Pakistan

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Modèle:Pp-semi-protected Modèle:Featured article Modèle:Infobox Country</ref> www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/pco/statistics/other_tables/pop_by_mother_tongue.pdf| title=Population by Mother Tongue| publisher=Population Census Organization, Government of Pakistan| accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref>//www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/pco/statistics/other_tables/pop_by_mother_tongue.pdf| title=Population by Mother Tongue| publisher=Population Census Organization, Government of Pakistan| accessdate=2007-12-11}}</ref> | demonym = Pakistani | official_religion = Islam | capital = Islamabad | latd = 33 | latm = 40 | latNS = N | longd = 73 | longm = 10 | longEW = E | largest_city = Karachi | government_type = Semi-presidential republic | leader_title1 = President | leader_name1 = Pervez Musharraf | leader_title2 = Prime Minister | leader_name2 = Muhammad Mian Soomro | sovereignty_type = Formation | established_event1 = Independence | established_date1 = from the United Kingdom | established_event2 = Declared | established_date2 = 14 August 1947 | established_event3 = Islamic republic | established_date3 = 23 March 1956 | area_km2 = 880,940 | area_sq_mi = 340,403 | area_rank = 36Modèle:Th<ref name="Pakistan proper">Excludes Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the Northern Areas.</ref> | area_magnitude = | percent_water = 3.1 www.finance.gov.pk/survey/sur_chap_06-07/13-population.pdf Estimate of Pakistan Economic Survey of 2006–2007, prepared by the Ministry of Finance] </ref>//www.finance.gov.pk/survey/sur_chap_06-07/13-population.pdf Estimate of Pakistan Economic Survey of 2006–2007, prepared by the Ministry of Finance] </ref> | population_estimate_year = 2007 | population_estimate_rank = 6Modèle:Th | population_census = | population_census_year = | population_density_km2 = 206 | population_density_sq_mi = 534 | population_density_rank = 53Modèle:Rd | GDP_PPP_year = 2007 www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/01/data/dbcoutm.cfm?SD=2004&ED=2007&R1=1&R2=1&CS=3&SS=2&OS=C&DD=0&OUT=1&C=564&S=NGDP_RPCH-NGDPD-NGDPDPC-PPPWGT&CMP=0&x=56&y=14| title=Report for Selected Countries and Subjects| publisher=International Monetary Fund| accessdate=2007-12-15}}</ref>//www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/01/data/dbcoutm.cfm?SD=2004&ED=2007&R1=1&R2=1&CS=3&SS=2&OS=C&DD=0&OUT=1&C=564&S=NGDP_RPCH-NGDPD-NGDPDPC-PPPWGT&CMP=0&x=56&y=14| title=Report for Selected Countries and Subjects| publisher=International Monetary Fund| accessdate=2007-12-15}}</ref> | GDP_PPP_rank = 25Modèle:Th | GDP_PPP_per_capita = $2,943 | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 128Modèle:Th | HDI_year = 2007 | HDI = 0.551 | HDI_rank = 136Modèle:Th | HDI_category = medium | Gini = 30.6 | Gini_year = 2002 | Gini_category = medium | currency = Rupee (Rs.) | currency_code = PKR | time_zone = PST | utc_offset = +5 | time_zone_DST = not observed | utc_offset_DST = +6 | cctld = .pk | calling_code = 92 }} encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761560851/Pakistan.html Encarta Encyclopedia - Pakistan] </ref><ref name="Middle East Institute">Middle East Institute: Pakistan</ref> It has a 1,046 kilometer (650 mile) coastline along the Arabian Sea in the south, and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast.<ref name="Kashmir status">The Kashmir region is claimed by India and Pakistan. Both countries and China separately administer parts of the region with the Indian and Pakistani-held areas defined by the Line of Control. The Pakistani-Chinese border is not recognized by India. India refers to Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)</ref>//encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761560851/Pakistan.html Encarta Encyclopedia - Pakistan] </ref><ref name="Middle East Institute">Middle East Institute: Pakistan</ref> It has a 1,046 kilometer (650 mile) coastline along the Arabian Sea in the south, and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast.<ref name="Kashmir status">The Kashmir region is claimed by India and Pakistan. Both countries and China separately administer parts of the region with the Indian and Pakistani-held areas defined by the Line of Control. The Pakistani-Chinese border is not recognized by India. India refers to Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)</ref>

Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world. It also has the second largest Muslim population in the world. Its territory was a part of the pre-partitioned British India and has a long history of settlement and civilisation including the Indus Valley Civilisation. The region has been invaded by the Greeks, Persians, Arabs, Afghans, Turks, and Mongols. The territory was incorporated into British India in the nineteenth century. Since its independence, the country has been characterized by periods of military and economic growth interspersed with political instability.

The nation was founded officially as the Dominion of Pakistan in 1947, under the leadership of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League, and was renamed the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1956. Pakistan was a founding member of the OIC, SAARC, D8 and ECO. It is also a member of the UN, WTO, G33, G77 and is a nuclear power.

Etymology

www.zyworld.com/slam33/non.htm Text of the Now or Never pamphlet, issued on January 28, 1933]</ref> The name represented the "thirty million Muslims of PAKSTAN, who live in the five Northern Units of (British) India—Punjab, Afghania (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and BaluchisTAN."<ref>Wolpert, Stanley. 1984. Jinnah of Pakistan. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. 421 pages. ISBN 0195678591.</ref>//www.zyworld.com/slam33/non.htm Text of the Now or Never pamphlet, issued on January 28, 1933]</ref> The name represented the "thirty million Muslims of PAKSTAN, who live in the five Northern Units of (British) India—Punjab, Afghania (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and BaluchisTAN."<ref>Wolpert, Stanley. 1984. Jinnah of Pakistan. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. 421 pages. ISBN 0195678591.</ref>

History

Main article: History of Pakistan

www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/archaeology/sites/middle_east/mohenjo_daro.html Minnesota State University page on Mohenjo-Daro]</ref>//www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/archaeology/sites/middle_east/mohenjo_daro.html Minnesota State University page on Mohenjo-Daro]</ref>

Waves of conquerors and migrants including Harappan, Indo-Aryan, Persian, Grecian, Saka, Parthian, Kushan, White Hun, Afghan, Arab, Turkics, and Mughal settled in the region throughout the centuries, influencing the locals and being absorbed among them. However, while the eastern provinces of Punjab and Sind became aligned with Indo-Islamic civilization, the western areas became culturally allied with the Iranic civilization of Afghanistan and Iran. The modern state of Pakistan was established on 14 August 1947. The region is a crossroads of historic trade routes, including the Silk Road.

www.livius.org/aa-ac/achaemenians/achaemenians.html Livius.org on the extent of the Achaemenid Empire]</ref> around 543 BCE, to Alexander the Great<ref name="plutarch">Plutarch's Life of Alexander</ref> in 326 BCE and the Mauryan empire. The Indo-Greek Kingdom founded by Demetrius of Bactria included Gandhara and Punjab from 184 BCE, and reached its greatest extent under Menander, establishing the Greco-Buddhist period with advances in trade and culture. The city of Taxila (Takshashila) became a major centre of learning in ancient times - the remains of the city, located to the west of Islamabad, are one of the country's major archaeological sites.//www.livius.org/aa-ac/achaemenians/achaemenians.html Livius.org on the extent of the Achaemenid Empire]</ref> around 543 BCE, to Alexander the Great<ref name="plutarch">Plutarch's Life of Alexander</ref> in 326 BCE and the Mauryan empire. The Indo-Greek Kingdom founded by Demetrius of Bactria included Gandhara and Punjab from 184 BCE, and reached its greatest extent under Menander, establishing the Greco-Buddhist period with advances in trade and culture. The city of Taxila (Takshashila) became a major centre of learning in ancient times - the remains of the city, located to the west of Islamabad, are one of the country's major archaeological sites.

www.infinityfoundation.com/ECITChachnamaframeset.htm Infinity Foundation's translation of the Chach-Nama]</ref> conquered Sindh and Multan in southern Punjab. The Pakistan government's official chronology states that "its foundation was laid" as a result of this invasion.<ref name="Information of Pakistan"> You must specify title = and url = when using {{cite web}}.

. Government of Pakistan www.worldbank.org.pk/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/PAKISTANEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20918063~menuPK:293074~pagePK:2865066~piPK:2865079~theSitePK:293052,00.html//www.infopak.gov.pk/History.aspx  
 

 

.</ref> This would set the stage for several successive Muslim empires in the Indian subcontinent, including the Ghaznavid Empire, the Ghorid Kingdom, the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. During this period, Sufi missionaries played a pivotal role in converting a majority of the regional Buddhist and Hindu population to Islam. The gradual decline of the Mughal Empire in the early eighteenth century provided opportunities for the Afghans, Balochis and Sikhs to exercise control over large areas until the British East India Company<ref name="east_india">Library of Congress study of Pakistan</ref> gained ascendancy over South Asia.//www.infinityfoundation.com/ECITChachnamaframeset.htm Infinity Foundation's translation of the Chach-Nama]</ref> conquered Sindh and Multan in southern Punjab. The Pakistan government's official chronology states that "its foundation was laid" as a result of this invasion.<ref name="Information of Pakistan"> You must specify title = and url = when using {{cite web}}.

. Government of Pakistan www.worldbank.org.pk/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/PAKISTANEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20918063~menuPK:293074~pagePK:2865066~piPK:2865079~theSitePK:293052,00.html//www.infopak.gov.pk/History.aspx  
 

 

.</ref> This would set the stage for several successive Muslim empires in the Indian subcontinent, including the Ghaznavid Empire, the Ghorid Kingdom, the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. During this period, Sufi missionaries played a pivotal role in converting a majority of the regional Buddhist and Hindu population to Islam. The gradual decline of the Mughal Empire in the early eighteenth century provided opportunities for the Afghans, Balochis and Sikhs to exercise control over large areas until the British East India Company<ref name="east_india">Library of Congress study of Pakistan</ref> gained ascendancy over South Asia.

www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00islamlinks/txt_iqbal_1930.html| title=Sir Muhammad Iqbal's 1930 Presidential Address| work=Speeches, Writings, and Statements of Iqbal| accessdate=2006-12-19}}</ref> Muhammad Ali Jinnah espoused the Two Nation Theory and led the Muslim League to adopt the Lahore Resolution<ref name="resolution">Jang.com page on the Lahore Resolution</ref> of 1940 (popularly known as the Pakistan Resolution), which ultimately led to the formation of an independent Pakistan.//www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00islamlinks/txt_iqbal_1930.html| title=Sir Muhammad Iqbal's 1930 Presidential Address| work=Speeches, Writings, and Statements of Iqbal| accessdate=2006-12-19}}</ref> Muhammad Ali Jinnah espoused the Two Nation Theory and led the Muslim League to adopt the Lahore Resolution<ref name="resolution">Jang.com page on the Lahore Resolution</ref> of 1940 (popularly known as the Pakistan Resolution), which ultimately led to the formation of an independent Pakistan.

users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat3.htm#India Estimates for the 1947 death toll]</ref> across India and Pakistan—millions of Muslims moved to Pakistan and millions of Hindus and Sikhs moved to India. Disputes arose over several princely states including Jammu and Kashmir whose ruler had acceded to India following an invasion by Pashtun warriors, leading to the First Kashmir War (1948) ending with India occupying roughly two-third of the state. From 1947 to 1956, Pakistan was a Dominion in the Commonwealth of Nations. The republic declared in 1956 was stalled by a coup d'etat by Ayub Khan (1958–69), who was president during a period of internal instability and a second war with India in 1965. His successor, Yahya Khan (1969–71) had to deal with the cyclone which caused 500,000 deaths<ref name="cyclone">"Community participation in disaster management can reduce the losses"</ref> in East Pakistan.//users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat3.htm#India Estimates for the 1947 death toll]</ref> across India and Pakistan—millions of Muslims moved to Pakistan and millions of Hindus and Sikhs moved to India. Disputes arose over several princely states including Jammu and Kashmir whose ruler had acceded to India following an invasion by Pashtun warriors, leading to the First Kashmir War (1948) ending with India occupying roughly two-third of the state. From 1947 to 1956, Pakistan was a Dominion in the Commonwealth of Nations. The republic declared in 1956 was stalled by a coup d'etat by Ayub Khan (1958–69), who was president during a period of internal instability and a second war with India in 1965. His successor, Yahya Khan (1969–71) had to deal with the cyclone which caused 500,000 deaths<ref name="cyclone">"Community participation in disaster management can reduce the losses"</ref> in East Pakistan.

news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/south_asia/2002/india_pakistan/timeline/1971.stm 1971 war summary by BBC website]</ref> (Bangladesh War of Independence) (see also Causes of Separation of East Pakistan) and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and ultimately the secession of East Pakistan as the independent state of Bangladesh.<ref name="Bangladesh">http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/17.htm US Country Studies article on the Bangladesh War]</ref>. Estimates of the number of people killed during this episode vary greatly, from ~30,000 to over 2 million depending on the source.//news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/south_asia/2002/india_pakistan/timeline/1971.stm 1971 war summary by BBC website]</ref> (Bangladesh War of Independence) (see also Causes of Separation of East Pakistan) and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and ultimately the secession of East Pakistan as the independent state of Bangladesh.<ref name="Bangladesh">http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/17.htm US Country Studies article on the Bangladesh War]</ref>. Estimates of the number of people killed during this episode vary greatly, from ~30,000 to over 2 million depending on the source.

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/09/24/MN168392.DTL The 1991 Gulf war]</ref> Military tensions in the Kargil conflict<ref name="kargil">Kargil conflict timeline on the BBC website</ref> with India were followed by a Pakistani military coup d'état in 1999<ref name="1999coup">Daily Telegraph (UK) article on the 1999 coup</ref> in which General Pervez Musharraf assumed executive powers. In 2001, Musharraf named himself President after the forced resignation of Rafiq Tarar. After the 2002 parliamentary elections, Musharraf transferred executive powers to newly elected Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali, who was succeeded in the 2004 Prime-Ministerial election by Shaukat Aziz, followed by a temporary period in office by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. On 15th November, 2007 the National Assembly completed its tenure and so a caretaker government was appointed with the former Chairman of the Senate, Muhammad Mian Soomro as caretaker Prime Minister.//www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/09/24/MN168392.DTL The 1991 Gulf war]</ref> Military tensions in the Kargil conflict<ref name="kargil">Kargil conflict timeline on the BBC website</ref> with India were followed by a Pakistani military coup d'état in 1999<ref name="1999coup">Daily Telegraph (UK) article on the 1999 coup</ref> in which General Pervez Musharraf assumed executive powers. In 2001, Musharraf named himself President after the forced resignation of Rafiq Tarar. After the 2002 parliamentary elections, Musharraf transferred executive powers to newly elected Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali, who was succeeded in the 2004 Prime-Ministerial election by Shaukat Aziz, followed by a temporary period in office by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. On 15th November, 2007 the National Assembly completed its tenure and so a caretaker government was appointed with the former Chairman of the Senate, Muhammad Mian Soomro as caretaker Prime Minister.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Pakistan and Politics of Pakistan

The Muslim League formed Pakistan's first government under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan. The Muslim League's leadership of Pakistani politics decreased significantly with the rise of other political parties, including the Pakistan People's Party in West Pakistan, and the Awami League in East Pakistan, which would ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh. The first Constitution of Pakistan was adopted in 1956, but was suspended in 1958 by Ayub Khan. The Constitution of 1973, suspended in 1977 by Zia-ul-Haq, was re-instated in 1991 and is the country's most important document, laying the foundations of government. Pakistan is a federal democratic republic with Islam as the state religion. The semi-presidential system includes a bicameral legislature consisting of a 100-member Senate and a 342-member National Assembly. The President is the Head of State and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and is elected by an electoral college. The prime minister is usually the leader of the largest party in the National Assembly. Each province has a similar system of government with a directly elected Provincial Assembly in which the leader of the largest party or alliance becomes Chief Minister. Provincial Governors are appointed by the President.

The Pakistani military has played an influential role in mainstream politics throughout Pakistan's history, with military presidents ruling from 1958–71, 1977–88 and from 1999 onwards. The leftist Pakistan People's Party (PPP), led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, emerged as a major political player during the 1970s. Under the military rule of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan began a marked shift from the British-era secular politics and policies, to the adoption of Shariat and other laws based on Islam. During the 1980s, the anti-feudal, pro-Muhajir Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was started by unorthodox and educated urban dwellers of Sindh and particularly Karachi. The 1990s were characterized by coalition politics dominated by the PPP and a rejuvenated Muslim League.

In the October 2002 general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML-Q) won a plurality of National Assembly seats with the second-largest group being the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), a sub-party of the PPP. Zafarullah Khan Jamali of PML-Q emerged as Prime Minister but resigned on 26 June 2004 and was replaced by PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain as interim Prime Minister. On 28 August, 2004 the National Assembly voted 191 to 151 to elect the Finance Minister and former Citibank Vice President Shaukat Aziz as Prime Minister. Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, a coalition of Islamic religious parties, won elections in North-West Frontier Province, and increased their representation in the National Assembly.

www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/EnlightenedModeration.aspx President Musharraf on Enlightened Moderation]</ref> a plan to promote a renaissance and enlightenment in the Muslim world. Pakistan is also a member of the major regional organisations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). In the past, Pakistan has had mixed relations with the United States especially in the early 1950s when Pakistan was the United States' "most allied ally in Asia"<ref name="mostallied">Pakistan: The Most Allied Ally in Asia</ref> and a member of both the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO). During the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s Pakistan was a crucial US ally, but relations soured in the 1990s, when sanctions were applied by the US over suspicions of Pakistan's nuclear activities. The September 11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terrorism have seen an improvement in US–Pakistan ties, especially after Pakistan ended its support of the Taliban regime in Kabul. This was evidenced by a drastic increase in American military aid, which saw Pakistan take in $4 billion more in three years after the 9/11 attacks than in the three years before.<ref>//www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/EnlightenedModeration.aspx President Musharraf on Enlightened Moderation]</ref> a plan to promote a renaissance and enlightenment in the Muslim world. Pakistan is also a member of the major regional organisations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). In the past, Pakistan has had mixed relations with the United States especially in the early 1950s when Pakistan was the United States' "most allied ally in Asia"<ref name="mostallied">Pakistan: The Most Allied Ally in Asia</ref> and a member of both the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO). During the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s Pakistan was a crucial US ally, but relations soured in the 1990s, when sanctions were applied by the US over suspicions of Pakistan's nuclear activities. The September 11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terrorism have seen an improvement in US–Pakistan ties, especially after Pakistan ended its support of the Taliban regime in Kabul. This was evidenced by a drastic increase in American military aid, which saw Pakistan take in $4 billion more in three years after the 9/11 attacks than in the three years before.<ref> "

   Pakistan's $4.2 Billion 'Blank Check' for U.S. Military Aid, After 9/11, funding to country soars with little oversight
   
 " , Center for Public Integrity
  , March 27 2007
 
 .  (English
www.publicintegrity.org/icij/default.aspx//www.publicintegrity.org/icij/default.aspx) 
  </ref> 

www.canadianencyclopedia.ca/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=M1ARTM0011704 The Canadian Encyclopedia Historica, India's Nuclear Test] Maclean's Magazine, William Lowther, Nomi Morris, and Sankarshan Thakur, 25 May 1998</ref> The relations with India are steadily improving following peace initiatives in 2002. Pakistan maintains close economic, military and political relationships with the People's Republic of China.//www.canadianencyclopedia.ca/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=M1ARTM0011704 The Canadian Encyclopedia Historica, India's Nuclear Test] Maclean's Magazine, William Lowther, Nomi Morris, and Sankarshan Thakur, 25 May 1998</ref> The relations with India are steadily improving following peace initiatives in 2002. Pakistan maintains close economic, military and political relationships with the People's Republic of China.

www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2005%5C12%5C31%5Cstory_31-12-2005_pg7_29 'Taliban' gain sway in tribal region]. Daily Times. 31 December 2005.</ref>//www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2005%5C12%5C31%5Cstory_31-12-2005_pg7_29 'Taliban' gain sway in tribal region]. Daily Times. 31 December 2005.</ref>

Additionally, the country has long faced instability in Balochistan,its largest province by size, but smallest by population. The army was deployed to fight a serious insurgency within the province from 1973–76. Social stability resumed after Rahimuddin Khan was appointed martial law administrator beginning in 1977. After relative peace throughout the 1980s and 1990s, some influential Baloch tribal leaders restarted a separatist movement after Pervez Musharraf took over in 1999. In a recent incident Nawab Akbar Bugti, the leader of the Baloch insurgency, was killed in August 2006 by Pakistani military forces.

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7076670.stm| title=Musharraf imposes emergency rule| work=BBC News| date=November 3 2007| accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> In response, Pakistan was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth of Nations on 22 November 2007.<ref>"

   Pakistan barred from Commonwealth 
     
 " , BBC News website , BBC
  , 22 November 2007
 
  . Retrieved on 2007-11-23
 . </ref>//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7076670.stm| title=Musharraf imposes emergency rule| work=BBC News| date=November 3 2007| accessdate=2007-11-03}}</ref> In response, Pakistan was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth of Nations on 22 November 2007.<ref>"
   Pakistan barred from Commonwealth 
     
 " , BBC News website , BBC
  , 22 November 2007
 
  . Retrieved on 2007-11-23
 . </ref>

www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=akTcKrCtbmWE&refer=uk], Qayum, Khalid and Ahmed, Khaleeq, "Pakistan Deploys Troops in Swat to Curb Militants (Update 1)", Bloomberg News, October 25, 2007, article references Dawn newspaper in Pakistan, "citing Badshah Gul, home secretary of the province"; accessed November 7, 2007</ref> The paramilitary Frontier Constabulary had been deployed to the area to quell the violence, but seemed ineffective. Militants were reported on November 16, 2007 to have captured Alpuri district headquarters in neighboring Shangla. The local police fled without resisting the advancing militant force which, in addition to local militants, also included Uzbek, Tajik and Chechen volunteers.<ref>"Militants Gain Despite Decree by Musharraf" article by Jane Perlez and Ismail Khan in The New York Times November 15, 2007</ref> To roll back militantcy and restore order, the Government of Pakistan deployed a force from the regular Pakistani Army which was successful in retaking the lost territory, sending the Islamists into the mountains<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7130682.stm</ref><ref>http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071208/wl_sthasia_afp/pakistanunrestnorthwest_071208102501</ref>, but attacks by suicide bombers on the Army continue.<ref> but attacks by suicide bombers on the Army continue.<ref>"Attacks on Pakistani Military Kill 15" article by Carlotta Gall in The New York Times November 25, 2007</ref>. It has been reported that the United States Special Operations Command is considering alternatives to render effective aid to Pakistan with respect to this and other Al Qaeda related insurgencies in the tribal areas of Pakistan, but prospects are uncertain.<ref>"U.S. Hopes to Use Pakistani Tribes Against Al Qaeda" article by Eric Schmitt, Mark Mazzetti, and Carlotta Gall in The New York Times November 19, 2007</ref>//www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=akTcKrCtbmWE&refer=uk], Qayum, Khalid and Ahmed, Khaleeq, "Pakistan Deploys Troops in Swat to Curb Militants (Update 1)", Bloomberg News, October 25, 2007, article references Dawn newspaper in Pakistan, "citing Badshah Gul, home secretary of the province"; accessed November 7, 2007</ref> The paramilitary Frontier Constabulary had been deployed to the area to quell the violence, but seemed ineffective. Militants were reported on November 16, 2007 to have captured Alpuri district headquarters in neighboring Shangla. The local police fled without resisting the advancing militant force which, in addition to local militants, also included Uzbek, Tajik and Chechen volunteers.<ref>"Militants Gain Despite Decree by Musharraf" article by Jane Perlez and Ismail Khan in The New York Times November 15, 2007</ref> To roll back militantcy and restore order, the Government of Pakistan deployed a force from the regular Pakistani Army which was successful in retaking the lost territory, sending the Islamists into the mountains<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7130682.stm</ref><ref>http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071208/wl_sthasia_afp/pakistanunrestnorthwest_071208102501</ref>, but attacks by suicide bombers on the Army continue.<ref> but attacks by suicide bombers on the Army continue.<ref>"Attacks on Pakistani Military Kill 15" article by Carlotta Gall in The New York Times November 25, 2007</ref>. It has been reported that the United States Special Operations Command is considering alternatives to render effective aid to Pakistan with respect to this and other Al Qaeda related insurgencies in the tribal areas of Pakistan, but prospects are uncertain.<ref>"U.S. Hopes to Use Pakistani Tribes Against Al Qaeda" article by Eric Schmitt, Mark Mazzetti, and Carlotta Gall in The New York Times November 19, 2007</ref>

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Subdivisions of Pakistan and Districts of Pakistan

www.nrb.gov.pk/constitutional_and_legal/constitution/part1.notes.html#1 The Constitutional basis of the Federation of Pakistan]</ref> of four provinces, a capital territory and federally administered tribal areas. Pakistan exercises de facto jurisdiction over the western parts of the Kashmir region, organised as two separate political entities (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas), which are also claimed by India. Pakistan also claims Jammu and Kashmir, which is a portion of Kashmir that is administered by India.//www.nrb.gov.pk/constitutional_and_legal/constitution/part1.notes.html#1 The Constitutional basis of the Federation of Pakistan]</ref> of four provinces, a capital territory and federally administered tribal areas. Pakistan exercises de facto jurisdiction over the western parts of the Kashmir region, organised as two separate political entities (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas), which are also claimed by India. Pakistan also claims Jammu and Kashmir, which is a portion of Kashmir that is administered by India.

In 2001 the federal government abolished the administrative entities called "Divisions", which used to be the third tier of government. The entities called "districts" (zillas), which used to be the fourth tier, became the new third tier. The provinces and the capital territory are subdivided into a total of 107 districts which contain numerous tehsils and local governments. The tribal areas comprise seven tribal agencies and six small frontier regions detached from neighbouring districts whilst Azad Kashmir comprises seven districts and Northern Areas comprises six districts.

Provinces:

1. Balochistan
2. North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)
3. Punjab
4. Sindh

www.nrb.gov.pk/constitutional_and_legal/constitution/part12.ch3.html Constitutional article 246(b) on the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas]</ref> (PATA) which are being developed into regular districts.//www.nrb.gov.pk/constitutional_and_legal/constitution/part12.ch3.html Constitutional article 246(b) on the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas]</ref> (PATA) which are being developed into regular districts.

Territories:

5. Islamabad Capital Territory <li> Federally Administered Tribal Areas </ol> Pakistani-administered portions of Kashmir:
   <li> Azad Kashmir<ref name="Kashmir status" /> <li> Northern Areas<ref name="Kashmir status" />
   [modifier]

   Geography and climate

   Main article: Geography of Pakistan

   Image:K2 8611.jpg

   K2, at 8,611 metres (28,251 ft), is the second highest peak in the world.

   www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pk.html The area of Pakistan proper excludes the regions administered in Kashmir] URL accessed on November 03, 2006</ref>, approximately the combined land areas of France and the United Kingdom, with its eastern regions located on the Indian tectonic plate and the western and northern regions on the Iranian plateau and Eurasian landplate. Apart from the 1,046 kilometre (650 mi) Arabian Sea coastline, Pakistan's land borders total 6,774 kilometres—2,430 kilometres (1,509 mi) with Afghanistan to the northwest, 523 kilometres (325 mi) with China to the northeast, 2,912 kilometres (1,809 mi) with India to the east and 909 kilometres (565 mi) with Iran to the southwest.<ref name="cia_world_factbook"> CIA World Factbook URL accessed on March 20, 2006</ref>//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pk.html The area of Pakistan proper excludes the regions administered in Kashmir] URL accessed on November 03, 2006</ref>, approximately the combined land areas of France and the United Kingdom, with its eastern regions located on the Indian tectonic plate and the western and northern regions on the Iranian plateau and Eurasian landplate. Apart from the 1,046 kilometre (650 mi) Arabian Sea coastline, Pakistan's land borders total 6,774 kilometres—2,430 kilometres (1,509 mi) with Afghanistan to the northwest, 523 kilometres (325 mi) with China to the northeast, 2,912 kilometres (1,809 mi) with India to the east and 909 kilometres (565 mi) with Iran to the southwest.<ref name="cia_world_factbook"> CIA World Factbook URL accessed on March 20, 2006</ref>

   The different types of natural features range from the sandy beaches, lagoons, and mangrove swamps of the southern coast to preserved beautiful moist temperate forests and the icy peaks of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountains in the north. There are an estimated 108 peaks above 7,000 metres (23,000 ft) high that are covered in snow and glaciers. Five of the mountains in Pakistan (including Nanga Parbat) are over 8,000 metres (26,000 ft). Indian-controlled Kashmir to the Northern Areas of Pakistan and running the length of the country is the Indus River with its many tributaries. The northern parts of Pakistan attract a large number of foreign tourists. To the west of the Indus are the dry, hilly deserts of Balochistan; to the east are the rolling sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The Tharparkar desert in the southern province of Sindh, is the only fertile desert in the world. Most areas of Punjab and parts of Sindh are fertile plains where agriculture is of great importance.

   The climate varies as much as the scenery, with cold winters and hot summers in the north and a mild climate in the south, moderated by the influence of the ocean. The central parts have extremely hot summers with temperatures rising to 45 °C (113 °F), followed by very cold winters, often falling below freezing. Officially the highest temperature recorded in Pakistan is 52.8 °C at Jacobabad. There is very little rainfall ranging from less than 250 millimetres to more than 1,250 millimetres (9.8–49.2 in), mostly brought by the unreliable south-westerly monsoon winds during the late summer. The construction of dams on the rivers and the drilling of water wells in many drier areas have temporarily eased water shortages at the expense of downgradient populations.

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   Flora and fauna

   Image:Hunzavalleyriver.jpg

   The Hunza valley in northern Pakistan. — Agricultural and scenic

   The wide variety of landscapes and climates in Pakistan allows for a wide variety of wild animals and birds. The forests range from coniferous alpine and subalpine trees such as spruce, pine, and deodar cedar in the northern mountains to deciduous trees such as the mulberry-type Shisham in the Sulaiman range in the south. The western hills have juniper and tamarisk as well as coarse grasses and scrub plants. Along the coast are mangrove forests which form much of the coastal wetlands.

   news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4776031.stm Leo the snow leopard is US-bound]</ref> Another rare species is the blind Indus River Dolphin of which there are believed to be about 1,000 remaining, protected in two major sanctuaries. In recent years the number of wild animals being killed for fur and leather trading led to a new law banning the hunting of wild animals and birds and the establishment of several wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves.<ref name="wildlife">Wildlife Sanctuaries of Pakistan</ref>//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4776031.stm Leo the snow leopard is US-bound]</ref> Another rare species is the blind Indus River Dolphin of which there are believed to be about 1,000 remaining, protected in two major sanctuaries. In recent years the number of wild animals being killed for fur and leather trading led to a new law banning the hunting of wild animals and birds and the establishment of several wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves.<ref name="wildlife">Wildlife Sanctuaries of Pakistan</ref>

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   Economy

   Main article: Economy of Pakistan

   Image:Karachi at night.JPEG

   Karachi - the financial capital and the largest city of Pakistan

   www.pakistanstudies-aips.org/en/economy.htm| title=Pakistan Studies; Economy| accessdate=2006-11-20| work=American Institute of Pakistan Studies}}</ref> Recently, wide-ranging economic reforms have resulted in a stronger economic outlook and accelerated growth especially in the manufacturing and financial services sectors. There has been great improvement in the foreign exchange position and rapid growth in hard currency reserves in recent years. The 2005 estimate of foreign debt was close to US$40 billion. However, this has decreased in recent years with assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and significant debt-relief from the United States. Pakistan's gross domestic product, as measured by purchasing power parity (PPP), is estimated to be US$475.4 billion <ref name="imfPPP">www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9638-regional-GDP-table/| title=Country-by-Country Growth and Forecasts| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Asian Development Bank}}</ref><ref name="dtview"> VIEW: Is GDP growth sustainable? — Akmal Hussain

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   . Retrieved on 2006-11-20. </ref>//www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=564&s=PPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr.x=59&pr.y=1| title=Report for Selected Countries and Subjects (PPP)| accessdate=2006-11-20| work=International Monetary Fund}}</ref> while its per capita income (PCI) stands at $2,976.<ref>Report for Selected Countries and Subjects. IMF.</ref> Despite clear progress, reports by the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the UN Development Program place the poverty rate in Pakistan between 23% – 28%.<ref>http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/135153/1/1893</ref> The CIA factbook places the poverty rate at 24% in 2006,<ref>The World Factbook. CIA.</ref> and notes that levels have fallen by ten percent since 2001. Pakistan's GDP growth rates have seen a steady increase over the last 5 years. However, inflationary pressures and a low savings rate, among other economic factors, could make it difficult to sustain a high growth rate, according to some analysts.<ref name="JohnWall2006">//www.pakistanstudies-aips.org/en/economy.htm| title=Pakistan Studies; Economy| accessdate=2006-11-20| work=American Institute of Pakistan Studies}}</ref> Recently, wide-ranging economic reforms have resulted in a stronger economic outlook and accelerated growth especially in the manufacturing and financial services sectors. There has been great improvement in the foreign exchange position and rapid growth in hard currency reserves in recent years. The 2005 estimate of foreign debt was close to US$40 billion. However, this has decreased in recent years with assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and significant debt-relief from the United States. Pakistan's gross domestic product, as measured by purchasing power parity (PPP), is estimated to be US$475.4 billion <ref name="imfPPP">www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9638-regional-GDP-table/| title=Country-by-Country Growth and Forecasts| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Asian Development Bank}}</ref><ref name="dtview"> VIEW: Is GDP growth sustainable? — Akmal Hussain

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   . Retrieved on 2006-11-20. </ref>//www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=564&s=PPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr.x=59&pr.y=1| title=Report for Selected Countries and Subjects (PPP)| accessdate=2006-11-20| work=International Monetary Fund}}</ref> while its per capita income (PCI) stands at $2,976.<ref>Report for Selected Countries and Subjects. IMF.</ref> Despite clear progress, reports by the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the UN Development Program place the poverty rate in Pakistan between 23% – 28%.<ref>http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/135153/1/1893</ref> The CIA factbook places the poverty rate at 24% in 2006,<ref>The World Factbook. CIA.</ref> and notes that levels have fallen by ten percent since 2001. Pakistan's GDP growth rates have seen a steady increase over the last 5 years. However, inflationary pressures and a low savings rate, among other economic factors, could make it difficult to sustain a high growth rate, according to some analysts.<ref name="JohnWall2006"> {{cite web www.worldbank.org.pk/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/PAKISTANEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20918063~menuPK:293074~pagePK:2865066~piPK:2865079~theSitePK:293052,00.html//www.worldbank.org.pk/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/PAKISTANEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20918063~menuPK:293074~pagePK:2865066~piPK:2865079~theSitePK:293052,00.html |title=Concluding Remarks at the Pakistan Development Forum 2006 by John Wall, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan |accessdate=2006-12-20 |format=html |work=World Bank }} </ref><ref name="adb"> www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9638-regional-GDP-table/| title=Country-by-Country Growth and Forecasts| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Asian Development Bank}}</ref><ref name="dtview"> VIEW: Is GDP growth sustainable? — Akmal Hussain

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   . Retrieved on 2006-11-20. </ref>//www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9638-regional-GDP-table/| title=Country-by-Country Growth and Forecasts| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Asian Development Bank}}</ref><ref name="dtview">www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9638-regional-GDP-table/| title=Country-by-Country Growth and Forecasts| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Asian Development Bank}}</ref><ref name="dtview"> VIEW: Is GDP growth sustainable? — Akmal Hussain

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   . Retrieved on 2006-11-20. </ref>//www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C05%5C01%5Cstory_1-5-2006_pg3_5| title=VIEW: Is GDP growth sustainable? — Akmal Hussain| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Daily Times Newspaper}}</ref>

   Image:Blue area islamaba galleryfull.jpg

   Islamabad's financial district

   The growth of non-agricultural sectors has changed the structure of the economy, and agriculture now only accounts for roughly 20% of the GDP. The service sector accounts for 53% of the country's GDP with wholesale and retail trade forming 30% of this sector. In recent times, the Karachi Stock Exchange has soared, along with most of the world's emerging markets. Large amounts of foreign investments have been made into several industries. The top industries in Pakistan are telecom, software, automotives, textiles, cement, fertilizer, steel, ship building, and more recently, aerospace.

   www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/media/Water/Technical%20Arguments%20for%20KBD-2.pdf Water Strategy - 2020] URL Accessed 20 November 2006</ref>//www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/media/Water/Technical%20Arguments%20for%20KBD-2.pdf Water Strategy - 2020] URL Accessed 20 November 2006</ref>

   english.people.com.cn/200611/27/eng20061127_325492.html Experts: Enhance economic links]</ref>//english.people.com.cn/200611/27/eng20061127_325492.html Experts: Enhance economic links]</ref> www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2078rank.html CIA Factbook]</ref> and is poised to cross $18 billion (USD) in 2006 and $20 billion (USD) in 2007.<ref>Pakistan hopes to achieve $18 bln exports this year</ref> Pakistan is also home to a thriving arms industry which exports $200 million (USD) annually, mostly defence equipment and arms to countries in the Middle East and South Asia, and its defence officials are hopeful that these exports will surpass $500 million (USD) a year within the next five years.//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2078rank.html CIA Factbook]</ref> and is poised to cross $18 billion (USD) in 2006 and $20 billion (USD) in 2007.<ref>Pakistan hopes to achieve $18 bln exports this year</ref> Pakistan is also home to a thriving arms industry which exports $200 million (USD) annually, mostly defence equipment and arms to countries in the Middle East and South Asia, and its defence officials are hopeful that these exports will surpass $500 million (USD) a year within the next five years.

   www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\12\01\story_1-12-2006_pg5_4 7% growth achieved in FY 05–06]</ref><ref>Pakistan Economy Registers 7% Growth Rate for 4th Consecutive Year</ref> In its June 2006 Economic Survey global finance giant Morgan Stanley listed Pakistan on its list of major emerging markets in the world economy, placing it on a list of 25 countries displaying continued moderate to strong growth over a sustained period of time.<ref>MSCI Index descriptions</ref> The report noted "its economy has been growing quickly in recent periods and corporate direct investors have taken notice". A similar report by State Street Corporation, states that "economic growth (in 2007) has been strong and the stock market has been helped by privatizations as well as foreign investment".<ref name="ssga"> Brad Aham, State Street Corporation

   
   

   
   

   
   

   .    Emerging Markets 
   

   . Retrieved on 2007-11-05. </ref> Concurrently, highlighting the strides made on the economic front in recent times, Moody's Investors Service in December 2006 upgraded Pakistan's credit rating from B2 to B1, noting a "positive outlook".<ref>Macro-economic fundamentals improving, says Ashfaque</ref>//www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\12\01\story_1-12-2006_pg5_4 7% growth achieved in FY 05–06]</ref><ref>Pakistan Economy Registers 7% Growth Rate for 4th Consecutive Year</ref> In its June 2006 Economic Survey global finance giant Morgan Stanley listed Pakistan on its list of major emerging markets in the world economy, placing it on a list of 25 countries displaying continued moderate to strong growth over a sustained period of time.<ref>MSCI Index descriptions</ref> The report noted "its economy has been growing quickly in recent periods and corporate direct investors have taken notice". A similar report by State Street Corporation, states that "economic growth (in 2007) has been strong and the stock market has been helped by privatizations as well as foreign investment".<ref name="ssga">www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9638-regional-GDP-table/| title=Country-by-Country Growth and Forecasts| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Asian Development Bank}}</ref><ref name="dtview"> VIEW: Is GDP growth sustainable? — Akmal Hussain

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   . Retrieved on 2006-11-20. </ref>//www.ssga.com/library/mkcm/bradahamemergingmarkets20070630/page.html| title=Emerging Markets| author=Brad Aham, State Street Corporation| accessdate=2007-11-05}}</ref> Concurrently, highlighting the strides made on the economic front in recent times, Moody's Investors Service in December 2006 upgraded Pakistan's credit rating from B2 to B1, noting a "positive outlook".<ref>Macro-economic fundamentals improving, says Ashfaque</ref>

   www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C03%5C28%5Cstory_28-3-2007_pg5_2 ADB sees Pakistan’s growth rate at 6.5%-7% in 2007 and 2008]</ref> Further progress was highlighted by news that the FDI for FY 2006/7 would touch $7 billion, eclipsing the targeted $4 billion. Telecoms, real estate and energy are major industries for FDI.<ref>FDI to touch $7 billion by year-end: SBP governor</ref><ref>Foreign investment to reach $ 7billion during current fiscal: Governor SBP</ref>//www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C03%5C28%5Cstory_28-3-2007_pg5_2 ADB sees Pakistan’s growth rate at 6.5%-7% in 2007 and 2008]</ref> Further progress was highlighted by news that the FDI for FY 2006/7 would touch $7 billion, eclipsing the targeted $4 billion. Telecoms, real estate and energy are major industries for FDI.<ref>FDI to touch $7 billion by year-end: SBP governor</ref><ref>Foreign investment to reach $ 7billion during current fiscal: Governor SBP</ref>

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   Demographics

   Main article: Demographics of Pakistan

   Image:Pakistan ethnic 1973.jpg

   Major Ethnic Groups in Pakistan, 1973

   Pakistan has an estimated population of 164,742,000 as of 2007.<ref name="US Census Bureau 1">www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9638-regional-GDP-table/| title=Country-by-Country Growth and Forecasts| accessdate=2006-11-20| format=HTML| work=Asian Development Bank}}</ref><ref name="dtview"> VIEW: Is GDP growth sustainable? — Akmal Hussain

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   . Retrieved on 2006-11-20. </ref>//www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/country/pkportal.html| title=Pakistan IDB Country Summary| work=International Data Base| author=U.S. Census Bureau| accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> Pakistan has the world's sixth largest population, placing it higher than Russia, and lower than Brazil. Pakistan is expected to surpass Brazil in population by the year 2020 because of the high growth rate. Population projections for Pakistan are relatively difficult because of the apparent differences in the accuracy of each census and the inconsistencies between various surveys related to the fertility rate, but it is likely that the rate of growth peaked in the 1980s and has since declined significantly.<ref name="population">Feeney and Alam, 2003</ref> The population was estimated at 162,400,000<ref name="prb">Population Reference Bureau's 2005 World Data Sheet</ref> on July 1, 2005, with a fertility rate of 34 per thousand, a death rate of 10 per thousand, and the rate of natural increase at 2.4%. Pakistan also has a high infant mortality rate of 70 per thousand births.<ref name="US Census Bureau 2">International Data Base U.S. Census Bureau. URL accessed on 17 October 2006.</ref>

   www.pajhwok.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=44975 UNHCR hails Pakistan as an important partner (Nov. 3, 2007)]</ref>//www.pajhwok.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=44975 UNHCR hails Pakistan as an important partner (Nov. 3, 2007)]</ref>

   www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=pnb Ethnologue Western Punjabi]</ref>//www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=pnb Ethnologue Western Punjabi]</ref>

   www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/pco/statistics/other_tables/pop_by_religion.pdf Census results for religions of Pakistan]</ref> indicates that 96% of the population are Muslims, (nearly 77% are Sunni Muslims and 20% are Shi'a Muslims according to CIA estimates<ref name="estimate"> Estimate from CIA World Factbook </ref>). Minority religions include Hinduism (1.85%), Christianity (1.6%), as well as much smaller numbers of Sikhs (Around 0.04%), Parsis, Ahmadis, Buddhists,Jews, and Animists (mainly the Kalasha of Chitral). Pakistan is the second most populous Muslim-majority country<ref name="ayres">Robert Ayres, Turning Point: The End of the Growth Paradigm, James & James/Earthscan, 1998, pp. 63. ISBN 1853834394</ref> and also has the second largest Shi'a population in the world.//www.statpak.gov.pk/depts/pco/statistics/other_tables/pop_by_religion.pdf Census results for religions of Pakistan]</ref> indicates that 96% of the population are Muslims, (nearly 77% are Sunni Muslims and 20% are Shi'a Muslims according to CIA estimates<ref name="estimate"> Estimate from CIA World Factbook </ref>). Minority religions include Hinduism (1.85%), Christianity (1.6%), as well as much smaller numbers of Sikhs (Around 0.04%), Parsis, Ahmadis, Buddhists,Jews, and Animists (mainly the Kalasha of Chitral). Pakistan is the second most populous Muslim-majority country<ref name="ayres">Robert Ayres, Turning Point: The End of the Growth Paradigm, James & James/Earthscan, 1998, pp. 63. ISBN 1853834394</ref> and also has the second largest Shi'a population in the world.

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   Society and culture

   Main article: Culture of Pakistan

   Image:Faisal masjid isla galleryfull.jpeg

   Shah Faisal Masjid in Islamabad. Islam has had an extensive impact on the culture of Pakistan.

   Pakistan has a rich and unique culture that has preserved established traditions throughout history. Many cultural practices, foods, monuments, and shrines were inherited from the rule of Muslim Mughal and Afghan emperors. The national dress of shalwar qamiz is originally of Central Asian origin derived from Turko-Iranian nomadic invaders and is today worn in all parts of Pakistan. Women wear brightly coloured shalwar qamiz, while men often wear solid-coloured ones. In cities western dress is also popular among the youth and the business sector.

   The variety of Pakistani music ranges from diverse provincial folk music and traditional styles such as Qawwali and Ghazal Gayaki to modern forms fusing traditional and western music, such as the synchronisation of Qawwali and western music by the world renowned Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. In addition Pakistan is home to many famous folk singers such as the late Alam Lohar, who is also well known in Indian Punjab. The arrival of Afghan refugees in the western provinces has rekindled Pashto and Persian music and established Peshawar as a hub for Afghan musicians and a distribution centre for Afghan music abroad.

   news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4639216.stm Pakistan to show Bollywood film] Pakistan banned Indian movies following the 1965 war </ref> Indian film stars are still generally popular in Pakistan due to the fact that Pakistanis are easily able to buy Bollywood movies from local shops for private home viewing.//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4639216.stm Pakistan to show Bollywood film] Pakistan banned Indian movies following the 1965 war </ref> Indian film stars are still generally popular in Pakistan due to the fact that Pakistanis are easily able to buy Bollywood movies from local shops for private home viewing.

   ssl.tnr.com/p/docsub.mhtml?i=20020701&s=trb070102 "Understate". The New Republic Online<u>. July 01, 2002.]</ref> as opposed to the northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan that remain highly conservative and dominated by centuries-old regional tribal customs. Increasing globalization has increased the influence of "Western culture" with Pakistan ranking 46^th on the A.T. Kearney/FP Globalization Index.<ref name="globalization">Kearney Foreign Policy Globalization Index</ref> There are an approximated four million Pakistanis living abroad,<ref name="expats">Aslam, S.M., Expatriates to Build Better Pakistan, Pakistan & Gulf Economist, 11–17 December 2000, URL accessed March 17, 2006</ref> with close to a half-million expatriates living in the United States<ref name="expats_us">Ahmed, Faish. "U.S. Rules Give Pakistan a Windfall". Wall Street Journal. New York, New York. October 22, 2003. Page A18.</ref> and around a million living in Saudi Arabia.<ref name="expats_saudi">Hussain, Shaiq. Musharraf to focus on Palestine in Saudia visit from today. <u>The Nation. June 25, 2005. URL accessed March 17, 2006</ref> As well as nearly one million people of Pakistani descent in the United Kingdom, there are burgeoning cultural connections.<ref name="expats_uk">Howells, Kim. Kim Howells arrives in Pakistan. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (National). September 6, 2006. URL accessed October 22, 2006</ref>//ssl.tnr.com/p/docsub.mhtml?i=20020701&s=trb070102 "Understate". The New Republic Online<u>. July 01, 2002.]</ref> as opposed to the northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan that remain highly conservative and dominated by centuries-old regional tribal customs. Increasing globalization has increased the influence of "Western culture" with Pakistan ranking 46^th on the A.T. Kearney/FP Globalization Index.<ref name="globalization">Kearney Foreign Policy Globalization Index</ref> There are an approximated four million Pakistanis living abroad,<ref name="expats">Aslam, S.M., Expatriates to Build Better Pakistan, Pakistan & Gulf Economist, 11–17 December 2000, URL accessed March 17, 2006</ref> with close to a half-million expatriates living in the United States<ref name="expats_us">Ahmed, Faish. "U.S. Rules Give Pakistan a Windfall". Wall Street Journal. New York, New York. October 22, 2003. Page A18.</ref> and around a million living in Saudi Arabia.<ref name="expats_saudi">Hussain, Shaiq. Musharraf to focus on Palestine in Saudia visit from today. <u>The Nation. June 25, 2005. URL accessed March 17, 2006</ref> As well as nearly one million people of Pakistani descent in the United Kingdom, there are burgeoning cultural connections.<ref name="expats_uk">Howells, Kim. Kim Howells arrives in Pakistan. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (National). September 6, 2006. URL accessed October 22, 2006</ref>

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   Tourism

   Main article: Tourism in Pakistan

   Image:Alamgiri Gate.jpg

   The Lahore Fort, was rebuilt by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1566.

   www.tourism.gov.pk/mountain.html PTDC page on mountaineering]</ref> The people of northern areas depend on tourism also. From April to September tourist of domestic and international type visited these areas which became the earn of living for local people. The northern parts of Pakistan have many old fortresses, towers and other architecture as well as the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the latter being home to the small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community who claim descent from the army of Alexander the Great. In the Punjab is the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital with many examples of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. To promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the prime minister launched "Visit Pakistan 2007".<ref name="Visit Pakistan 2007">Events taking place during 2007, Press released by Tourism of Pakistan</ref>//www.tourism.gov.pk/mountain.html PTDC page on mountaineering]</ref> The people of northern areas depend on tourism also. From April to September tourist of domestic and international type visited these areas which became the earn of living for local people. The northern parts of Pakistan have many old fortresses, towers and other architecture as well as the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the latter being home to the small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community who claim descent from the army of Alexander the Great. In the Punjab is the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital with many examples of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. To promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the prime minister launched "Visit Pakistan 2007".<ref name="Visit Pakistan 2007">Events taking place during 2007, Press released by Tourism of Pakistan</ref>

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   Holidays

   Main article: Holidays in Pakistan

   Image:Hazuri Bagh.JPG

   Mughal-era Hazuri Bagh in Lahore, an example of Mughal era Islamic architecture.

   There are many festivals celebrated annually in Pakistan which may or may not observe as holidays e.g. Pakistan Day (23 March), Independence Day (14 August), Defence of Pakistan Day (6 September), Pakistan Air Force Day (7 September), the anniversaries of the birth (25 December)(holiday) and death (11 September) of Quaid-e-Azam, (Allama Iqbal (9 November) and the birth (30 July) and death (8 July) of Madar-e-Millat. Labour Day (also known as May Day) is also observed in Pakistan on May 1 (holiday).

   Several important festivals are celebrated by Pakistani Muslims during the year, dependent on the Islamic calendar. Ramadan, the ninth month of the calendar, is characterised by daytime fasting for 29 or 30 days and is followed by the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. In a second festival, Eid ul-Adha, an animal is sacrificed in remembrance of the actions of Prophet Abraham (Arabic: Ibrahim) and the meat is shared with friends, family, and the less fortunate. Both Eid festivals are public holidays, serving as opportunities for people to visit family and friends, and for children to receive new clothes, presents, and sweets. Muslims celebrate Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the prophet Muhammad, in the third month of the calendar (Rabi' al-Awwal. Muslims mark the Day of Ashurah on the 9th and 10th days of the first month (Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn bin Ali, (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad).

   Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians in Pakistan also celebrate their own festivals and holidays. Sikhs come from across the world to visit several holy sites in Punjab, including the shrine of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, at Hassan Abdal in the Attock District, and his birthplace, at Nankana Sahib. There are also several regional and local festivals, such as the Punjabi festival of Basant, which marks the start of spring and is celebrated by kite flying.

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   Sports

   Main article: Sports in Pakistan

   Image:Gaddafi.jpg

   Gaddafi Stadium, one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world

   The official and national sport of Pakistan is field hockey, although cricket is more popular. The national cricket team has won the Cricket World Cup once (in 1992), were runners-up once (in 1999), and co-hosted the games twice (in 1987 and 1996). Pakistan were runners-up in the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20 held in South Africa. Pakistan was chosen to host the 2008 ICC Champions Trophy cricket tournament and co-host the 2011 Cricket World Cup, with Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh. Other popular sports in Pakistan include football, and squash. Squash is another sport that Pakistanis have excelled in, with successful world-class squash players such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan winning the World Open several times during their careers.

   www.bharatiyahockey.org/olympics/2004/pakistan.htm Bharatiya Hockey]</ref> Pakistan has also hosted several international competitions, including the SAF Games in 1989 and 2004.//www.bharatiyahockey.org/olympics/2004/pakistan.htm Bharatiya Hockey]</ref> Pakistan has also hosted several international competitions, including the SAF Games in 1989 and 2004.

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   See also

   Modèle:PakistanTopics

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   References

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   Further reading

   • Cohen, Stephen P. The Idea of Pakistan. The Brookings Institution. November 2004. ISBN 0-8157-1502-1.
   • Banuazizi, Ali and Weiner, Myron. The State, Religion, and Ethnic Politics: Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Syracuse University Press. August 1988. ISBN 0-8156-2448-4.
   • Halliday, Fred. State and Ideology in the Middle East and Pakistan. Monthly Review Pr. February 1998. ISBN 0-85345-734-4.
   • Hammond Incorporated. Hammond Greater Middle East Region: Including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, and Turkey. American Map Corporation. August 2002. ISBN 0-8437-1827-7.

   www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?011203fa_FACT1]//www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?011203fa_FACT1]

   • Insight Guides, Halliday, Tony and Ikram, Tahir. Insight Guide Pakistan<u>. Apa Productions. January 1998. ISBN 0-88729-736-6.
   • Malik, Hafeez. <u>Pakistan: Founders' Aspirations and Today's Realities. Oxford University Press, USA. May 2001. ISBN 0-19-579333-1.

   www.minorityrights.org/admin/Download/Pdf/MRGPakistanReport.pdf]//www.minorityrights.org/admin/Download/Pdf/MRGPakistanReport.pdf] fletcher.tufts.edu/news/2004/05/najam1.shtml]//fletcher.tufts.edu/news/2004/05/najam1.shtml]

   • Rooney, John. Shadows in the dark: A history of Christianity in Pakistan up to the 10th century. Christian Study Centre. January 1984. Modèle:OCLC.
   • Rahman, Tariq.1996. Language and Politics in Pakistan Karachi: Oxford University Press. Reprinted several times, latest repr. 2006.
   • Rahman, Tariq .2002. Language, Ideology and Power: Language-learning Among the Muslims of Pakistan and North India Karachi: OUP.
   • Rahman, Tariq .2004. Denizens of Alien Worlds: A Study of Education, Inequality and Polarization in Pakistan Karachi: OUP, 2006 repr.
   • Sharif, Shuja. "Musharraf's Administration And Pakistan's Economy". Contemporary Review. March 31, 2005. 129–134.
   • Wolpert, Stanley. Jinnah of Pakistan. Oxford University Press, USA. May 1984. ISBN 0-19-503412-0.
   • Zakaria, Rafiq. The Man Who Divided India: An Insight into Jinnah's Leadership and its Aftermath

   www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001526317 Statehood in South Asia]//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001526317 Statehood in South Asia] www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001526317 Statehood in South Asia]//www.ccc.nps.navy.mil/si/2004/oct/khanOct04.asp Strategic Insights, Volume III, Issue 10 (October 2004)]

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   External links

   Modèle:Sisterlinks Modèle:Portal

   Official sites

   www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001526317 Statehood in South Asia]//www.pakistan.gov.pk Government of Pakistan] www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001526317 Statehood in South Asia]//www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk President of Pakistan] www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001526317 Statehood in South Asia]//www.infopak.gov.pk Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]

   General information

   • Modèle:Wikiatlas
   • Modèle:Wikitravel
   • Modèle:Wikia
   • [{{{2}}} Catégorie Regional/Asia/Pakistan] de l’annuaire dmoz.

   Modèle:Template group Modèle:Template group

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