More Than Just Conflict and War: 15 Surprising Facts About Pakistan, Even the Informed Will Find Astonishing
Islamabad — The capital of Pakistan
"When you hear the word 'Pakistan,' what comes to mind first? War? Disputes with India? Deserts?"
If your answer is yes — then congratulations: you've fallen into a stereotype trap. Pakistan is far more than just a country with a complex history and tense political situation; this land always brings surprises.
Did you know that Pakistan is home to the world's second-highest peak? Did you know that it not only produces highly popular TV series but also nurtures space startups? And how would you react to knowing that a civilization older than the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations was born here?
Are you ready to break your preconceptions? Here are 15 facts about Pakistan that will completely change your perception of this country.
1. The World's Second-Highest Peak — K2 — Is Located Here
K2, also known as "Chogori," stands at 8,611 meters, just below Mount Everest. However, interestingly, many climbers consider K2 to be the real test for climbers.
Why? Because the environment of K2 is much harsher and more dangerous than that of Everest. The death rate of climbing K2 is almost three times that of Everest. In the climbing community, those who successfully summit K2 are considered elites among elites.
2. Pakistan Is the Birthplace of One of the World's Oldest Civilizations
The city of Mohenjo-daro of the Indus Valley Civilization was built around 2600 BC. Yes, it is older than the pyramids of Giza.
Well-developed drainage systems, orderly street planning, brick houses, and even early writing symbols — these all prove that this civilization reached an extremely high level of development. Today, archaeologists are still puzzled by one question: why did this highly developed civilization suddenly disappear?
3. Pakistan Is One of the Few Countries Where Women Can Serve Equally in the Military
The Pakistani army has female battalions, and even female fighter pilots. In a country where traditional values are deeply rooted, this is undoubtedly an impressive exception.
One of the most famous figures is Mariam Mukhtar — she was the first woman pilot in Pakistan to sacrifice her life while carrying out a combat mission and is regarded as a national hero.
4. Pakistan Is One of the World's Major Mango Producing Countries
If you think the sweetest mangoes come from Thailand or India, try Pakistan's mangoes. The local variety "Chaunsa" is considered one of the best mango varieties in the world.
In Pakistan, mangoes are not just ordinary fruits. They are part of the culture, a reason for national pride, and even a tool of diplomacy. For example, Pakistan regularly gifts mango boxes to leaders of other countries — Russia is also among the recipients.
5. Lollywood — Pakistan's Hollywood and Bollywood
Lollywood (yes, the Pakistani film industry got its name because it is concentrated in Lahore) produces dozens of movies every year, and their quality is improving year by year.
Film themes range from dramas and love stories to sharp social issues, feminism, religion, corruption, and more. In Pakistan, cinema is a medium for expressing important ideas. Additionally, some TV series not only attract millions of viewers within Pakistan but are also popular in the Arab world.
6. Has One of the Youngest and Most Active Internet Markets in the World
Pakistan has over 100 million internet users, and numerous information technology startups have emerged, with thousands of freelancers. The country is accelerating its digital transformation.
Youth are actively engaged in projects in fintech, edtech, and healthtech. For example, a platform developed by Pakistani developers allows rural residents to book doctors through regular phones without having to go to the city.
7. Pakistani Cuisine — A Feast of Flavor and Spices
Do you like spicy food? Then Pakistan is definitely your paradise. Pakistani cuisine includes curries, biryani, tandoori dishes, kebabs, and all dishes are served with rich spices and thick sauces.
Street food holds a special place in the local diet. Tasting authentic Pakistani samosas with mint sauce on the streets of Lahore is not just a simple snack, but also a cultural experience.
8. The National Sport Is Field Hockey, Not Cricket
Although cricket is popular in Pakistan, field hockey is officially recognized as the national sport. Pakistan has won the Field Hockey World Cup more times than the Cricket World Cup.
Notably, Pakistan has won the Field Hockey World Cup three times (in 1971, 1978, and 1982). There is even a museum dedicated to this sport within the country.
9. Although It Is an Islamic Country, It Has an Amazing Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity
Over 70 languages are spoken in Pakistan. Besides Urdu (the official language) and Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and Balochi are also widely used, and there are even some unique languages that no longer exist elsewhere in the world.
Pakistan is not a single-nation country, but rather a "mosaic" of different ethnic groups, cultures, and dialects. Sometimes, villages separated by just a river speak completely different languages.
10. Pakistan Is One of the World's Major Salt Producing Countries
The Khewra Salt Mine is one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world. Legend has it that this mine was discovered by Alexander the Great's horse.
Today, the mine is still being mined and has become a tourist attraction. Inside the mine, there are salt stone mosques, salt stone hospitals, and even a power network composed of salt lamps.
11. Pakistan Is a Nuclear Country with an Independent Missile Program
It is the only Islamic country with nuclear weapons and officially joined the "nuclear club" in 1998.
Additionally, Pakistan has a complete missile development program. These developments are not only used for military purposes but also involve satellite communication and scientific research fields.
12. Pakistan Is the Homeland of the Famous Poet and Philosopher Muhammad Iqbal
Iqbal is the "national poet" of Pakistan, and his thoughts provided important inspiration for the establishment of Pakistan. His works revolve around self-awareness, spiritual faith, and the role of individuals in history.
Iqbal's verses are still required reading in Pakistani schools, and his birthday is set as a national holiday. To the people of Pakistan, Iqbal's status is akin to that of Pushkin in the hearts of Russians — almost sacred.
13. Pakistan — "The Next Manufacturing Power"
If you look closely at labels on clothes, tableware, toys, and even furniture, you will find that more and more "Made in Pakistan" is replacing the familiar "Made in China."
Pakistan is indeed becoming a new industrial giant. The reasons are simple: low labor costs, abundant raw materials, tax incentives for exporters, and a convenient geographical location. These advantages make Pakistan an ideal place for producing mass goods — from T-shirts, sports shoes, to wires, phone cases, and stationery.
The country's light industry is particularly developed — textile and clothing factories not only produce products for the domestic market but also manufacture for well-known brands in Europe and Asia. Additionally, the production capacity in packaging, food processing, and basic electronics is continuously improving, jointly driving Pakistan's economy to rapidly and positively transition towards an export-oriented model.
This development model not only enriches the national treasury but also creates millions of jobs domestically. Pakistanis are gradually transitioning from mere "producers" to "entrepreneurs." And the world's perception of Pakistan is slowly shifting from "an unstable region" to "an emerging business partner."
14. Home to One of the Most Beautiful Mountain Roads in the World — Karakoram Highway
This road crosses the Himalayas, connecting Pakistan and China, and is one of the highest roads in the world — reaching nearly 4,700 meters above sea level.
The scenery along the way is truly magical: mountain peaks, rushing rivers, and suspended bridges interweave into a picture. Many people regard this road as a miracle created by engineering and nature together.
15. Pakistan Is a "Young Country": Half of Its Population Is Under 25 Years Old
Pakistan is one of the youngest countries in terms of population age structure, with more than 60% of its population under 30 years old. This presents both great potential for national development and corresponding challenges.
The youth of Pakistan are active, ambitious, and eager to receive education and drive social change. If you once thought Pakistan was a country stuck in the past, reconsider — it is actually a country looking to the future.
Conclusion
Pakistan is far from what you might imagine. It is not just a South Asian country with a difficult fate, but also a multi-layered, vibrant, complex, and promising "complete world."
The next time you hear the word "Pakistan," I hope you don't think of conflicts in the news, but instead of sweet mangoes, majestic mountains, delicious street food, and millions of young people creating the future.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7574368423044530697/
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