Celebrating Pakistan Mountains
ISSN 2754-3145
VOLUME 04, ISSUE 01, JAN.-MAR. 2024
PKR 900 | UK £6 | US $8
Grandeur at its Peak
A magical journey 07
11
Magical Journeys Snow Lake Odyssey: Traversing Pakistan’s Karakoram Wonderland
07
Lal Suhanra National Park-Bahawalpur
11
Gwadar and Coastal Tourism
15
SHOGRAN - A Must Visit Hill Station of Kaghan Valley
20
Botanical Treasures of Nagar Valley
25
Misgar - A Hidden Mountain Paradize
29
Heritage
33 to 43
Mesmerising Story of Sateen jo Aastan
33
Harmony in Stone:The Intricate Craftsmanship of Pakistan Monument
38
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07 to 31
29
47
56 Business Invest in Pakistan - The land of opportunities News & Events
44 to 44 44
45 to 51
Of Peace; Of Passion; Of Potential Unlimited; Salam Pakistan!
45
Pakistan Pavilion at World Travel Market (WTM) London ExCel
46
Cultural Emblem
47 to 59
Celebrating Pakistan Mountains: A Majestic Journey into Nature’s Grandeur
47
Jinnah Cap: The iconic attire of Quad-eAzam
52
For the Love of Bangles!
56
Arts & Crafts
60 to 66
Wallnut Wood Craft
60
Khussa a Fancy Footwear
63
Special Mention Exploring the World Beyond – Taqwa Observatory, Lasbela Cuisine Makai Ki Roti and Sarson Ka Saag
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67 to 68 67
69 to 70 69
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[ M AG I C A L J O U R N E Y S ]
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Text and Photos by Aftab Rana
T
he settlement of Misgar is located in the north-west of the Karakoram Highway in Upper Hunza after the town of Sust. Misgar is the last permanently inhabited valley in Gojal with two important passes leading to China and Afghanistan via Wakhan Corridor. This strategic location bestowed on the area an important role in the history. In the late 19th century, during the time of the Great Game, Misgar marked the last outpost of the British Empire and served as a busy dispatching and telegraph-station. Long before that, Misghar had already been a notable trading hub as the Kilik and Mintaka Passes were frequently crossed by pilgrims and traders coming from China along the ancient Silk Route.
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[ H E R I TAG E ]
Harmony in Stone:
The Intricate Craftsmanship of Pakistan Monument By Ali Muneeb & Tahawur Husain Jafri
38 | JAN - MAR 2024
N
estled in the heart of Islamabad, the Pakistan Monument stands tall, not just as a symbol of national pride but as a testament to the incredible craftsmanship that went into its creation. This architectural marvel is more than just a monument; it’s a blend of history, culture, and the artistry of skilled craftsmen. The Pakistan Monument is a national monument and heritage museum located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan. The monument was constructed to symbolize the unity of the Pakistani people.
The Museum depicts the ancient civilization, freedom struggle, birth of Pakistan and some of the major achievements as a country. The Monument has a reference library, audiovisual archive, conference hall along with a 62-seat capacity auditorium known as Panorama Hall.
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Boating at lake in the majestic mountains of Skardu
A Shepard in Skardu
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I
n the heart of South Asia lies a hidden gem, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike – the stunning mountains of Pakistan. This article is a celebration of the awe-inspiring beauty, rich culture, and unparalleled experiences that these majestic peaks offer. The history of Pakistan’s mountains is a tapestry woven with tales of exploration and discovery. From the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range to the ancient stories embedded in the rocks of the Salt Range, each mountain has played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of this region. The cultural and historical ties to the mountains are deeply rooted, with many communities considering them sacred. Majestic peaks piercing the sky, glaciers glistening in the sunlight, and valleys that seem to cradle the secrets of centuries. This is the visual feast that Pakistan’s mountains offer. The Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush each contribute unique features, creating a diverse and awe-inspiring landscape that attracts adventurers and nature lovers from around the globe.
For the daring souls seeking an adrenaline rush, Pakistan’s mountains provide the ultimate challenge. Pakistan is home to 108 peaks above 7,000 metres and 4555 above 6,000 metres while the peaks above 5,000 and 4,000 metres are said to be countless. Some of the highest and famous mountains in Pakistan are the world’s second-highest peak K2 at 8,611 metres or 28,251 ft, Nanga Parbat 8,126 metres or 26,660 ft and Tirich Mir 7,690 metres or 25,230 ft. Stories of successful climbs and the challenges faced along the way resonate with the spirit of human determination and perseverance. For those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, Pakistan’s mountains offer a playground of adventure. Whether it’s trekking through the rugged terrains, conquering challenging peaks, or indulging in winter sports, there’s no shortage of excitement. The growing tourism industry in these regions reflects the increasing interest in and appreciation for the untamed beauty of the mountains. Beyond their imposing exteriors, Pakistan’s mountains house a treasure trove of biodiversity. The unique flora
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Types of wood that are widely used in construction in Pakistan are Deodar, walnut wood, teak, chirpine, fir, and hemlock. Walnut wood stands out in the category for not being too soft or too hard. Artisans call walnut wood the ‘jack of all trades. It smells great hence it is preferred in home décor or making products that are used in the interior decoration of homes and architecture. Walnut is hard, heavy, resilient, and capable of resisting warping and suffering very little shrinkage. It is a strong wood that can take intricate carving. The grain of walnut wood is irregular but typically straight with a medium texture.
In Pakistan, the walnut trees natively grow mainly in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The walnut wood has different shades but it mostly comes in dark red and pinkish colors. A skilled artisan can make several items from walnut wood. From creating furniture, walnut wood is used to create lightweight objects like jewelry boxes, spoons to heavy objects like trunks, small chairs, tables, sofas, beds, and cupboards, trays, dry fruit bowls, tissue paper boxes, and table lamps. Mostly walnut wood pieces with Quranic verses inscribed on them are in high demand in Pakistan as people hang these in homes. Artisans say that the old carved walnut wood looks better than other types of wood, hence it is in demand. Artisans say designs and patterns can be carved on any wood but walnut wood is best for the purpose. Hence, products made up of walnut wood are often seen as having the most intricate and complex carvings. This quality of walnut wood gives a regal and luxurious look to the interior.
Rabab-a classical instrument We all love the melody of rabab but did you know walnut wood is used to make rabab? Rabab largely dominates the
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region of Pukhtoon settlements and is widely played in Pakistan. The wood from the walnut tree are dried up and then carved into the instrument. The creation of rabab requires a lot of skills and attention to meticulous details and intricacy hence walnut wood is best suited to make the instrument. Walnut wood is easy to bend and finish hence it makes the best raw material to create musical instruments.
The Cultural Identity of Azad Kashmir In Azad Jammu Kashmir of Pakistan, walnut trees grow abundantly. Leepa Valley and Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir are two major walnut producing areas. The significance of the craft of walnut wood can be measured by the fact that people place orders for walnut wood furniture in advance during the wedding season. Here, in Kashmir handing out items made from walnut wood to guests and tourists is considered a precious gift. Natives of Azad Kashmir believe walnut wood carving is part of their identity and culture which they have inherited from their forefathers. Muzaffarabad has the potential to become the hub of walnut furniture, says the native population. Locals suggest that with concerted efforts of the government the small market can grow into an industry that can generate revenues for Pakistan. Artisans in Azad Kashmir say they are working hard to keep the craft alive. A local guitar made with Walnut wood
[ ARTS & CRAF TS ]
Khussa
a Fancy Footwear
A
traditional Pakistani dress is incomplete without the glitter of a pair of Khussa. Whether it’s for Eid or a wedding, a casual outing, the trend of wearing a Khussa has gained traction of the years and its popularity has not waned.
Khussay symbolizes Pakistan’s rich culture. They’re constructed of the highest-quality leather, hand-stitched, and available in a variety of colours, as well as with embroidery, beadwork, and other embellishments. This traditional Pakistani shoe has become an emblem of culture over the years.
Ladies luxury Khussa
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