The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a proud South Asian country with a culture and history rooted firmly in its religion. A land with stunning architecture, constantly evolving infrastructure, and rich ethnic diversity, Pakistan is truly an interesting country. Ready to learn more about it? Here are 10 facts about Pakistan.
Pakistan Facts
1. The country has the sixth-highest rate of population dispersion in the world
Population dispersion, most commonly known as diaspora, is the phenomenon wherein locals from one country spread to different nations. This most often refers to overseas workers or those who live abroad. With 7 million Pakistanis living outside of the country, Pakistan is the world’s sixth-largest diaspora. The biggest reason for the diaspora in Pakistan is overseas work. Many Pakistanis choose to live and work in countries in the Middle East, Europe, and North America and send money back to their families in Pakistan.
2. Pakistani fashion incorporates modern and traditional clothing
Pakistan is a religious country and many people wear traditional clothing such as shalwar kameez, a combination of trousers and a tunic. It is often worn by both men and women in Pakistan, with an addition of the Islamic headdress for women. In modern times, Pakistani designers have been creating unique and innovative variations of the native clothing. These evolutions of the local dress allow Pakistanis to express themselves and experiment with fashion while still honoring their religion and traditional clothing. An interesting fact about Pakistan is that this country also holds a week-long fashion event every year to showcase, celebrate, and support their local designers.
3. Only 8% of Pakistanis use the official language as their primary dialect
Although the official language of Pakistan is Urdu, the first language most commonly used in the country is Punjabi. This is followed by Pashto, Sindhi, and Saraiki, with Urdu only being the fifth most common primary language. Although an estimated 75% of Pakistanis can understand Urdu, it’s not usually what locals use to speak to each other.
4. Maghaz Fry is a spicy Pakistani dish made of brain
Eaten in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Maghaz is a delicacy made of mutton or beef brain fried with hot spices. It has a flavor similar to many Indian masala dishes. Pakistani locals enjoy this dish for breakfast, often with flatbreads such as paratha or chapati. It is also a popular choice during suhoor, a pre-sunrise meal taken before the fasting begins on Ramadan, a fun Pakistan fact.
5. The country used a poll on social media to decide its national drink
In 2019, the government of Pakistan posted a poll on its official Twitter page asking people what they believe the national juice of the country is. The poll options were orange juice, sugarcane juice, and carrot juice. 81% of the thousands who responded chose sugarcane juice. The government made the official announcement after receiving the results. The drink is made from freshly pressed sugarcane and is often sold by street vendors.
6. The Lahore Fort in Pakistan has stairs made for elephants
During the mid-1500s, the fortress of Lahore city in Pakistan was built to protect the empire. At the time, elephants were a popular mode of transportation for royals and elite warriors. An interesting fact about Pakistan is that the Lahore Fort Elephant Path, which is a set of wide and low stairs, leads up to the entrance of the royal quarters and was designed to allow those riding elephants to park the animal closer to the entrance.
7. It has the world’s highest ATM
Automated Teller Machines are machines used to withdraw – and sometimes deposit – money. Banks often have multiple ATMs available at their buildings and in various locations all over the country for the convenience of their customers. The National Bank of Pakistan went above and beyond for their clients by installing an ATM on the Khunjerab Pass at an elevation of 16,007 feet above sea level. The ATM, which sits on the border of Pakistan and China, was the result of the bank’s efforts to reach clients from any part of Pakistan.
8. It also has the world’s biggest volunteer ambulance system
Another Guinness World Record the country has broken is for the largest system of private ambulances in any country, a fun Pakistan fact. The record belongs to the Edhi Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing social welfare to the citizens of Pakistan. One of the foundation’s key services is its network of 1,800 ambulances. The extensive system receives as many as 6,000 calls per day, with their average response time being around 10 minutes.
9. The national animal of Pakistan has corkscrew-shaped horns
The markhor is a kind of goat native to Central Asia and parts of the surrounding area. It’s Pakistan’s national animal and is most known for its unique horn shape. Both male and female markhors have tightly-curled horns that point upwards. They are often found in mountainous habitats such as the Himalayas. This species is classified as nearly threatened, with an estimated worldwide population of 5,754. The Pakistan government is taking steps to repopulate the markhors. Currently, the Chitral National Park in Pakistan has the biggest population of markhors in the world.
10. Pakistan is the home of many accomplished scientists
Science and technology are important fields in Pakistan. The scientists and engineers of the country have a long history of contributing significantly to worldwide scientific knowledge in many fields as well as helping the constant development of infrastructure in Pakistan. In 1979, Pakistani scientist Abdus Salam was the first Muslim to receive a Nobel Prize thanks to his contribution to the field of particle physics. Meanwhile, organic chemist Atta-ur-Rahman won the 1999 UNESCO Science Prize for his research, a fun Pakistan fact. To celebrate scientific innovations and continue to evolve them, Pakistan holds annual events such as the International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics.
Conclusion
Pakistan is a large and beautiful country with an interesting history, culture, and customs. This proud nation is constantly evolving and finding new ways to innovate and grow its rich heritage. With a wealth of world record titles and a population of colorful locals, Pakistan is definitely an exciting and fascinating country.
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