Pakistan is an Islamic Republic with a rich historical and cultural heritage, contrasting landscapes from deserts to fertile plains and high mountain ranges with abundant natural beauty making Pakistan a significant tourist destination with many archaeological sites, beaches, local hospitality, folklore, trekking and mountaineering.

However political unrest has put Pakistan on our caution list, but is relatively safe when keeping to the main tourist areas. Read the latest news and check with your consulate for updated information.

As Pakistan is a Muslim country, it is respectful (and safer) that outside of the tourist precinct, women cover up well with a long skirt, long sleeved top and had scarf men wear trousers and shirt. Pakistani women despite the law are often beaten and killed for little reason, the criminals, usually husbands or family members are rarely punished. Learn more from Amnesty International.

It has four provinces; Balochistan, North West Frontier (NWFP), Punjab and Sindh. In addition to provinces, are the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

Karachi is Pakistan's commercial centre and the largest city with sprawling bazaars, with some areas of modern development.

Places of interest include the Quaid-i-Azam Mausoleum, a monument to Pakistan's founder Ali Jinnah. More impressive is the remarkable white-marbled Defence Housing Society Mosque. The single dome, claimed to be the largest of its kind in the world. Nearby is Honeymoon Lodge, the birthplace of the Aga Khan. Other sights include the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St. Andrew's Church South of the city is Clifton, a former British hangout and now an exclusive coastal corner for the local wealthy, the popular but rather drab Clifton Beach, and Manora Island, a less-crowded beach resort.

Saddar, the city centre, is the main shopping area with thriving markets selling carpets, fur coats, leather jackets, snakeskin purses, silk scarves and the country's biggest range of handicrafts.

The capital of Punjab is Pakistan's cultural, educational and artistic centre and easily the most visited city in the country. With its refuge of shady parks and gardens, its clash of Moghul and colonial architecture, a collection of some of the city's attractions include : The Mall, Lahore Museum, the best and biggest museum in the country; Kim's Gun, Aitchison College, Lahore Fort, filled with stately palaces, halls and gardens; and the Old City,

Punjab
Lal Suhanra National Park, an important wildlife reserve. Further north is Harappa which is, after Mohanjodaro, the second most important site of the Indus Valley civilisation.

Rawalpindi and the country's capital, Islamabad, are twin cities. The former is a patchwork of bustling bazaars while the latter is subdued, suburban and still being built. From here you can visit Taxila, an archaeological repository, and Hasan Abdul, a place of holy pilgrimage in Pakistan.

Transport:
Pakistan has three international airports at - Allama Iqbal, Islamabad and Quaid-e-Azam
There is limited land transportation due to border conflicts.

Government
Pakistan has a federal structure. Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate and is a member of the British Commonwealth but suffers from corruption and insurgency from neighboring Afghanistan. It also has been in conflict to the point of war with India.

Members of the National Assembly are directly elected on adult franchise basis and their term of office is 05 years. The National Assembly determines the major policy issues and passes annual budget and legislation. It elects the Prime Minister from among its members. The Prime Minister forms his/her cabinet from among members of the National Assembly and the Senate. Provinces have their own elected legislative assemblies and Chief Ministers. Majority of the members of the Senate are elected by the Provincial Assemblies.