Tourism in Pakistan - Major Attractions

Major Attractions

See also: List of World Heritage Sites in Pakistan

Pakistan is such a diverse region, it is the center of various religions and settlements long before the creation of the nation that exists today. Today, Pakistan is formed of four large provinces – Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and four territories – Islamabad Capital Territory, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The cultural and physical diversity of Pakistan has developed the country into a tourist hot spot for foreign travellers as well as adventurers.

Currently Pakistan has six major cultural sites that are categorised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include:

• Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• 1st Century Buddhist Ruins at Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol.
• The ruins of Taxila from the Gandhara Civilization
• The Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens in Lahore.
• Historic Monuments of the ancient city of Thatta.
• The ancient fort of Rohtas.

During the period of 1993–2004, Pakistan was unable to submit information to UNESCO which delayed several sites to be categorised as potential World Heritage Sites. In 2004, the Ministry of Tourism was given funding to continue its research and ten sites were placed onto UNESCO Tentative List. In total, eighteen sites are awaiting to be categorised as of June 2010 which include:

• The 17th Century Mughal built Badshahi Mosque.
• The 17th Century Mughal built Wazir Khan Mosque.
• The 17th century Tombs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai.
• Hiran Minar and Tank, built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in commemoration of his favourite antelope in the city of Sheikhupura.
• 14th Century Tomb of Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam.
• One of the world's largest forts in the world, Rani Kot Fort.
• 17th Century Mughal built Shah Jahan Mosque, located in the ancient city of Thatta.
• 15th and 18th century Chaukhandi Tombs of several Sindhi and Balochi tribes.
• Neolithic archaeological Site of Mehrgarh.
• Archaeological site of Rehman Dheri.
• Archaeological site of Harappa.
• Archaeological site of Ranigat.
• Shahbazgarhi Rock Edicts.
• Mansehra Rock Edicts.
• Baltit Fort, an ancient Tibetan styled fort in the Hunza Valley.
• Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, Baha'al-Halim and Ustead and the Tomb and Mosque of Jalaluddin Bukhari in Uch Sharif.
• Port of Banbhore.

Furthermore, there are several landmarks and structures that have not yet made the UNESCO Tentative List. Long before the creation of Pakistan in 1947, there were plenty of cultures and religions that existed before the Partition of India. Pakistan being the center of various wars led to several dynasties and tribes ruling its lands. They left various landmarks behind which some have become national icons whilst others needing the attention of concerned authorities. Some of these include:

• Faisalabad Clock Tower and the Eight Bazaars
• Altit Fort in Hunza Valley
• 17th and 18th century Tombs of Talpur Mirs
• Faiz Mahal of the Talpur Mirs
• Samadhi of Ranjit Singh
• Mughal built tomb of Asaf Khan
• Empress Market built during the rule of the British Empire
• The tomb of Qutb-ud-din Aibak the first Sultan of Delhi and founder of the Slave dynasty.
• Sikh built Mohatta Palace
• 18th century Omar Hayat Mahal
• 19th Century Italian chateau Noor Palace
• Derawar Fort
• Mughal-built Hiran Minar
• One of the oldest salt mines in Asia, Khewra Salt Mines
• The 3000BC built fort of Kot Diji and Faiz Mahal in Khairpur
• 16th century built fort at Skardu

Post-independence Pakistan retained its heritage by constructing various sites to commemorate its independence by blending various styles and influences from the past. Some of these include:

• Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.
• Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
• The mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
• Bab-e-Pakistan a memorial site for the victims of the Partition of India.
• Pakistan Monument in Islamabad.
• The mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.