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Introduction 
The scenery of Pakistan ranges from arrogant mountains in the north, the Karakoram and the Himalayas, through scrutinized plateaus to the prosperous alluvial plains of the Punjab; then follows wild bleakness of Balochistan and the searing arid deserts of Sindh merging into miles and miles of golden beaches of Makran coast. Pakistan is situated between latitude 24 and 37 degrees North and longitude 62 and 75 degrees East.
The country borders Iran on the West, India on the East, Afghanistan in the North-West, China in the North and the Arabian Sea in the South. The great mountain ranges of the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush form Pakistan's northern highlands of North West Frontier Province and the Northern Area; Punjab province is a flat, alluvial plain with five major rivers dominating the upper region eventually joining the Indus River flowing south to the Arabian Sea; Sindh is bounded on the east by the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch and on the west by the Kirthar range; the Balochistan Plateau is a parched tableland, encircled by dry mountains.
Diversity
Pakistan is a beautiful blend of ancient civilization and the cultured life style of the modern world. Landscapes that are the dream of poets and nature lovers, exciting mountain trails, hospitable and simple people, exotic cuisine and a culture that goes back 5000 years are just a few of the treasures that unfold once you are in the country. Half a dozen civilizations flourished here and left their signature on the culture, art, architecture and cuisine.
Pakistan is southern Asia’s best kept secret and is almost unknown to western travelers. The modern nation was created in 1947 when Pakistan, together with India, gained independence from British rule. Featuring a mosaic of ancient and modern cities, secluded mountain valleys and mighty peaks, it is a country of extraordinary variety and great ethnic diversity. Within the borders of Pakistan the mighty River Indus flows from the snow clad peaks of the Karakoram through the fertile fields of the Punjab and the deserts of Sindh, to the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, a journey of almost 2000km.
Pakistan fosters a 5000 year old civilization, remnants of which can still be seen in the ruins of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa. The land was an important halt on the trade route from Central Asia into India and across to China. Over the Khyber Pass, Kurram Pass, Bolan Pass and the Khunjerab Pass, caravans laden with dried fruits, silk, wool and precious stones labored to their final destinations. So if you are seeking adventure, want to lose yourself in nature's wonders, looking for some cultural stimulation or just want to intermingle with the incredibly warm and hospitable people of Pakistan, visit Pakistan and take back lingering memories of this country of diverse landscapes and people.
The country comprises of four provinces, Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). In addition, there are the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the northern part of Jammu & Kashmir. The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad with its twin city Rawalpindi, while its largest city is Karachi in Sindh.
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