Mosque of Pakistan-The Badshahi Mosque

The Badshahi Masjid (The Royal Mosque) was built on the orders of Aurangzeb Alamgir the Moghul Emperor. Though the passage of four centuries has left its mark on this grand structure; it has withstood the test of time gracefully. It has borne the abuse during the Sikh regime patiently and has tolerated the British maltreatment with dignity.

This mosque remained the largest mosque of the world for more than three centuries. It still remains the largest piece of Moghul architecture and was completed in only two and a half years. Its outdoor courtyard measures 161.5 x 160.6 meters and still is the largest courtyard of any mosque in the world; structure wise, the mosque itself stands fifth in world ranking.

Redstone and marble have been used in the construction of this mosque. The Redstone used was especially brought from Jaipur, Rajhastan (India). Variegated marble was used in the construction of steps and floor. The interior of the mosque is adorned with tiles and beautiful frescoes. The grandeur and elegance of the mosque simply mesmerizes the viewer.

Badshahi Mosque also features a museum where relics belonging to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his son-in-law Hazrat Ali and his daughter Bibi Fatima are displayed.

The Badshahi mosque stands proudly symbolizing the lost glory of its era and is one of the major tourist attractions of Lahore.

Mosque of Pakistan-Moti Masjid

Moti Masjid was constructed in the 17^th century during the reign of Shah Jehan as a part of the extension of the Lahore Fort. This grand structure was made of white marble brought especially from Makrana and though simply designed, it was purity and magnificence personified. Everything from the ceiling to the floor, columns to the arches is made of white marble. For the acoustics, shallow double domes were built.

It is a rather small mosque and most probably served as a place of worship of the royal harem. When the Sikhs took over the control of Punjab, the Moti Masjid was turned into Moti Mandir (temple); later when the British became masters; this beautiful building at first served as a treasury office but was later restored to its former position that is a mosque.

Moti Masjid is a fine example of the Moghul architecture.

Mosque of Pakistan-Maryam Zamani Mosque

The Rajput Princess Rajkumari Hira Kunwari came to be known as Maryam Zamani Begum after her marriage to the Moghul Emperor Akbar. She was also the mother of Jahangir; the heir to the Moghul throne.

This mosque was built in the 16^th century under the patronage of Emperor Jahangir and his mother Maryam Zamani. This mosque is the oldest surviving mosque of the Moghul era. The Maryam Zamani mosque is said to be among the most beautiful Moghul structures. The beautiful contrasting colors, the stunning frescoes and the decorated arches are extremely impressive and speak volumes of the taste and aesthetics of the builder. Throughout the interior you will see floral and geometrical patterns in rich colors which together with the crowned double domed prayer chamber are the most striking features of the mosque. Quranic and non Quranic inscriptions can also be seen inside the Maryam Zamani Mosque.

The mosque lies in the old part of Lahore and is situated in front of the Masjidi Gate (commonly called the Masti Gate) of the Lahore Fort.

Mosque of Pakistan-Dai Anga Mosque

Dai Anga Mosque was built in Lahore during the Moghul era by Dai Anga the wet nurse of the Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan. Zaib un Nisa popularly known as Dai Anga and her family were faithful servants of the Moghuls who in return held them in high esteem.

The mosque was visited by the faithfuls during the Moghul period but later on when Punjab came under the Sikhs, the mosque along with other historic buildings was used for military purposes. Later during the colonial period it served as a residence and then as a railway office due to its proximity to the railway station. It was then handed back to the Muslims.

The mosque had a magnificent exterior and an equally grand interior though it is said to be “simple” as compared to the other mosques of the Moghul era. The structure is octagonal in shape with minarets at each corner. There is a dome in the centre with two smaller domes on each side.

Multicolored mosaics, the signature decoration of the Shah Jehani period adorn the mosque. Beautifully decorative panels in various designs, shapes and sizes embellish the exterior of the mosque. Enameled pottery and Quranic inscriptions are found inside the mosques. The rough treatment at the hands of the Sikhs and the British and the apathy of the governments has turned this once magnificent structure into ruins; though restoration work has been done to some extent.

Attock Fort

Some forts were built by the rulers at vulnerable points to protect the territory from invasions; Attock Fort is one of such forts. The Attock District where the fort is constructed was a passage to India. Many invaders like Alexander the Great and the Moghul Emperor Babar entered India through this region.

The Attock Fort was built on Akbar’s orders to guard the area against invasions. The fort is built on a hill along the banks of River Indus and it took two years (1581-1583) to complete. Khawaja Shamsuddin Khawafi supervised its construction.

Not much is known about its interior as the fort is not open to general public. From the outside, it is showing signs of deterioration.

Rawal Dam

Rawal Dam was constructed across the Korang Nullah in 1960-1962 to supply water for domestic to the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This 700 feet long concrete dam is a fine example of stone masonry. With a storage capacity of 47,500 acre feet, it not only supplies drinking water to the twin cities but also irrigates an area of 500 acres.

The reservoir of Rawal Dam is called Rawal Lake and is spread over an area of 8.8 km square. The adjoining area around the lake has been developed as a picnic spot. Frequented by locals as well as tourists it offers various activities like fishing, boating, water skating and diving.

Rawal Lake is the natural habitat of some wild animals like the fox, jackal, wild boar and yellow throated marten and reptiles like Indian Cobra and Russell’s viper. It is a bird watcher’s paradise as a variety of birds is found here.

Peaks of Pakistan

The landscape of Pakistan is diverse and unique. The north is bordered by the three mighty ranges of the world the Himalayas, Hindu Kush and the Karakoram. There are some 14 peaks 8000 meters high in the world. Our northern areas contain 5 of these lofty ranges. There are numerous peaks above 6000 and 7000 meters. The northern areas are mostly visited for their breath taking beauty and picturesque landscape. However mountains also attract the adventure seekers. Many a daredevil have tried to tame these majestic mountains, some have succeeded while some have lost their lives. Trekking is another activity done here. The mountains of Pakistan draw a lot of tourists and contribute towards the country’s economy. Below is a list of the top 10 peaks of Pakistan according to their height. Some beautiful peaks like Rakaposhi and Spantik (Golden Peak) are worth seeing.

The Top Ten Peaks of Pakistan are:

1. Mount Godwin Austen (K2)
2. Nanga Parbat
3. Gasherbrum 1 Hidden Peak
4. Broad Peak
5. Gasherbrum 2
6. Gasherbrum 3
7. Gasherbrum 4
8. Distaghil Sar
9. Kunyang Chhish
10. Masherbrum NE

Glaciers in Pakistan

The north of Pakistan is the junction of the three formidable mountain ranges of the world The Himalaya, The Karakorum and The Hindu Kush. These silent sentinels are also a home of some of the world’s largest glaciers. It is said that more glaciers are found here after the north and south poles. The glaciers of Pakistan are spread over an area of 13,680 square kilometers. The Karakorum alone is covered with 6160 square meters of glaciers. These glaciers attract a lot of tourists to Pakistan every year.

Glaciers contribute a lot to Pakistan. They help maintain the climate otherwise the climate of Pakistan would have been unbearably hot. The glaciers add to the mesmerizing beauty which the northern areas are famous for. They are a major tourist attraction and promote tourism thus generating revenue. People from all over the world come here for glacier trekking. The glaciers guard our borders.

Below is a list of some prominent glaciers:

1. Siachen glacier 78 km long lies in the Karakorum Range.

2. Batura glacier 58 km long lies in the Karakorum Range.

3. Baltoro glacier 58 km long lies in the Karakorum Range.

4. Hispar glacier 49 km long lies in the Karakorum Range.

5. Passu glacier lays in the Hunza valley the Karakorum Range.

Forts of Pakistan

Pakistan has a large number of historical forts. Built mainly to protect cities, they are also representing the architecture of their respective eras. Although time has diminished their grandeur, they still stand to tell the tale of their past glory. Some forts worth visiting are:

1. The Red Fort

Originally named Shahi Qila, (Shahi means Royal and Qila means fort) it was nick named Lal (Red) Qila because of the red bricks used in its construction. It was built during the reign of the Moghul emperor Akbar it is an outstanding example of Moghul architecture. Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal and other impressive buildings are housed in the Red fort.

2. Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort lies 16km North West of the city of Jhelum on a tiny hillock 300 ft high. It was built by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri as a garrison fort. Sher Shah Suri had captured the throne after ousting the Moghul emperor Humayun and to stop him from re entering India, this fort was built. The architecture is a unique blend of Afghan and Indian style of construction.

3. Qila Sheikhupura

Qila Sheikhupura lies in the city of Sheikhpura some 35 km from Lahore. It was built during the reign of Emperor Jehangir in 1607.

4. Qila Sialkot

It is the oldest fort in Pakistan. It was built by Raja Salban in the 2nd century.C.E to defend the city from invasions.

5. Baltit Fort

It is situated in the scenic Hunza Valley, upper north of Pakistan. It was built 700 years ago and was the residence of the rulers who later abandoned it. It stands on a high rock on stilted legs. It is under the Aga Khan T rust for Culture Historic Cities Support Programme. Now turned into a museum, it is run by the Baltit Heritage Trust.

6. Rani Kot Fort

With a circumference of 24 km, it is the world’s largest fort. Rani Kot fort is located in the Kirthar range around 90 km from Karachi. A mystery regarding its origins shrouds the fort. No one knows who constructed it and why. The biggest enigma is its barren location.

7. Bala Hisar Fort

It is situated in the city of Peshawar. Constructed on a mound, it was named Bala Hisar (High Fort) by the Afghan ruler Taimoor Shah Durrani. It was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. Bala Hisar has been serving as the Head Quarter of the Frontier Corps since 1949.

5 reasons to visit Skardu

Skardu is the capital of Baltistan region of Pakistan. Located along the wide banks of River Indus at an altitude of 2438 meters, it has the Karakoram Range in its background.

1. Mountaineering & Trekking

Skardu serves as a base camp for all those who try to tame the tall K2 peaks. Some big glaciers Baltoro, Biafo and Siachen are also found here. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers, who trek to Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia.

2. Shigar Valley

This beautiful valley with its terraced farms is the entrance to the K2 peaks. It is abound with orchards. There are many historic places worth visiting and of course a visit to the colorful bazaar is a must. Through the Shigar Valley flows the Shigar River a tributary of Indus.

3. Shangrila Resort

This resort with its pagoda style cottages is popular among tourist. It encircles the heart shaped Kachura Lake and is surrounded by the exotic gardens.

4. Lakes of Skardu

The Satpara Lake and the two Kachura Lakes with their bewitching scenery captivate a lot of visitors. Boating and fishing can be done here.

5. Buddhist Rock

An image of meditating Buddha carved in 900 AD is worth seeing. It is located on the Satpara road.

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