. Chagai sub-tehsil was created with effect from 1 October 1985. The Assistant Political Agent Nushki remained sub-Divisional Magistrate of Nushki Sub Division till September 1989 when an independent post of Additional Political Agent was created for the district. Very little is known about the ancient history of Chagai.1998 Pakistan conducted their first ever nuclear weapons test at Ras Koh Hills Chagai District.

The earliest monuments are the ruins of terraced embankments. These are found at the foot of the Ras Koh hills; they are ascribed to the fire-worshippers, who are said to have been the inhabitants of this area more than two thousand years ago. The next traces of ancient history are the square shaped tombs in the western areas of the district, which are attributed by the local traditions to the Kianian dynasty of Iran. The remains of the ruined forts and karezes found in different parts of the district are assigned to the Arabs. These are also sometimes attributed to the Mughals and in any case indicate the presence of a richer civilisation than is now found among the Baloch and Brahui inhabitants of the district.

Administration

Chagai is administratively subdivided into the following tehsils:

Chagai
Saindak
Nokundi
Taftan

Nushki District

The newly formed Nushki District is administratively subdivided into:

Dalbandin
Nushki

Demography

According to the 1998 census the population of Chagai District was 202,562, along with approximately 53,000 Afghan refugees. The population of Chagai District was estimated to be over 250,000 in 2005. Over 99% of the people of the area are Muslims. The major Baloch tribes in the district are Sherzai, Mandazai, Mohammad Hassani, Muhammadzai, Al Ahmad Mustafa As Saud, Kashani, Sanjrani, Mengal, Notezai, Kubdani and Damanis near the Iranian border.

Topography

The district lies between 27°-55' to 29°-50' north latitudes and 60°-45' to 66°-22' east longitudes. It is located in the extreme west of Pakistan and comprises the belt which lies south of the Pakistan-Afghanistan boundary, from the Sarlath Hills on the east to Koh-i-Malik Siah on the west, with a length of about 576 kilometres and an average breadth of 80 kilometres. The district is bound on the north by the desert region of Afghanistan (which lies south of the Helmand River), on the east by the Sarlath hilly range and Kalat District, on the south by Kharan District and on the west by Iran. The northern boundary of the district, which separates it from Afghanistan, was demarcated in 1896 by a joint Afghan-British Commission. The western border with Iran was demarcated by a joint Pakistan-Iran Commission in 1959. The total area of the district is 50,545 km².

SAVAYRA FOUNDATION UK,ZAKAT DISTRIBUTION 31 JULY,2011

2011-08-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

BEWAL,GUJAR KHAN

HINGOL NATIONAL PARK,BALOCHISTAN,PAKISTAN

2011-07-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

HINGOL NATIONAL PARK

'Princess of Hope', 'Hingol National Park, in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Hingol National Park

Hingol National Park or Hungol National Park covers about 1,650 km². And is the largest of National Parks of Pakistan and lies on the Makran coast in Balochistan and approximately 190 km from Karachi. It winds through the Hungol valley between high cliffs. The area was for the first time declared reserved in 1988. Parts of three districts of Balochistan, namely; Lasbela, Gwadar and Awaran are covered in this Park. This national park contains a variety of topographical features and vegetation, varying from arid sub tropical forest in the north to arid mountain in the west. Large tracts of the Hingol National Park are covered with drift sand and can be classified as coastal semi desert. The National Park includes the estuary of the Hingol River which supports a significant diversity of bird and fish species. According to independent reports, 20 staff members including 18 game watchers, two deputy rangers are currently responsible for the management of the Park under the guidance of the park Manager who reports to the Conservator and the Secretary Wildlife, Forest, Livestock, Environment and Tourism. Hingol National Park is known to support at least 35 species of mammals, 65 species of amphibians and reptiles and 185 species of birds. Some 250 plant species were recorded in the initial surveys including 7 yet undescribed species. Many more species are yet to be collected. The park forms an excellent habitat to wild Sindh Ibex, Afghan Urial and Chinkara Gazelle. Ibex is found in all steep mountain ranges and numerous in the Hinglaj and Rodani Kacho Mountain areas. Total population is estimated over 3000.

KARIMABAD (HUNZA)

2011-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

KARIMABAD (HUNZA)

Hunza Valley viewed from the village of Karimabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Baltit Fort in Karimabad, Hunza Valley

Karimabad is the capital of Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. Karimabad is also known as Baltit. It is named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual head of Shia Ismaili Nizari community. The Guardian ranked it as the 4th Best Tourist Site in Pakistan.

MULTAN, LAND OF SAINTS, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

2011-06-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

MULTAN, LAND OF SAINTS, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Multan (help·info) (Punjabi/Urdu: مُلتان), Multān City is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and capital of Multan District. It is located in the southern part of the province on the east bank of the Chenab River, more or less in the geographic centre of the country and about 562 km (349 mi) from Islamabad, 356 km (221 mi) fromLahore and 966 km (600 mi) from Karachi. Multan District has a population of over 4.5 million.

Multan is known as the City of Sufis or City of Saints and Madinah-Tul-Oleyah due to the large number of shrines and Sufi saints from the city. The city is full of bazaars, mosques, shrines and ornate tombs. It is located in a bend created by five rivers of the Punjab province. The Sutlej River separates it from Bahawalpur and theChenab River from Muzaffar Garh. The city has grown to become an influential political and economical center for the country, with a dry port and excellent transport links. Multan is famous for its crops: wheat, cotton and sugar cane as well as mangoes, citrus, guavas and pomegranates.

History

A map dated from 1669 showing Multan

Multan is one of the oldest cities in the Asian subcontinent. According to Hindu legends, it was the capital of theTrigarta Kingdom at the time of the Mahabharata war, ruled by the Katoch Dynasty. Multan has had various names over the years. According to Hindu mythology, it was originally calledKashtpur (Kashyapapura) after a Hindu sage named Kashyapa, which is also the Gotra used by the Katoch dynasty. Other names wereHanspur (Hamsapura), Bagpur (Vegapura), Sanb or Sanahpur (Sambapura). Its current name is derived from the Sanskrit name Mulasthana named after a sun temple. Multan has frequently been a site of conflict due to its location on a major invasion route between South Asia and Central Asia. It is believed to have been visited by Alexander the Great's army. In the mid-5th century, the city was attacked by a group of Huna Hephthalitenomads led by Toramana.

Multan was conquered along with Sindh by Muhammad bin Qasim, from the local ruler Chach of Alor. Following bin Qasim's conquest, the city was securely under Muslim rule, although it was in effect an independent state and most of the subjects were non-Muslim.

In 965 CE, Multan was conquered by Halam b. Shayban, an Ismaili da'i. Soon after, Multan was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni, destabilizing the Ismaili state. Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Multan in 1005 CE, conducting a series of campaigns during which the Ismailis of Multan were massacred. In an effort to gain his allegiance, the Fatimid Ismaili Imam-caliph al-Hakim dispatched an envoy to Mahmud two years later. This attempt appeared to be unsuccessful and the Ghaznawids continued to attack other Ismaili strongholds in Sindh to suppress any resurgence of the community in the region. In 1032CE Mahmud's very own vizier, Hasanak was executed for having accepted a cloak from the Imam-caliph on suspicions that he had become an adherent of the Ismaili faith. Mahmud's purges of the region led several scholars including Stern to believe that the Ghaznawid purges of the region drove out Ismailism from the area, however recently-discovered letters dating to 1083 and 1088 demonstrate continued Ismaili activity in the region, as the Imam-caliph Mustansir dispatched new da'is to replace those who were killed in the attacks.

Multan's location at the entrance to the sub-continent resulted in it being invaded by a long series of conquerors on their way to Delhi. Timur,Babur and many others passed through the city, leaving much destruction in their wake. This violence continued as when Muhammad of Ghor attacked the city and drove out the remaining Ismailis^[10] whom he deemed to be heretics, in stark contrast to his predecessor, the Ghurid Sultan 'Ala' al-Din who welcomed numerous envoys from the Ismaili state of Alamut and according to the historian Juzjani, gave them "great reverence. Following annexation to Mughal empire in 1557 CE, at the beginning of emperor Akbar's rule Multan enjoyed 200 years of peace, and became known as Dar al-Aman (Abode of Peace). Akbar was known as a wise ruler, setting reasonable taxes, creating effective government and being tolerant of religious differences.

Multan witnessed difficult times as Mughal rule declined in early 1700s, starting after death of emperor Aurangzeb in 1707. The last Naib Subahdars appointed by Farrukhsiyar at Multan were Khan Zaman Khan Ali Asghar ibn Kartalab Khan Bahadur Shahi Qazi Ghulam Mustafaand then Aqidat Khan ibn Ameer Khan. Persia was united under Nader Shah, ruling from 1736 as Shah of Iran. After his assassination in 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani—who was born in Multan—rose to power. This counts as beginning of Durrani Empire. However, after death of Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1772, the influence of Durrani empire declined sharply in mere fifty years. Starting at late in 1700s, Multan was ruled locally by the Pashtun Sadozai and Khakwani chieftains.

The Multan Municipal Corporation Clock Tower, built during the rule of the British Empire

In 1817, Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent a body of troops to Multan under the command of Diwan Bhiwani Das to receive from Nawab Muzaffar Khan the tribute he owed to the Sikh Darbar. Bhiwani Das laid siege to the city, but failed to capture Multan. Maharaja Ranjit Singh planned a fresh expedition and sent a strong force under his son Kharak Singh's charge.

In 1818, Kharak Singh's armies lay around Multan without making much initial headway. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent a large cannon named Zamzama along with Akali Phula Singh's Nihang regiment. Using the Zamzama destroyed the gates of the city and Akali Phula Singh defeated the garrison inside. Kharak Singh left Jodh Singh Ramgarhia with 600 men to guard the fort of Multan. The Sikhs thereafter ruled Punjab until 1849, when it was lost in the Second Anglo-Sikh War.. Sardar Karan Narain's son was awarded the title 'Rai Bahadur' and knighted by the British Raj for switching to their side. After the Anglo-Sikh Wars, Multan was made part of the British Raj. The British built some rail routes to the city, but its industrial capacity was never developed.

Multan became part of Pakistan upon Pakistan's independence in 1947.It initially lacked industry, hospitals and universities. Since then, there has been some industrial growth, and the city's population is continually growing. But the old city continues to be in a dilapidated state, and many monuments wear the effects of the warfare that has visited the city.

Geography and climate

The city of Multan is located in southern Punjab province at almost the exact centre of Pakistan. The closest major city is Sahiwal. The area around the city is a flat, alluvial plain and is ideal for agriculture, with many citrus and mango farms. There are many canals that cut across the Multan District, providing water from nearby farms. This makes the land very fertile. However usually land close to the Chenab are usually flooded in the monsoon season.

Multan features an arid climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The city witnesses some of the most extreme weather in the country. The highest recorded temperature is approximately 54 °C(129 °F), and the lowest recorded temperature is approximately −1 °C (30.2 °F). The average rainfall is roughly 127 millimetres (5.0 in). Dust storms are a common occurrence within the city.

Economy

A local copppersmith displays his wares at the central market in Multan, Pakistan.

Multan is a commercial and industrial centre, as it is connected with the rest of the country through rail and air including the other industrial hubs such as Lahore,Karachi, Gujranwala, Quetta and Faisalabad. Industries include fertilizer, cosmetics, glass manufacturing, cotton production and processing, large textile units, flour mills, sugar and oil mills and large-scale power generation projects. It is famous for its handicrafts (carpets & ceramics) and cottage industries. Roughly 1,900 acres (7.7 km²) of the city is still forested in the district. Trees grown in the area are Kikar, Shisham and Mulberry.

Large, irregular suburbs have grown outside the old walled town, and two satellite towns have been set up. The mangoes of Multan district are well-known. Multani khussa (traditional shoes), embroidery on dresses for women and men, furniture and other wooden products, earthenware pottery, painted pottery, camel-skin ware, surgical instruments and carpets are a few of the city's major exports, with a great demand within the country as well.

Mangos form a large portion of Multan's agricultural export market.

Multan is an important agricultural centre. Wheat, cotton and sugarcane are the main crops grown in the district. Moreover, rice, maize, tobacco, bajra, moong (lentils), mash (lentils), masoor (lentils), oil seed such as rape, mustard and sunflower are also grown in minor quantities in the district. Mangoes, citrus, guavas and pomegranate are the main fruits grown in the Multan district. Additionally, dates, jaman, pears, phalsa and bananas are grown in minor quantities in the district.

The city is also rich in minerals. These include argillaceous clay, coal, dolomite, fire clay,gypsum, limestone, silica and rock salt. Most of these are excavated for commercial activities and transported to other cities within the country. Many industrial factories are being inaugurated to handle the separation and quality control of these minerals. The minerals in the city are used in dolomite processing, fire bricks/refractories, hollow glassware, insulators/capacitors and ceramics.

Since Multan is agriculture-based, there is also plenty of livestock still growing at a positive rate, which has led to milk processing/dairy products units, ice cream manufacturing, animal and poultry feed, dairy farms, cattle/sheep/goat fattening plants, meat/poultry processing units, leather garments manufacturing, leather footwear, cosmetics, tinned goods and pharmaceuticals.

Government

Administrative divisions of Multan District

Since the introduction of the local government system in 2001 the city has been governed by aNazim (Mayor). Multan is spread over an area of 3,721 square kilometers, comprising four tehsils: Multan Cantonment, Multan Sadar, Shujabad and Jalalpur Pirwala. In 2005 Multan was reorganised as a City District composed of six autonomous towns:

§ Bosan

§ Shah Rukan e Alam

§ Mumtazabad

§ Sher Shah

§ Shujabad

§ Jalalpur

§ Multan Cantonment

Demographics

The Shahi Eid Ghah Mosque, Islam is the major religion in Multan

The majority of Multan's residents speak Saraiki, while Haryanvi is the second most spoken language. A good portion of the people are conversant in Urdu. English is understood by the educated. The majority of the people are Muslims. However, the city does have significant Sikh and Hindu communities within the district. There are still many temples and Gurdwaras within the city.

Multan has traditionally been a melting pot of several distinct ethnic groups due to its location at the intersection of all four of Pakistan's main provinces and due to its historical significance as a centre of learning and culture. As a result, Multan today consists of Saraiki, Haryanvi, Punjabi,Baloch, Pashtun, Sindhi, and Urdu-speaking Muhajirs who arrived at the time of independence in 1947.

As per the 1998 census of Pakistan, the following are the demographics of the district, by spoken language:

§ Punjabi: 78 (60.23% in the city)(this includes saraiki and all other dialects of Punjabi spoken here)

§ Haryanvi: 14.59% (11.01% in the city)

§ Urdu: 5.86% (6.64% in the city)

§ Pashto: 0.62%

§ Balochi: 0.10%

§ Sindhi: 0.07%

§ Other: 1.04%

Culture

A fruit vendor in a fruit market in the heart of Multan

Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam

Aerial view of the Multan Cricket Stadium

There is a saying in Persian that Multan is the 'City of Saints, Sufis and Beggars' (Gard, Garma wa Goristan). It is one of the main cities in the Southern Punjab province of Pakistan. The city has been a focal point for many religions, in particular becoming a central abode for Sufism, the mystical side of Islam. The city has attracted Sufi saints from far places of the globe. Today, Multan is known as the 'City of Sufis'. Shaikh Amin bin Abdul Rehman, who has introduced the Idrisiyya sufi order in Pakistan, lives at 381-A, Shah Rukn-e-Alam Colony, New Multan, where a four-storey mosque adjacent to his residence is visited by people from all over the country. Multan is one of the oldest cities in South Asia, with many tombs, shrines, temples, cathedrals and mausoleums, as well as a historical fort. Today Multan is a combination of old and the new Pakistan culture. There is a big hustle bustle in the old city and comfort of a five star hotel and fine dining in the new. The old city has a various bazaars selling mystical artifacts, perfumes to arts and crafts. There are also elaborately decorated shrines of the Sufi saints, tombs of various travellers and important people within the old city of Multan.

The prime attractions of Multan are its mausoleums of Sufi saints. The Mausoleum of Sheikh Baha-ud-Din Zakariya, as well as the Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam are the prime attractions of the city. Their lofty domes of are visible, from miles and dominate the skyline of Multan. Another popular shrine is the Mausoleum of Shams-ud-Din, commonly known as Shah Shamsuddin Sabzwari is located about half a mile to the east of the Multan Fort, on the high bank of the old bed of the Ravi River.

Another famous and beautiful mausoleum of a warrior sufi saint and poet Hazrat Hafiz Muhammad Jamal Multani (1747-1811 AD) is situated near Aam Khas garden outside Daulat Gate, Multan.

There are also a number of other mausoleums located within the city which gather a great deal of attention. The Nuagaza tombs are shrines to martyrs and warriors who fought in wars centuries ago some dating back 1,300 years ago. The Multan Museum located within the city has a vast collection of coins, medals, postage stamps of the former State of Bahawalpur, manuscripts, documented inscriptions, wood carvings, camel-skin paintings, historical models and stone carvings of the Islamic and Pre-Islamic periods.

Multan also has a number of old mosques which were once considered as the jewels of the city. Some have been dated back to a few thousand years and have been recognized as some of the oldest mosques within South East Asia. The legend goes that the first mosque ever built in Multan was the Jamia Mosque which was constructed on the orders of General Mohammed Qasim, who conquered Multan in 712AD. Ruins of this mosque were visible till 1954 at Qasim Bella however due to repeated floods, the structure was lost. Sawi Mosque is supposed to be the oldest mosque which still exists today though in deteriorating state, there are glazed blue tiles from the era in which it was built which dates the mosque to several centuries ago. The second oldest mosque within Multan is Mohammad Khan Wali Mosque. It is an excellent condition, situated in the busiest Chowck Bazar of the city. It was built by Nawab Ali Mohammad Khan Khakwani, in 1757 when he was the governor of Multan in the time of Alamgir II. The mosque is provided with a reservoir for the ablutions, baths, and a large hall for prayers.

Multan is another Pakistani city that loves cricket. Multan is home of the Faysal Bank T20 Leagueteam Multan Tigers. The city government inaugurated a new multi-purpose stadium replacing Ibn-e-Qasim Bagh Stadium which was the lone stadium used for football and cricket matches. The inauguration of the new stadium has allowed the city to offer Test day/night matches as well as other national sports such as hockey, badminton and football. The stadium is home to the Multan Cricket Association. Other sports grounds include Divisional Sports Ground and the Pakistan Cricket Board owned Government College Cricket Ground.

Education

In 1950, then-Governor Abdur Rub Nishtar founded Nishter Medical College. Doctor graduates of this institution have spread across the world, and many have become established names in the field of medicine. The new Nishtar Institute of Dentistry provides dental and surgical services to Multan and the adjoining cities. Bahauddin Zakariya University (formerly known as Multan University) are the main sources of higher education for this region. The Swedish Institute of Technology in Multan is a campus of the Swedish Group of Technical Institutes, the largest private-sector organization providing technical education and vocational training in the Punjab. Multan Medical and Dental College is the only private medical institution in Southern Punjab. Now more universities from federal are also open there campuses here in Multan as they are trying to make this city more educated like AIR university and NUML( National university of modern languages ) and a private institute of medical college name MMDC ( Multan medical and dental college ) so these are the few more universities by the help of people themselves mo government is not that much supporting in the field of education in our country

Transportation

Local billboards in a busy street in Multan

A newly built fly-over at a busy section in Multan

Multan has connections with other cities by a variety of means of transportation. The district has concrete road reaching up to 983.69 km. The district is linked with Khanewal, Lodhran and Muzaffargarh districts through concrete roads. Buses to Bahawalpur leave frequently, since it is located closely to the city. There are a variety of buses travelling farther from the city. Many of them are now air-conditioned with a fairly good safety record. The N-5 National Highway connects the city to connect to all parts of Pakistan. The road otherwise, known as GT Road, allows connections to Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore as well as Bahawalpur. Coach services such as Daewoo Express, Faisal Movers Express, Niazi Express,Khan brothers transport, Nadir flying coach, Punjab Tourism Department, Skyways and New Khan Bus Serviceare some of the most reliable coach companies operating out of Multan.

Multan is connected by rail with all parts of the country and lies on the main track between Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore and Quetta. The main Peshawar-Karachi railway line passes through Multan district. The district then links trains to nearby districts of Khanewal, Lodhran and Muzafargarh districts through the railway network.^[

Multan International Airport is an airport situated 10 km away from the city centre of Multan. It is not as large as the other airports in Pakistan, as it operates to cater mainly to the population of Multan, Vehari, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Sahiwal, and Pakpattan to mainly to other points within Pakistan as well as the Middle East. Flight are currently operated by the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. However, since the growth of air travel within the region, there has been speculated interest from other private carriers. The rise in air-travel has also led to the expansion of the current airport with a new runway and terminal.

Notable people from Multan

§ Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder and first king of Afghanistan

§ Amjad Islam Amjad, poet and drama writer, born in Multan

§ Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistani cricketer

§ Javed Hashmi of PML-N, first MNA, elected eight times

§ Jinnahbhai Poonja, father of Quaid-E-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born in Multan

§ Nawab Ali Mohammad Khan Khakwani

§ Sadiq Hussain Qureshi of Pakistan Peoples Party, former Governor and Chief Minister of Punjab

§ Sahibzada Farooq Ali, former Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan

§ Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan

§ Shaikh Amin bin Abdul Rehman, founder of Idrisiyya sufi order in Pakistan

§ Sheikh Muhammad Tahir Rasheed, Central Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League

§ Yousaf Raza Gillani, 26th Prime Minister of Pakistan

§ Mirza Aziz Akbar Baig, Former Vice Chairman of Pakistan Bar Council

CHOLISTAN DESERT,PAKISTAN

2011-05-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

CHOLISTAN DESERT

Cholistan Desert

Cholistan Desert (Urdu: صحرائے چولستان, also locally known as Rohi) sprawls thirty kilometers from Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan and covers an area of 26,300 km². It adjoins the Thar Desert extending over to Sindh and into India.

The word Cholistan is derived from the Turkish word Chol, which means Desert. Cholistan thus means Land of the Desert. The people of Cholistan lead a semi-nomadic life, moving from one place to another in search of water and fodder for their animals. The dry bed of the Hakra River runs through the area, along which many settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization have been found.

The Desert also has an Annual Jeep Rally, known as Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally. It is the biggest motor sports event in Pakistan.

Culture and traditions

Local Dialect

The language of Cholistan also reflects a number of features of its historical and geographical background. The Saraiki language is an Indo-Aryan language of the Lahnda languages group, and is spoken in Cholistan as well as in a large part of central Pakistan. Though once a considered a dialect of Punjabi, it is no more a neglected language and is considered a separate language now. Khwaja Ghulam Farid was a Sufi poet, who through his mystical writings and poetry not only developed the language, but also gave it a boost. The language suffered a great loss when Saraiki-speaking Hindus migrated to India during the Partition, and were replaced by Urdu speaking Muslim refugees from India. However, the majority of refugees settled in the cities and very few settled in rural Cholistan. Many Hindu Saraikis moved to the safety of the neighboring Hindu states of Bikaner and Jaisalmer during Partition.

Arts and crafts

In a harsh and barren land where rainfall is very sparse and unreliable, Cholistanis rely mainly on their livestock of sheep, goats, and camel. However in cold nights of winter they huddle indoor and engage themselves in various arts and crafts such as textiles, weaving, leatherwork, and pottery.

Local crafts

As mentioned above, the Indus Valley has always been occupied by the wandering nomadic tribes, who are fond of isolated areas, as such areas allow them to lead life free of foreign intrusion, enabling them to establish their own individual and unique cultures. Cholistan till the era of Mughal rule had also been isolated from outside influence. During the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar, it became a proper productive unit. The entire area was ruled by a host of kings who securely guarded their frontiers. The rulers were the great patrons of art, and the various crafts underwent a simultaneous and parallel development, influencing each other. Mesons, stone carvers, artisans, artists, and designers started rebuilding the old cities and new sites, and with that flourished new courts, paintings, weaving, and pottery. The fields of architecture, sculpture, terra cotta, and pottery developed greatly in this phase.

Livestock

The backbone of Cholistan economy is cattle breeding. It has the major importance for satisfying the area's major needs for cottage industry as well as milk meat and fat. Because of the nomadic way of life the main wealth of the people are their cattle that are bred for sale, milked or shorn for their wool. Moreover, isolated as they were, they had to depend upon themselves for all their needs like food, clothing, and all the items of daily use. So all their crafts initially stemmed from necessity but later on they started exporting their goods to the other places as well. The estimated number of livestock in the desert areas is 1.6 million.

Cotton and wool products

Cholistan produces very superior type of carpet wool as compared to that produced in other parts of Pakistan. From this wool they knit beautiful carpets, rugs and other woolen items. This includes blankets, which is also a local necessity for the desert is not just a land of dust and heat, but winter nights here are very cold, usually below freezing points. Khes and pattu are also manufactured with wool or cotton. Khes is a form of blanket with a field of black white and pattu has a white ground base. Cholistanis now sell the wool for it brings maximum profit.

Textiles

It may be mentioned that cotton textiles have always been a hallmark of craft of Indus valley civilization. Various kinds of khaddar-cloth are made for local consumption, and fine khaddar bedclothes and coarse lungies are woven here. A beautiful cloth called Sufi is also woven of silk and cotton, or with cotton wrap and silk wool. Gargas are made with numerous patterns and color, having complicated embroidery, mirror, and patchwork. Ajrak is another specialty of Cholistan. It is a special and delicate printing technique on both sides of the cloth in indigo blue and red patterns covering the base cloth. Cotton turbans and shawls are also made here. Chunri is another form of dopattas, having innumerable colors and patterns like dots, squares, and circles on it.

Camel products

Camels are highly valued by the desert dwellers. Camels are not only useful for transportation and loading purposes, but its skin and wool are also quite worthwhile. Camel wool is spun and woven into beautiful woolen blankets known as falsies and into stylish and durable rugs. The camel's leather is also utilized in making kuppies, goblets, and expensive lampshades.

Leatherwork

Leatherwork is another important local cottage industry due to the large number of livestock here. Other than the products mentioned above, Khusa (shoes) is a specialty of this area. Cholistani khusas are very famous for the quality of workmanship, variety, and richness of designs especially when stitched and embroidered with golden or brightly colored threads.

Jewellery

The Cholistanis are fond of jewellery and have a craze for gold. The chief ornaments made and worn by them are Nath-nose gay, Katmala-necklace Kangan-bracelet, Pazeb- anklets, and Chandanhar etc., Gold and silver bangles are also made and worn with pride. The locals are experts in enamel works, and it is done on buttons of all sorts, earrings, bangles, and rings etc.

Love for colors

The great desert though considered to be colorless and drab, is not wholly devoid of color. Its green portion plays the role of "color belt" especially after rains when vegetation growth is at its peak. Adding to that the locals always wear brightly colored clothes mostly consisting of brilliant reds, blazing oranges shocking pinks, and startling yellows and greens. Even the cloth trappings of their bullocks and camels are richly colored and highly textured.

Terra Cotta

The Indus Civilization was the earliest center of ceramics, and thus the pottery of Cholistan has a long history. Local soil is very fine, thus most suitable for making pottery. The fineness of the earth can be observed on the Kacha houses which are actually plastered with mud but look like white cemented. The chief Cholistani ceramic articles are their surahies, piyalas, and glasses, remarkable for their lightness and fine finishing.

In the early times only the art of pottery and terracotta developed, but from the seventh century onwards, a large number of temples and images were also built on account of the intensified religious passions and the accumulation of wealth in cities. The building activity reached to such an extent that some cities actually became city temples. In fact the area particularly came to be known for its forts, villas, palaces, havelis, gateways, fortifications, and city walls.

THAR COAL RESERVES,SINDH,PAKISTAN

2011-04-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Thar coal Reserves
If All The Oil Reserves of Saudia Arabia & Iran Are Put Together These will be Approximately 375 Billion Barrels, But
A Single Thar Coal Reserve Of Sindh is about 850 Trillion Cubic Feet, Which is More Than Oil Reserves Of Saudia & Iran.

These reserves estimated at 850 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas, about 30 times higher than Pakistan's proven gas reserves of 28 TCF.

Dr Murtaza Mughal president of Pakistan Economy Watch in a statement said that these reserves of coal worth USD 25 trillion not only cater the electricity requirements of the country for next 100 years but also save almost four billion dollars in staggering oil import bill.

Just 2% usage of Thar Coal Can Produce 20,000 Mega Watts of Electricity for next 40Years, without any single Second of Load Shedding. If the whole reserves are utilized, then it could easily be imagined how much energy could be generated.

The coal power generation would cost Pakistan PKR 5.67 per unit while power generated by Independent Power Projects presently cost PKR 9.27.

It requires just 420 Billion Rupees Initial Investment, whereas Pakistan receives annually 1220 Billion from Tax Only.

Chinese and other companies had not only carried out surveys and feasibilities of this project but also offered 100 percent investment in last 7 to 8 years but the “Petroleum Gang” always discouraged them in a very systematic way.

This Petroleum lobby is very strong in Pakistan and they are against any other means of power generation except for the imported oil. This lobby is major beneficiary of the increasing oil bill that is estimated above 15 billion dollar this year. Even GOVT is planning to Sell all these reserve to a company on a very low price.
When Pervez Musharraf was president he gave green signal to embark upon the initiation of work on exploiting energy potential of these coal reserves of Thar under a modern strategy.

Coal in Electricity Generation
South Africa 93%	Poland 92%	PR China 79%
Australia 77%	Kazakhstan 70%	India 69%
Israel 63%	Czech Rep 60%	Morocco 55%
Greece 52%	USA 49%	Germany 46%

COAL & ELECTRICITY

Total World Electricity Generation by Fuel (2006)

Modern life is unimaginable without electricity. It lights houses, buildings, streets, provides domestic and industrial heat, and powers most equipment used in homes, offices and machinery in factories. Improving access to electricity worldwide is critical to alleviating poverty.

Coal plays a vital role in electricity generation worldwide. Coal-fired power plants currently fuel 41% of global electricity. In some countries, coal fuels a higher percentage of electricity.

Coal in Electricity Generation

South Africa 93%

Poland 92%

PR China 79%

Australia 77%

Kazakhstan 70%

India 69%

Israel 63%

Czech Rep 60%

Morocco 55%

Greece 52%

USA 49%

Germany 46%

The importance of coal to electricity generation worldwide is set to continue, with coal fuelling 44% of global electricity in 2030.

How is Coal Converted to Electricity?

Steam coal, also known as thermal coal, is used in power stations to generate electricity.

Coal is first milled to a fine powder, which increases the surface area and allows it to burn more quickly. In these pulverised coal combustion (PCC) systems, the powdered coal is blown into the combustion chamber of a boiler where it is burnt at high temperature (see diagram below). The hot gases and heat energy produced converts water – in tubes lining the boiler – into steam.

The high pressure steam is passed into a turbine containing thousands of propeller-like blades. The steam pushes these blades causing the turbine shaft to rotate at high speed. A generator is mounted at one end of the turbine shaft and consists of carefully wound wire coils. Electricity is generated when these are rapidly rotated in a strong magnetic field. After passing through the turbine, the steam is condensed and returned to the boiler to be heated once again.

The electricity generated is transformed into the higher voltages (up to 400,000 volts) used for economic, efficient transmission via power line grids. When it nears the point of consumption, such as our homes, the electricity is transformed down to the safer 100-250 voltage systems used in the domestic market.

Efficiency Improvements

Improvements continue to be made in conventional PCC power station design and new combustion technologies are being developed. These allow more electricity to be produced from less coal - known as improving the thermal efficiency of the power station. Efficiency gains in electricity generation from coal-fired power stations will play a crucial part in reducing CO₂ emissions at a global level.

Efficiency improvements include the most cost-effective and shortest lead time actions for reducing emissions from coal-fired power generation. This is particularly the case in developing countries where existing power plant efficiencies are generally lower and coal use in electricity generation is increasing. Not only do higher efficiency coal-fired power plants emit less carbon dioxide per megawatt (MW), they are also more suited to retrofitting with CO₂ capture systems.

Improving the efficiency of pulverised coal-fired power plants has been the focus of considerable efforts by the coal industry. There is huge scope for achieving significant efficiency improvements as the existing fleet of power plants are replaced over the next 10-20 years with new, higher efficiency supercritical and ultra-supercritical plants and through the wider use of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) systems for power generation.

A one percentage point improvement in the efficiency of a conventional pulverised coal combustion plant results in a 2-3% reduction in CO₂ emissions.