1. The Indus Plain

The word Indus is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Sindhu’ which means ocean. The words Sindh, India and Hindu also come from the same word. River Indus is one of the world’s great rivers. Almost all of the major rivers of Pakistan flows into Indus. River Indus Basin is a large and very fertile plain formed from the River Indus silt. This area has a 5,000 years old civilization with agriculture as the main source of income. The main parts of the Indus Plain includes Upper Indus and Lower Indus Plain.

The upper side of the Indus basin includes the Province of Punjab and the Lower Basin starts at the confluence of the eastern tributaries extending south wards to the coast. The high area of the indus Plain is known as the Potohar Plateau located close to the foot hills of Himalaya mountains. There are four deserts in the Indus Plain namely Thal, Thar, Indus Valley and Cholistan.

a.      Upper Indus Plain:

There is a vast plain located on the east of Kirthar and Sulaiman mountain ranges and south of Salt range extending up to the Arabian Sea. River Indus and its tributaries irrigates this area including River Sutlej, Ravi, Jehlum and Chenab. These tributaries meet the great Indus at Mithan Kot and on its south lies the Lower Indus Plain and on the north is the Upper Indus plain. The upper portion of River Indus is very fertile despite the fact that there is few rainfalls in this area, mainly because it comprises of the soil brouth by the rivers. Long chain of canals are spread in this area which help produce a good quantity of crops. This canal system is one of a kind in the world. There are few hills of low heights seen around Chiniot, Sangla and Sarghoda.

Thal desert lies on the west of River Jehlum which used to be an arid area. But due to intense irrigation by the canals coming from the Jinnah Barrage this desert produce lots of crops. There are many Doabas including Ban Doab, Sagar Doab, Singh Doab in the District Sahiwal and Multan. A large part of this huge desert is populated only beause of this irrigation system which is turn help produce different types of crops. The plain becomes higher and higher and this raised part is known as Daras. The plains of Peshawar and Bannu are also very fertile which lies in the north of Daras. This is also due to canal system of irrigation and tube wells. Many crops are grown in this region including; rice, wheat, cotton, sugar cane, oil seeds and tobacco

b.      Lower Indus Plain:

The area in the south of Mithan Kot to the Arabian Sea is known as The Lower Indus Plain, which comprises of most of the area of Province of Sindh. The soil is very fertile and where ever proper supply of water is available crops can be grown. Several canals have been made in the north of the province and the central part of Sindh is irrigated by a large network of canals.

The Thar desert is however quite infertile due to lack of water and is located in the east of this plain. Near Thatha the Indus becomes closer to Arabian Sea where almost 556,000 acres of swampy delta is formed including mangrove forests. This delta then divides into several branches and falls into the Arabian Sea afterwards. During the monsoon a large part of this area is flooded with water creating destruction. The seaport of Karachi is located on the west of this delta and salt marshes of Rann of Kutch lies on its east.

2. Deosai Plain:

The meaning of the word Deosai is ‘Land of Giants’. This plain is located on the boundary of Karakoram and western Himalayas and comprises of an area approximately 3,000 sq. km. It is about 30 km from Skardu. This is the world’s highest plateau. It is snow capped most time of the year with no trees or even shrubs.

The plain is accessible from Skardu and the Astore valley in a brief summer season only. But it turns into a paradise like place in summers with millions of flowers, lots of greenery and a background of snow capped mountain peaks. Sheosar lake in this area also provide beautiful views. It is filled with purple meadow cranesbill, mauve Eritrichium and Aster and yellow Pedicularis and Poppies and many more in the month of June. It seems like a sheet of colorful flowers on the slopes.

This place has a unique biodiversity. It is interlaced with lots of streams and golden marmots. Trekkers come to this area from within and outside Pakistan and enjoy the mountains till September. There is a track crossing Deosai plain to Skardu and Astore Valley. This track goes to the Satpara lake from Skardu and a small village. Deosai is surrounded by snow capped mighty mountains exceeding 5,000 m height.

Spring comes a little late in this area, but once its here it comes in full bloom. The vast alpine flowers grown in this plain are one of a kind. In the spring season thousands of wild flowers fill up the green grass land with Fiona flora getting most part of the attraction. Thousands of tourists rush to visit Deosai in summers with spectacular views of the great Karakoram mountains from the height of about 4,785 m. Many wild animals live in this area including the Brown Bear. Deosai at an elevation of 3,500 meters is officially a protected area for wild life and the Deosai National Park is also another tourist’s attraction spot. It is located at approximately 13,500 feet above sea level and is above the tree line. It has an area of about 3,000 sq. km and is tourist’s paradise.

Camping is quite common in the area in the summer season which is mostly done on the bed of edelweiss and river or lake side. Chakor Pass is another attractive stop of the area which is 4,266 m high and is stuated in the south of the plateau. Lake Shausar also give another spot worth seeing to the visitors. The great Karakoram mountains on the north of this pass provide a very beautiful view.

This area with an endless and unspoiled natural beauty attracts thousands of tourists. With the beauty of soaring mountains, shiny glaciers, crystal clear lake water, natural streams, alluring river sides, alpine pastures and many neighboring attractions the trip to Deosai becomes an unforgettable experience. People who love adventure and trekking will find this a heavenly place.

3. Coastal Area.

The total coastal area of Pakistan is about 1100 km long and is located in the Province of Sindh and Balochistan. The longest one is in Balochistan which is 770 km long. The coastal area starts from the border between Sindh, Pakistan and India and ends at the border between Iran and Pakistan. It is present on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Geographically, it has great importance as it connects Pakistan with the neighbouring countries.

There is a strong possibility of presence of mineral oil in the sea that is why the government is paying a lot of attention in its progress.

In the Sindh coastal area Karachi is the most important part because of its sea port. Karachi Port is located between the towns of Kimari and Saddar and are close to various industrial areas and the business district. Karachi is a metropolitan city with the busiest seaport. It handles around 60% of Pakistan’s cargo which is 25 millions tons every year.

In the coastal areas of Balochistan Gawadar has the most important place. It is a deep sea port with warm water at the entrance of the Persian Gulf and around 460 km from Karachi city, south of Makran and about 47 miles away from the eastern border between Pakistan and Iran.  It has developed as a district along the sea in this region. The coast line here is around 600 km long. Its port has a potential of becoming the hub of trading activities between Pakistan and Central Asia.

Music is one of the most important elements that have existed in the world. Different people have different tastes and even the music styles of different areas of a country are so diverse that you may get confuse. Pakistan has always produced good music whether it’s folk, classical, pop or any other genre. Folk music is one of the most important music that belongs to our country and many singers who are worth mentioning, they made it worth listening with the beautiful and meaningful lyrics that give people a good leisure time and people actually get emotionally attached to them. This term has its history that shows that it was originated in 19^th century. Popular Folk singers of Pakistan that have been on the top includes Atta Ullah Khan Esa Khelvi, Arif Lohar, Saien Zahoor and many more like them who have changed the dimensions of this genre of music in Pakistan.

There is no denying this fact that Pakistan has produced some amazing folk singers who have won the hearts of millions across the globe through their singing.

Following is the list of famous Folk singers of Pakistan:

• Allan Faqir
• Sohrab Faqir
• Reshma
• Alam Lohar
• Arif Lohar
• Sher Mian Dad
• Shazia Manzoor
• Attaullah Khan Essa Khailwi
• Kamal Mahsud
• Zarina Baloch

Pakistan has got a rich and vibrant culture which is famous throughout the world for its many festivals and joyous occasions, and the Pakistani youth knows how to celebrate them all! We have got an array of different festivals; some of them have got to do with religion, some with history, some with our rich culture etc. From Eid to the Independence Day, none of the celebrations are spared. The most prominent and celebrated festival is Eid-ul-fitr that occurs right after the month of Ramadan. It is also called the “sweet eid” because on this occasion people make many scrumptious desserts like “kheer”, “halwa”, “sheer khurma” and enjoy the delicious festivity after fasting for about 30 days. For children, the arrival of Eid is music to the ears because they get to refill their purses with the loads of eidi they receive from their relatives.

Similarly, the Eid-ul-Azha in which a sacrificial animal is brought from the animal market and sacrificed. The meat is shared among the poor and the relatives. The fun part is the BBQ which many people have with their family and friends.

Then there is basant which is celebrated to its fullest inPunjab. People, dressed in yellow, throng to their rooftops and other grounds to play the kite game. The site of the sky full of brightly colored kites is so picturesque!

The top ten festivals of Pakistan are:

• Eid-ul-Fitar
• Eid-ul-Azha
• Eid Milad-un-Nabi
• Basant
• Independence Day (14^th august)
• Pakistan Day( 23^rd march)
• Defence Day(6^th September)
• Shandur polo festival
• Lok Mela festival(Islamabad)
• Horse and cattle show

The diverse culture of Pakistan is reflected from its handicrafts. Pakistani handicrafts are known all over the world for their exquisiteness. Pakistani shawls, dresses, caps, decoration pieces, baskets, cooking utensils, hand bags, jewellery and mats etc are very popular among locals and foreigners. Intricate patterns in beautiful colors are quite eye catching and attractive.

The handicrafts of each region of Pakistan are different reflecting its tradition and timeless beauty. Sindh province is known for its ajrak; a graceful block printed shawl and a symbol of Sindh. Other fabrics originated from Sindh are susi and khadi. Sindhi caps are well known too as are the beautiful blue colored tiles and the earthenware. Rilli a bedspread made from small pieces of cloths stitched together artistically and is found in Sindh only.

Punjab has always been the seat of culture. Multan the City of Saints is quite famous for its embroidered clothes and shoes. Pottery of Multan is also famous. Chiniot is known for its furniture while the handicrafts of Sadiqabad are popular too. Camel skin lamps, brass and wooden handicrafts, glazed pottery and hand woven carpets of Punjab are some sought after handicrafts.

The province of Balochistan is known for its leatherwork, goat and sheepskin jackets and mats. Balochi embroidery is also famous. Marble work of this area is also known.

Copper and brassware of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is favorite among foreigners and locals. The beautiful embroidery of different regions and sandals from Peshawar are very much in demand too.

The name of Mian Qadir Baksh tops the list of the big names of tabla players in Pakistan. He is known throughout the world for his skill and mastery of tabla. He was the head of the Punjab Gharana and a teacher of many tabla nawaz who gained international recognition.

After the death of Mian Qadir Baksh his adopted son Khalifa Akhtar Hussain Khan who was also his nephew vowed to continue this art. Akhtar Hussain Khan was the last khalifa or head of the Punjab gharana.

Ustad Altaf Hussain alias Tafo was one of the most revered names in the world of classical music. Belonging to the Punjab gharana he mastered the “ten finger style” created by the Guru of the art of tabla playing Ustad Ghulam Hussain Khan Jullandhari.

Ustad Bashir Hussain Goga and Ustad Bashir Khan are two other talented tabla nawaz from Pakistan belonging to the Punjab gharana.

Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan belonged to the Delhi and Punjab gharana and has given many memorable solo performances and has with other musicians as well.

Ustad Faryad Hussain “Bhulli” Khan also adopted the Punjab gharana style of playing. He taught the art of tabla playing to many aspiring students.

Ustad Abdul Sattar “Tari” Khan is known as the Prince of Tabla of Pakistan. He is a disciple of Ustad Shaukat Hussain.

Ustad Younas Khan Joona is known as the legend of tabla in Pakistan. He was known and respected in the music circles of Lahore where classical music was played and understood.

Kamran Serosh is one of the emerging tabla nawaz of Pakistan. Hailing from Lahore, he is the student of Ustad Faryad Hussain Khan.

Shakir Ali is known as one of the pioneers of contemporary art in the sub-continent. Born in the pre partition era; he went to Europe and stayed in the cities which were known as the cradle of art. He studied under well known artists and returned to Pakistan in 1951. He joined the Mayo School of Art (National College of Arts) and later took over as the principal. An introvert at heart, his sentiments is depicted in his paintings. His style influenced many artists and his students included some great names of his time.

Zahoor-ul-Akhlaq was another revered Pakistani artist who brought honor to the country. His style is defined as modern but with roots deeply etched in the traditional styles. He was a calligrapher, a teacher at the NCA and a visiting professor in some universities of the world. His work was exhibited the world over and he inspired and influenced many artists of his time and those who came later.

Zubeida Agha was also one of the pioneers of modern art in Pakistan. Blessed with rich imagination and a unique style of painting she generously used colors to express her feelings and observations on the canvas. Agha received her training in Pakistan and abroad and holds the distinction of being the first artist to have her exhibition of modern art.

Bashir Mirza a painter par excellence was often in the limelight for his bold paintings. The theme of his paintings varied as did his style. His Lonely Girl series shook the world of art; on one hand he was criticized for his brashness then on the other hand he was praised for his bold attempt.

Another big name in the world of painting in Pakistan is Anna Molka Ahmed. A pioneer of fine arts and a professor of fine arts in the University of Punjab, Ana Molka’s style is heavily inspired by French Impressionism.

Pakistan is the land of creative people. There are many artists in Pakistan whose paintings have made them famous internationally and have earned them a prestigious place in the world of art.

Abdul Rehman Chughtai (1894-1975) developed his own Chughtai style on the pattern of Persian and Mongol Traditional Style. His work is exhibited in many prominent places in the world including royal palaces and his admirers included the great artist Pablo Picasso himself. Apart from his beautiful watercolor masterpieces, Chughtai is also known for the creative set of stamps he painted in 1951 and his publication Murraqa-e-Chughtai in which he has artistically illustrated the sensitive yet strong verses of Ghalib.

Ahmed Pervaiz is another great painter from Pakistan. This modernist painter from Rawalpindi is well known in the world of art. His work was exhibited and highly appreciated by art lovers in the UK and other European countries and in the USA as well. Ahmed Pervaiz started his journey with water colors and towards the end of the journey he had progressed to oil paints.

Sadequain was a genius, a cult figure in the history of Pakistani art. He is famous for his murals and calligraphy. In fact he brought the art of calligraphy into the mainstream of art. His subject was the common man and his struggle which is prominent in his works.

Laila Shahzada is the first Pakistani female artist who captured international attention and has the distinction of being the first ever Pakistani to be honored with the “Keys of New York City”. Her works have been exhibited in major cities of the world.

Also known as the Imam of Art, Ali Imam was a prolific artist who spent his life in promoting art and artists in Pakistan both as an artist and as a teacher. He belonged to the first generation of artists of Pakistan and his unique style was admired and envied by many.

Sarangi is a stringed instrument of the Indian sub-continent. It is one of the most difficult instruments to play and fortunately Pakistan has some specialist sarangi players. The greatest Pakistani sarangi player of all times was Ustad Allah Rakha.

Ustad Allah Rakha was born in pre partition India and learned the art of sarangi playing from some of the big names of that time. He was associated with the Radio Pakistan Lahore and Rawalpindi. He gave performances in many countries of the world. Ustad Allah Rakha devoted his life to classical music and he also received the Pride of the Performance Award for the services rendered.

Ustad Ghulam Hussain Shaggan is one of the finest Pakistani sarangi players. He was acclaimed as a legend in the world of classical music and his long lustrous career is full of many awards, titles and acknowledgements he received from millions of admirers. The government of Pakistan honored him with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and the Pride of Performance award.

People tuned to the Radio Pakistan Karachi to especially listen to the sweet notes played by the sarangi maestro Ustad Natho Khan. Ustad Nathoo loved music would be an understatement as he lived and breathed music. Ustad Nathoo played this complex instrument effortlessly and enthralled the audience whenever he tugged the strings.

Another noted Pakistani sarangi player from Karachi is Muhammad Hussain. He learned the art of sarangi playing from Ustad Ashiq Ali and Ustad Jeeroo Khan. He was associated with Radio Pakistan Multan for thirty years and later came to Karachi where he was employed by the National Academy of Performing Arts.

Akhtar Hussain Khan is a fascinating Pakistani sarangi player of the present generation who has won accolades from music lovers for his performances. He has done solo performances also plays with other musicians as well.

Faraz Anwar is a rock guitarist of Pakistan. He currently tops the list of the talented guitarists of Pakistan. Faraz made his presence known to all by winning Pakistan’s national music competition. By the age of fourteen he was a full fledge guitarists with the ability of setting the stage ablaze with his fiery music. Allan Holdsworth the owner of Gnarly Geezer Records launched Faraz’s album “Abstract Point of View” in 2001 and considers him the “Guitar Guru ofAsia”. Faraz was also associated with the band “Mizrrab”.

Amir Zaki is an accomplished and most popular guitarist of Pakistan. He started playing guitar from the age of 14. Aamir rose to fame in the 90s and was also associated with Vital Signs for a short time. However his real claim to fame was his album Signature; the song Mera Pyar which he composed and sang is still popular. Aamir is truly creative and a genius who though believed in his music but never believed in himself. Whatever work he has done so far both nationally and internationally has won him accolades.

Asad Ahmed is another gifted guitarist who has played for the leading Pakistani bands , singers and has given solo performances too. At present he is associated with the band Karavan and plays on Coke Studios.

Mekaal Hasan is another prolific songwriter-composer and guitarist ofPakistan. Inspired heavily by Sufism; Meekal Hasan and his band currently rule the Pakistani music scene. Meekal Hasan has worked in collaboration with international stars such as Pete Lockette and Billy Cobham etc.

Shallum Asher Xavier is one of the best guitarists inPakistan. He has played with several bands and singers and has been awarded as the “Best Guitarist” for two years in a row.

Pakistan has a rich culture and many languages are spoken here by a diversified group of people. Language is a mode of communication through which people living in this world communicate with each other. The ancient languages were consisted mostly of symbols and gestures. With the passage of time, letter and alphabets got developed which gave rise to a lot of languages. Now thousands of languages are being spoken in various parts of the world including Pakistan. There are two official languages in Pakistan namely Urdu and English with various four main regional languages. The four languages that are spoken in the four provinces of Pakistan are Punjabi, Pashtu, Sindhi and Balochi. However, there are other regional languages also that are spoken in various areas of Pakistan. These languages include Kashmiri, Saraiki, Hindko and some others. It is important to note that the majority of population in Pakistan speaks regional or provincial languages other than Urdu. A list of the top ten languages spoken in Pakistan is given below:

1)      Punjabi Language spoken mostly in the province of Punjab

2)      Pashto Language frequently spoken in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

3)      Sindhi Language predominantly spoken in Sindh province

4)      Seraiki Language mostly spoken in Punjab province

5)      Urdu Language frequently spoken all over Pakistan. Urdu is Pakistan’s national language.

6)      Balochi Language predominantly spoken in Balochistan province

7)      Hindko language spoken in hilly areas of Pakistan

8)      Kashmiri language spoken in Azad Kashmir and adjacent areas

9)      Brahui spoken in Southern suburbs of Pakistan

10)  Shina mostly spoken in Giglit-Baltistan