Country Information on Pakistan

Terrain Pakistan may be divided into four geographic regions: The plateau region of West Pakistan is an arid region with relatively wetter conditions in its northern sections. East of the plateau region the extensive alluvial plains are found through which the Indus and its tributaries flow. The region is hot and dry and is occupied in its eastern borders by the Thar Desert. The north-western part of Pakistan, which occupies about two thirds of the North-West Frontier Province, is a region of low hills and plateaus interspersed with fertile valleys. In the northern section of the North-West Frontier Province and in the Pakistani-occupied sector of Kashmir are the rugged ranges and the high, snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush, Himalaya, and the Karakorum mountains. Pakistan's highest elevation is K 2 (8,607 m). Climate The country has a generally hot and dry climate, with desert conditions prevailing throughout much of the area. Along the western border and in a section of the north are semi-arid steppe lands and deserts. Subtropical climate with marked summer rainfall dominates a small section of the north-east along the Himalayan foothills, with Alpine climate that varies with altitude in the north. In the Indus River Valley summer highs vary between 32 and 49°C, whereas in winter temperatures average 13°C. Fauna/Flora In Pakistan vegetation varies with elevation. Alpine flora grows on the higher slopes, and forests are found at lower elevations. Among the forest species count cedars, pines, evergreen oak trees, and furs. Pakistan has numerous species of animals like wild boars, red deer and water birds. Steppe regions provide a habitat for jackal, fox, wildcat, snakes and different gnawers. Capricorns, bears, leopards, wild sheep and snow leopards live in the high mountains. History/Politics In prehistoric times, the area of present-day Pakistan was populated by the Indus Valley civilization (BC 2500-1700). In 1526, the land became part of the Mogul Empire, but by 1857 the British became the dominant power in the region. With Hindus holding most of the economic, social, and political advantages, the Muslim minority's dissatisfaction grew, leading to the formation of the nationalist Muslim League in 1906 by Mohammed Ali Jinnah (1876-1949). The league supported Britain in the Second World War. Britain agreed to the formation of Pakistan as a separate dominion within the Commonwealth in August 1947, and Jinnah became governor-general. For almost 25 years following independence, the country consisted of two separate regions, East and West Pakistan, and tensions between East and West Pakistan existed from the outset. Both India and Pakistan have laid claim to the Kashmir region, and this territorial dispute led to war in 1949, and again in 1965, 1971, and 1999, and remains unresolved today. Pakistan became a republic in 1956, and military rule prevailed for two decades to follow. The independent state of Bangladesh, or Bengali nation, was proclaimed in 1971. In 1976 formal relations between India and Pakistan resumed. Pakistan's first elections under civilian rule took place in 1977. A rising tide of violent protest and political deadlock led to a military takeover by General Zia ul-Haq. Zia declared himself president in Sept 1978, and ruled by martial law until 30 December 1985, when a measure of representative government was restored. Elections at the end of 1988 brought long time Zia opponent Benazir Bhutto into office as prime minister. In the 1990s, Bhutto was prime minister twice and Nawaz Sharif three times, until General Pervez Musharraf deposed him in a coup in October 1999. Mohammad Rafiq Tararb was elected president on 31 December 1997. Economy Agriculture is the mainstay of Pakistan's economy, and 44% of the population is employed in this sector. Wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco are the chief crops. 17% is employed in manufacturing, with 39% in the services sector. The unemployment rate was 6% in 2000. Pakistan has extensive natural gas reserves, iron ore, copper, salt, and limestone. Culture Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples, Islamic palaces and Anglo-Mogul mansions are found in Pakistan. Greco-Buddhist friezes and crafts dominate sculpture and ceramics. Nationwide celebrations include Ramadan, a month of sunrise-to-sunset fasting which changes dates every year. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal is the national poet of Pakistan. He wrote books on poetry and lectures on philosophy.