Pakistan Tourism information and Travel Guide of Pakistan- Highlighting Pakistan history, culture and traditions of Pakistan.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Swat Valley A Paradise on earth

The Charming and Beautiful Swat Valley:

Swat, generally known as the Switzerland of Asia, is one of the most beautiful valleys in the World. 
Mr. Abdul Qayum Balala has attempted to embrace many elements pertaining to its geography, history, and culture in his book titled  “THE CHARMING SWAT”.
The Author is an intellectual belonging to the area, and his natural love for Swat reflects from each and every sentence. He knows Swat, its geography, history, politics, culture, and its 
entire national behavior, not only with the virtue of his qualification, but also with the dent of his experience. He holds Master Degree in Geography- the mother of Sciences, and is fully equipped with the profound knowledge on the subject.

INTRODUCTION:

The charming Swat, a peaceful and fascinating tract in the lap of vegetative towering mountains with eternal snow on their lofty Combs, is an everlasting source of attraction for visitors. Its beauty attracts tourists from around the world to enjoy the soothing and tranquil scenery and the friendly behavior of its inhabitants. A visitor is entered in Pakistan would never be happy without roaming about Swat.

The area of Swat is 4000 square miles with a population ofof around 1,250,000 . The height is not uniform but varies from 2500 ft. to 7500 ft. above sea level.

Colonization:

Because of its fertile soil and favorable climatic conditions, Swat has been the abode of various nations and subject to historical events from time to time. Although this valley has an ancient history, but in light of historical documents, recorded history begins with Alexander the Great, who conquered Swat in 326 BC.

Alexander defeated Persia, now he went through Kunar Swat in 326 BC. Buddhism was flourishing here. The Buddhist leader fought the Greek invader, but was defeated. Having conquered Swat Alexander proceeded along the right bank of the Swat river. Achieved in Nekpikheil Bandai, he crossed the river and camped near Manglor. He continued to travel through the mountainous passes of Onra, and crossed the Indus.

The famous general of Alexander, Saluki, Swat gave back to Chandragupta in 304 BC. Another Buddhist king, Kanishka, shifted his capital from Peshawar Swat so that he can be quiet enough to worship his gods with full satisfaction. Then Raja Ram Batti and many other great personalities ruled Swat, and worshiped their gods with full peace and meditation in the monasteries. Raja Gira was the last Buddhist ruler of Swat, who was defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni.

The Arrival Of Afghans:

In the eleventh century, Khwaja Ayyaz sat on the right bank of the River Swat and conquered the territories of Adenzee, Shamozee, Nekpikheil and so on. Mahmood went on the left bank of the river, when he reached Hudigram, there was the fort of Raja Gira, strongly built on a high peak. Mahmood command of the conquest of this fort a skillful general, Peer Khushal. The conquest of the fort was much riskier, but the order of the commander was observed.

Taking charge, the overall creative mind besieged the fort for three days and cut the underground water connection link. On the fourth day, he attacked the fort. The attack was a serious and many soldiers were tortured, including Peer Khushal itself, but the fort was captured and since then Mahmood went on and conquered the whole Swat.

After conquering Swat, Mahmood settled two tribes of Afghan here, ie Swati and Dalazak, and went back. Both tribes lived a happy life until they were chased by the Yousafzai Pashtun tribe.

The Entrance Of Yousufzai:

King of Kabul, Raja Alagh Baig, who was dethroned by his own tribe, called the Yousafzai help of the imperial power of Afghanistan to get back. All the chiefs,
Sardar and the Yousafzai came and supported him strongly. They fought a battle against Tajack Alagh Baig and became the king of Kabul again.

Since then Yousafzai got a position of authority in Kabul and the military court. Yousafzai the tribe settled there permanently. But when the king was a Tajack, Tajack his wife, his friends and family, all the short people were Tajacks, so the men of his tribe trusted him. She told the king that he would one day be hit by Yousafzai because Yousafzai were not of his own race and all-important posts in their hands, so they must be removed.

Since then Alagh Baig Yousafzai intrigued that should be attacked at night while asleep. His army did this, but the power of the king was badly defeated.
When the elders of Yousafzai protested, the cunning king expressed deep grief and assured them that some robbers might have taken action.

Alagh Baig now a different plan. He invited all the chiefs of Yousafzai and attacked them while they brought to eat. All the chiefs were slain, but only two of them, Sardar Malak Ahmed and Sheikh Malee, escaped. Both of the leaders migrated to Peshawar valley along with their tribal men.

Having it for a period of time, saw their Afghan brethren, Swati and Dalazak in Swat, to win their sympathy. But they, the Yousafzai, were soon attracted by the natural characteristics of this area. It should be noted that the Yousafzai the art of betrayal Tajack learned. So they forced the originally fixed Swati and Dalazak in Swat, who crossed Indus and took refuge in the west of Hazara district (Even now, some of the remains of Swati and Dalazak strains are found in the corners of Swat) to close .
Sheikh Mali distributed the land among the male members of the family of his tribe. Under this scheme, these families are changing their villages after every ten years, and the country of the new village would be divided among the male relatives.

(Finally, finally the land allocated under the auspices of Bacha Sahib within a period of five years ie from 1924 to 1929, and the nomadic life of the residence of this area came to an end.).

Sheikh Malee introduced the units of the country too. The smallest unit of the country was Damray, while the largest unit was rupee.

Without ruling authority, Swat was subjected to lawlessness and disorder. Murderous feuds were common feature of this tract. When they were tired of mutual bloodshed, they wanted an impartial man to their problems and disputes choose. For this purpose they called Syed Akbar Shah, but after the delivery of five years died. The personality was convened following Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah. He was a good student, and statesman with majestic port. But a man renowned scholar, quickly criticized him as Mullah Sandakay Qadyani (a person who believe in the prophet-hood of Mirza Ghulam Amad Qadyani), and thus left Swat Abdul Jabbar.
In this context, the other man was Miangul Abdul Wadood, the grandson of Mian Abdul Ghafoor (Sahib-e-Swat). The people entrusted with power Miangul Abdul Wadood in 1915 (but he was formally crowned in 1916 by the Council (JARGA) of the leaders of Swat in the grassy grounds of Cabal). (He was the man of strength and high resolve. Previously he was the ruler of Swat valley only, but slowly and gradually expanded the boundary of Swat to Gilgit. Later he retired and his eldest son, Miangul Abdul Haq Jehanzeb was crowned as the Wali of Swat. "Judgement time Jehanzeb is considered the golden period in the history of Swat. All his reforms ie schools, universities, hospitals, roads and other communication systems were not unbeatable. There was a complete peace and order in Swat. But with the foresight of the future politics and the reaction of the nation, he gave the ruling power in 1969.


It is painful to the events of the recent past to tell. The fascinating valley of Swat, while the Ex-Wali regime, gave a picture of the worldly paradise. The Wali of Swat, with
unique sense of possession no stone unturned in the beautification and development of each sector of Swat. He did his best, and had very lofty plans for the future. It was no contest, and visitors from around the world had emotional bond with the state.

After Wali regime, the officers / officials with no sense of ownership, do not bother about the development of Swat with the necessary zeal and fervor. It's not only stopped the march to prosperity departments, but also took us to a very sad state of affairs.

The schools, roads, hospitals and colleges of Swat were fully equipped with the latest trends. The Wali of Swat had plans to establish a university and professional colleges, but the dream remained unfulfilled due to the sudden turn of the table. His plans to fly high into the sky fell to earth. The roads are no longer usable. Schools and hospitals have no good system. The institutions have been destroyed, and all without a high degree of national importance, is limited to the personal view and personal interests. This sad state of affairs if prolonged will further deteriorate the current infrastructure.


The Charming and Beautiful Swat Valley:

Swat, generally known as the Switzerland of Asia, is one of the most beautiful valleys in the World. 
Mr. Abdul Qayum Balala has attempted to embrace many elements pertaining to its geography, history, and culture in his book titled  “THE CHARMING SWAT”.
The Author is an intellectual belonging to the area, and his natural love for Swat reflects from each and every sentence. He knows Swat, its geography, history, politics, culture, and its 
entire national behavior, not only with the virtue of his qualification, but also with the dent of his experience. He holds Master Degree in Geography- the mother of Sciences, and is fully equipped with the profound knowledge on the subject.

INTRODUCTION:

The charming Swat, a peaceful and fascinating tract in the lap of vegetative towering mountains with eternal snow on their lofty Combs, is an everlasting source of attraction for visitors. Its beauty attracts tourists from around the world to enjoy the soothing and tranquil scenery and the friendly behavior of its inhabitants. A visitor is entered in Pakistan would never be happy without roaming about Swat.

The area of Swat is 4000 square miles with a population ofof around 1,250,000 . The height is not uniform but varies from 2500 ft. to 7500 ft. above sea level.

Colonization

Because of its fertile soil and favorable climatic conditions, Swat has been the abode of various nations and subject to historical events from time to time. Although this valley has an ancient history, but in light of historical documents, recorded history begins with Alexander the Great, who conquered Swat in 326 BC.

Alexander defeated Persia, now he went through Kunar Swat in 326 BC. Buddhism was flourishing here. The Buddhist leader fought the Greek invader, but was defeated. Having conquered Swat Alexander proceeded along the right bank of the Swat river. Achieved in Nekpikheil Bandai, he crossed the river and camped near Manglor. He continued to travel through the mountainous passes of Onra, and crossed the Indus.

The famous general of Alexander, Saluki, Swat gave back to Chandragupta in 304 BC. Another Buddhist king, Kanishka, shifted his capital from Peshawar Swat so that he can be quiet enough to worship his gods with full satisfaction. Then Raja Ram Batti and many other great personalities ruled Swat, and worshiped their gods with full peace and meditation in the monasteries. Raja Gira was the last Buddhist ruler of Swat, who was defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni.

The Arrival Of Afghans:

In the eleventh century, Khwaja Ayyaz sat on the right bank of the River Swat and conquered the territories of Adenzee, Shamozee, Nekpikheil and so on. Mahmood went on the left bank of the river, when he reached Hudigram, there was the fort of Raja Gira, strongly built on a high peak. Mahmood command of the conquest of this fort a skillful general, Peer Khushal. The conquest of the fort was much riskier, but the order of the commander was observed.

Taking charge, the overall creative mind besieged the fort for three days and cut the underground water connection link. On the fourth day, he attacked the fort. The attack was a serious and many soldiers were tortured, including Peer Khushal itself, but the fort was captured and since then Mahmood went on and conquered the whole Swat.

After conquering Swat, Mahmood settled two tribes of Afghan here, ie Swati and Dalazak, and went back. Both tribes lived a happy life until they were chased by the Yousafzai Pashtun tribe.

The Entrance Of Yousufzai:

King of Kabul, Raja Alagh Baig, who was dethroned by his own tribe, called the Yousafzai help of the imperial power of Afghanistan to get back. All the chiefs,
Sardar and the Yousafzai came and supported him strongly. They fought a battle against Tajack Alagh Baig and became the king of Kabul again.

Since then Yousafzai got a position of authority in Kabul and the military court. Yousafzai the tribe settled there permanently. But when the king was a Tajack, Tajack his wife, his friends and family, all the short people were Tajacks, so the men of his tribe trusted him. She told the king that he would one day be hit by Yousafzai because Yousafzai were not of his own race and all-important posts in their hands, so they must be removed.

Since then Alagh Baig Yousafzai intrigued that should be attacked at night while asleep. His army did this, but the power of the king was badly defeated.
When the elders of Yousafzai protested, the cunning king expressed deep grief and assured them that some robbers might have taken action.

Alagh Baig now a different plan. He invited all the chiefs of Yousafzai and attacked them while they brought to eat. All the chiefs were slain, but only two of them, Sardar Malak Ahmed and Sheikh Malee, escaped. Both of the leaders migrated to Peshawar valley along with their tribal men.

Having it for a period of time, saw their Afghan brethren, Swati and Dalazak in Swat, to win their sympathy. But they, the Yousafzai, were soon attracted by the natural characteristics of this area. It should be noted that the Yousafzai the art of betrayal Tajack learned. So they forced the originally fixed Swati and Dalazak in Swat, who crossed Indus and took refuge in the west of Hazara district (Even now, some of the remains of Swati and Dalazak strains are found in the corners of Swat) to close .
Sheikh Mali distributed the land among the male members of the family of his tribe. Under this scheme, these families are changing their villages after every ten years, and the country of the new village would be divided among the male relatives.

(Finally, finally the land allocated under the auspices of Bacha Sahib within a period of five years ie from 1924 to 1929, and the nomadic life of the residence of this area came to an end.).

Sheikh Malee introduced the units of the country too. The smallest unit of the country was Damray, while the largest unit was rupee.

Without ruling authority, Swat was subjected to lawlessness and disorder. Murderous feuds were common feature of this tract. When they were tired of mutual bloodshed, they wanted an impartial man to their problems and disputes choose. For this purpose they called Syed Akbar Shah, but after the delivery of five years died. The personality was convened following Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah. He was a good student, and statesman with majestic port. But a man renowned scholar, quickly criticized him as Mullah Sandakay Qadyani (a person who believe in the prophet-hood of Mirza Ghulam Amad Qadyani), and thus left Swat Abdul Jabbar.
In this context, the other man was Miangul Abdul Wadood, the grandson of Mian Abdul Ghafoor (Sahib-e-Swat). The people entrusted with power Miangul Abdul Wadood in 1915 (but he was formally crowned in 1916 by the Council (JARGA) of the leaders of Swat in the grassy grounds of Cabal). (He was the man of strength and high resolve. Previously he was the ruler of Swat valley only, but slowly and gradually expanded the boundary of Swat to Gilgit. Later he retired and his eldest son, Miangul Abdul Haq Jehanzeb was crowned as the Wali of Swat. "Judgement time Jehanzeb is considered the golden period in the history of Swat. All his reforms ie schools, universities, hospitals, roads and other communication systems were not unbeatable. There was a complete peace and order in Swat. But with the foresight of the future politics and the reaction of the nation, he gave the ruling power in 1969.

It is painful to the events of the recent past to tell. The fascinating valley of Swat, while the Ex-Wali regime, gave a picture of the worldly paradise. The Wali of Swat, with
unique sense of possession no stone unturned in the beautification and development of each sector of Swat. He did his best, and had very lofty plans for the future. It was no contest, and visitors from around the world had emotional bond with the state.

After Wali regime, the officers / officials with no sense of ownership, do not bother about the development of Swat with the necessary zeal and fervor. It's not only stopped the march to prosperity departments, but also took us to a very sad state of affairs.

The schools, roads, hospitals and colleges of Swat were fully equipped with the latest trends. The Wali of Swat had plans to establish a university and professional colleges, but the dream remained unfulfilled due to the sudden turn of the table. His plans to fly high into the sky fell to earth. The roads are no longer usable. Schools and hospitals have no good system. The institutions have been destroyed, and all without a high degree of national importance, is limited to the personal view and personal interests. This sad state of affairs if prolonged will further deteriorate the current infrastructure.


Sunday, March 13, 2011

Murree is The Best Place for Tourism

Murree is Pakistan's most popular hill station. Murree lies 50 kilometers northeast of Pakistani capital Islamabad at a comfortable altitude of 7500 feet (2286 meters) in the Himalayan foothills at 33 54' 30" north latitude and 73 26 east longitude.  Murree Sanitarium (US sanatorium), as it was initially known, was selected because of its cool climate
to serve as recuperation area for British troops and was one of the several such hill stations established in the foothills of Himalayas across the Indian subcontinent. It was one of two important hill stations in the Punjab, other being Shimla, in present day Hamachal Pardesh state of India. Murree was more accessible from the Punjab plains than Simla and served as summer capital of the province till 1875 when it was replaced by Simla.

Murree is a mountainous area, forming part of outer Himalayas, situated at 33.35’ north latitude and 73. 27’ eastern longitudes. It consists of four gradually increasing supers. On highest among them is situated Murree city itself at height of 7500 feet. Others include Patriata, Kuldana and Gharial. It is bounded by River Jehlum in the east, NWFP districts of Abbottabad and Heripur to the North and West, Islamabad Capital Territory to the Southwest and Kotli Sattian Tehsil (town) of Rawalpindi district to the South. Murree town was built in line with the European cities with Church in the centre and main road, The Mall, running along with commercial places and administrative offices around the same. The Mall was and still is still the centre of attraction. Non Europeans were not allowed access to the Mall till independence in 1947.

Historians disagree about the origins of Murree name. According to one theory Murree name comes from local Marrhi meaning a ridge. According to another it is derived from Turkish Marg meaning a meadow. It can not be far from reality, since there are large Turkish cultural influence in the region. The local dialect emit a series of words from Turkish language. Besides historical locals who used to spend most of the year in the valleys and used the top of hills, as pastures or fields to grow seasonal crops. For centuries Turkish Marq could have been Mary, who also became British spellings used in the beginning of their contacts with the area. It was only in 1875 that the current spelling was adopted Murree.

A further explanation Murree name from Hazrat Marriam, or Virgin Marry, said to be buried at Pindi Point is one of the highest places. There are stories abound about holiness sight, and how divine intervention has been a stop construction workers to remove the grave. Whatever the explanation of the name seems that before the advent of the British do not represent something beyond the Hilliard. There is no entry indicates that the entire area is known as the Murree day had the same name before British occupation of the area in 1846. During the Afghan and Sikh rule the area was referred by the name the tribe inhabiting the same. It was only after transfer of the hill tract, including Murree, from the Hazara district of Rawalpindi District in 1850, the Tehsil Murree was established.

At that time consisted of 92 villages spread across five areas or 'Ilakas of Phulgran, Charhan, Dewal, Kotli and Karor. Parts of the areas which were placed under the rule of Raja pf Muzaffarabad in 1831 along with Murree and Kahuta area, including the area from Khapur to Boi at the confluence of the rivers Jehlum and Kunhar was not returned to Rawalpindi and was held in Hazara District. Sometimes Pulgran later was transferred to Rawalpindi Tehsil and now forms a part of Islamabad Capital Territory. In the 1990s, Kotli and some villages in the so Karor ilaka were separated to form Sattian Kotli Tehsil. Click here for details

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Pakistan's Most Beautiful Places

The Northern Areas of Pakistan lying under the great mountain ranges of Himalaya –Karakorum –Hindu Kush –Hindu Raj and Pamir, surrounded by high peaks of 6500 m to 8600 meters.
Administratively divided with five districts, which runs by DC,s and the concern authority. Controlled from Gilgit by Chief Secretary. The chef secretary controlled by Federal Government Islamabad.
Gilgit the capital of Northern Areas has been inhabited for thousands of years, the various invaders, reached in the South, reached here. The animism of early inhabitants was over laid by fair worship, brought from in Iran. Which was modified by the Indo Aryans in 1700 BC.

From the 1st century Gilgit was like Kashgar, the trade center from all places as its now. From 4th century to 11th century AD, It was under Buddhism influence of Sogdiana dynasty, Kushans Hindu Shahis and later Islam introduce in this area. Gilgit situated at an important point, Central Asia-China.
Northern area is associated with air and road with other cities in Pakistan including Islamabad Capital. There are daily flights to Skardu and Gilgit, which is subject to weather. It is linked with Karakorum highway through the Indus Valley. 620 km to Gilgit and 832 miles to Skardu. It is a two days drive to reach Gilgit & Skardu.
Northern areas are fairy land, which covers thousands of Squire Kilometers if high snow-capped mountain, surrounded by lashed green valleys, rivers, Glaciers-High meadows, high passes-Pine Dev Dar Forest, Juniper trees, Cultivated fields, orchards offering spectacular panoramic views of natural disaster . Northern area is a tourist paradise for hikers, climbers-Skiers-Jeep Safaris-Rock Climbing, Whitewater Rafting-Cultural Tours, Silk Road Travelers-Mountain Bike Tours and many many
.

Hunza & Nagar Valley:  

Today Hunza & Nagar are  in progress in education agriculture, orchard, business small industries automobile, wooden work, building construction banking, women development programs, Health programs, Health units as well as first aid posts in every villages, Embroidery, Handicrafts, carpet industries, Mining precious stones etc.
The actual changes started after 1978, when the Karakorum highway opened between China & Pakistan. Again a trade route between Islamabad & Sinking province, the rapid changes happed in the Northern Area of Pakistan. People came into border business with China. The Aga Khan Network with collaboration of Government of Pakistan, their joint efforts brought fruitful result to life of people of Hunza.
There are self-help schools in every second village in the valley and all children male and female attend schools 100 percent, this is the reason, why Hunza Nagar people are different from other valleys in North of Pakistan.
The Tourism started in Pakistan in the 1980,s. The flow of tourism was in Hunza Nagar valley, till now, which brought the economic revaluation. Hunza Nagar has been a tourist destination from a long time.

Skardu or Baltistan Valley:

The increase in the Indus stretching down to Baltistan valley from Tibet to Gilgit and down to the Arabian Sea, which cuts the Indian subcontinent from Asia, Baltistan valley called a little Tibet in the north of Pakistan.
Baltistan is situated at the end of the Himalayas since Deosai Plain and Satpara Lake. Baltistan tourist destination Mountains paradise where the world 2: a highest peak is K-2 (8611M) and the other 8000m are broad Peak Gasherbrum I & II, probably 8068 to 8047m and there are many peaks 7750 - 7800m. Its snow-capped peaks, glaciers and Long gives you great views of climbers, hikers and travelers.

Shigar Valley:

The Shigar valley that has a long distance for K-2 base camp on Baltoro Glacier, to Concordia place among the high mountains. The inhabitants of Shigar are the decedents of Kirgis, who migrated from China in the region of Yarkand, when it was possible to travel from Baltistan to the North of China as a Karavan via Sinkiang and Kashmir as a trade route.

Hushe Valley:

A valley the Kings of valleys are situated at the east of Skardu in the foot of Masherbrum Mountains which leads to Ghandogoro La to K-2 Base Camp and the great walls.