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Pakistan can be divided into three regions: The Hindu-Kush in the north is cleft and hilly. The Indus-valley is a flat plain. The upper part is run through by five rivers, which all lead to the Indus. To the south the Indus-valley is bordered by the Makran-coast, to the east by deserts and to the west by the Kirthar-mountain range. The third large region is Balutschistan, a barren plateau surrounded by mountains. Draw in the north is most of all the Karakorum-Highway and the nearly forgotten kingdom of Hunza.
The Khunjerab mountain pass, with its 4830 m, is one of the highest passes which can be climbed with a motorbike. A total contrasts to these isolated and quiet areas are Pakistan’s huge towns. At Islamabad, in the neighboring "old" capital Rawalpindi or also at Karatschi one can drift along the usual chaotic ways of these metropolises with their partly western flair and partly medieval looking bazaars.
Similar to the Indian, the Pakistani kitchen is also rich on spices. Biryani (spiced rice with meat- or vegetable curry), Sag Gosht (juicy curry with spinach) and Niramish (roasted vegetable with herbs) belong to the specialties. Also Chicken Tandoori (chicken prepared in the Tandoor-stove) or Tikka-Kebabs (roasted spicy mutton meat or beef) which originate in India are prepared at Pakistan as well. For dessert Shahi Tukray (slices of bread baked in milk with syrup, nuts and saffron) is served for example. National beverage is tea. It is boiled with milk and spices and often served very sweet.
Some geography:
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan stretches over an area of approximately 800,000 square kilometers and is therefore twice as large as Germany. It has about 140 million inhabitants. Official languages of the country are Urdu and English. Besides these there are several regional languages.
The religion of the country is Islam. The Pakistan-Day on March 23rd reminds of the decision to establish an own country in the mostly from Muslims inhabited part of India in 1940. Second national holiday is celebrated on August 14th, the day on which the country was founded in 1947.
Black and white:
The fight against terrorism is also fought in Pakistan. Therefore the country is over and over again target for attempts. By no means ought one to travel into the borderlands to Afghanistan, Iran and India. Particular caution should also be exercised in Karatschi and Quetta.
Anyone who wants to travel the Karakorum Highway should inform himself about the momentary safety situation at the local police offices in Pakistan. The northern areas of the Hunza-valley are said to be comparatively safe. |
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