Pakistan
Pakistan is a country located in South Asia, having a population of about 250 Million making it the world’s 5th largest country population-wise. The geography and climate of Pakistan are extremely diverse, and the country is home to a wide variety of wildlife and an adventurous Northern areas for tourism. Pakistan covers an area of 881,913 Sq. Km (340,509 Sq. Mi.), approximately equal to the combined land areas of France and the United Kingdom. Pakistan is ranked amongst the emerging and growth-leading economies, with a large and rapidly-growing middle class.
Pakistan is divided into three major geographic areas: the northern highlands, the Indus River plain, and the Baluchistan Plateau. The northern highlands contain the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Pamir mountain ranges, which contain some of the world’s highest peaks, including five out of the fourteen eight-thousand meters peaks (mountain peaks over 8,000 meters or 26,250 feet), which attract adventurers and mountaineers from all over the world, notably K2 (8,611 m or 28,251 ft.) and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m or 26,660 ft.).
It is an ethnically and linguistically diverse country, with similarly diverse geography and wildlife. Its famous for its traditional food, beautiful landscapes, beaches and historic places. Pakistan has ancient roots, like the famous 5,000 years old Indus Valley civilization and Gandhara civilization, and its culture is a mix of old traditions and new ideas. Pakistan provides top quality education having one of the best colleges and universities in South Asia. The University of Karachi, Agha Khan University in Karachi, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), NED University, and Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad are known for their best education and research work.
Provinces of Pakistan :
Pakistan consists of 4 Provinces namely Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan and 3 territories; Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.
Sindh is famous for its historical significance and economic importance. Punjab is significant for its fertile agricultural land and cultural diversity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situated in the northwestern region, is known for its hospitality, northern mountains ranges, rich culture, and tourism. The province of Baluchistan is rich in mines, minerals and natural energy resources. The province of Gilgit-Baltistan is home to number of highest mountain peaks in the world including K-2, Naga Parbat, and Himalaya Range.
The economy of Pakistan is the 23rd-largest in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), and 42nd-largest in terms of nominal gross domestic product. Industry is the second-largest sector of the economy, accounting for 19.74% of gross domestic product (GDP), and 24 percent of total employment. Large-scale manufacturing (LSM), at 12.2% of GDP, dominates the overall sector, accounting for 66% of the sectoral share, followed by small-scale manufacturing, which accounts for 4.9% of total GDP. The textile industry has a pivotal position in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. In Asia, Pakistan is the eighth-largest exporter of textile products, contributing 9.5% to the GDP and providing employment to around 15 million people (some 30% of the 49 million people in the workforce). Pakistan is the fourth-largest producer of cotton with the third-largest spinning capacity in Asia after China and India, contributing 5% to the global spinning capacity.
Education in Pakistan is divided into six main levels: nursery (preparatory classes); primary (grades one through five); middle (grades six through eight); matriculation (grades nine and ten, leading to the secondary certificate); intermediate (grades eleven and twelve, leading to a higher secondary certificate); and university programs leading to graduate and postgraduate degrees. There is a network of private schools that constitutes a parallel secondary education system based on a curriculum set and administered by the Cambridge International Examinations of the United Kingdom. Some students choose to take the O-level and A level exams conducted by the British Council. Pakistan also has around 450 international schools.
A substantial number of students pursue the undergraduate, masters and Phd programs in international universities around the world every year.
Islamabad is the Capital city of Pakistan. It has a well-organized and diverse educational system. Top universities include Quaid-e-Azam University, Allama Iqbal Open University, NUST, and COMSATS Institute of Information Technology. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Ministry of Education oversees these institutions, making them a hub for learning and research in Pakistan, shaping future leaders and professionals.
Karachi is the 12th largest city in the world and also called a Mega Metropolitan City. It has well reputed universities like the University of Karachi, NED University of Engineering, Aga Khan University, Institute of Business Administration, and Karachi University Business School, as well as reputable colleges like Karachi Grammar School, St. Patrick’s College, and D.J. Science College.
Lahore is the city famous for its historic sites, food and lively culture. Lahore also represents the best educational institutes and provides top-notch education while using the latest technologies. Lahore’s top universities include the University of Punjab, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Forman Christian College, Government College University, Aitcheson College, King Edwards Medical College, and Queen Mary College offer graduate and undergraduate programs.
