ROHTAS QILA – STANDING HIGH SINCE 1541

Rohtas Qila

Another magnificent structure from the Mughal era that still stands is the Rohtas fort, or Qila-e-Rohtas, as it is also known.

The fort was ordered to be built in 1541 by Sher Sha Suri after he defeated the Mughal emperor Humayun. Sher Sha Suri built the fort at the strategic location of Rohtas. The fort lies on the Grand Trunk Road between the mountainous region of Afghanistan and the plains of Punjab near modern day Jhelum.

One of the more impressive facts about this fort is that the fort was never taken by force (i.e. was never stormed) and survives intact till today. The fort has massive walls that run for more than 4 kilometers. These walls are the main fortification of the fort. The walls have multiple bastions and monumental gateways.

The Qila-e-Rohtas is a prime exponent of early Muslim military architecture coming out of Central and South Asia. This fort is nothing short of majestic and surpasses various citadels of that time in splendor and size. It is in fact the only architectural example from the time of Sher Sha Suri that has survived till date.

Rohtas Over The Centuries:

The fort was envisioned by Sher Sha Suri after he had defeated Humayun at Chausa. There was a dual purpose to the fort:

• To curtail the hostilities from the locals called the Potohars
• To serve as a precaution against Humayun whose return was inevitable.

The fort was however taken by Humayun 10 years after the death of Sher Sha Suri without a fight. The conqueror was Tatar Khan Kasi.

The fort remained under the control of the Mughals till the time of Aurangazeb. Following that period the fort changed hands between the Durrani’s and the Sikh’s. During this time however, the fort did not serve its actual purpose and ended up with a village within its walls.

Inside The Majestic Fort:

Because of the intended purpose of the building, there were not many structures that were built within the walls of the fort. Most of the area was used for the production of food for the garrison.

The few structures that were made within the walls included a Shahi Masjid situated near the Kabuli gate of the fort. The Masjid is not very large and has a prayer hall and a small courtyard.

The fort also has its own water supply. The water supply came from structures called Baolis (stepped wells). There were three of these which were carved into the limestone bedrock.

Overall the Rohtas fort is an amazing construction and a magnificent place to visit and a must-visit location for all history buffs.

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PAKISTAN BECOME CERN’S NEWEST ASSOCIATE MEMBER

LONDON: Pakistan on Friday beat India in the race to become an associate member of Cern (European Organization for Nuclear Research), the world’s largest nuclear physics laboratory that recently found evidence of “God particle”.

A senior official of Cern had told in an exclusive interview in London that bureaucratic red tape in India had slowed down the country’s intentions of joining Cern as an associate member.

On Friday, Cern director general Rolf Heuer and the chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Ansar Parvez signed in Islamabad in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a document admitting Pakistan to Cern Associate Membership, subject to ratification by the government of Pakistan.

“Pakistan has been a strong participant in CERN’s endeavors in science and technology since the 1990s,” said Rolf Heuer. “Bringing nations together in a peaceful quest for knowledge and education is one of the most important missions of Cern. Welcoming Pakistan as a new associate member state is therefore for our organization a very significant event.”

LIST OF SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES

South Asia Map

South Asia:

South Asia or Southern Asia is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities, adjoining countries to the west and east. Topographically, it is dominated by the Indian Plate, which rises above sea level as northern parts of India south of the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush. South Asia is bounded on the south by the Indian Ocean and on land (clockwise, from west) by West Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

List of South Asian Countries:

Following is the list of South Asian countries:

•  Afghanistan

•  Bangladesh

•  Bhutan

•  India

•  Maldives

•    Nepal

•  Pakistan

•  Sri Lanka

Capitals of South Asian Countries:  

Following are the capitals of South Asian countries:

• Colombo

• Dhaka

• Kabul

• Kathmandu

• Islamabad

• Malé

• New Delhi

• Thimphu

PROVINCES OF PAKISTAN

PAKISTAN: Pakistan is basically divided into 4 provinces and other territories but now Gilgit Baltistan is also called a province. Previously, Gilgit was under control of Federal Government but now she has given a separate status. 

Pakistan came into being on Aug 14, 1947. It is a large country almost 1.5 times that of France. To distribute the job and perform country’s work efficiently, Pakistan is divided into 4 provinces. Each province has lawmaking national assembly which is directed by Chief Minister of Province. The names given to the provinces of Pakistan are in reference to the major language spoken in it. 

Punjab:

PUNJ means five and AB means water. Punjab’s literal meaning is the province of 5 rivers. The name Punjab is also in accordance with the major language Punjabi spoken in it. This is the most productive and fertile land of the country because of the five rivers. Like other provinces, people of Punjab also have their own characteristic and distinctive traditions. Lahore is the capital Punjab.

Sindh:

As Sindhi is the foremost language spoken in Sindh so, this province is given the name of Sindh. Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan is located in Sindh. Karachi is located along Arabian Sea so, Pakistan has also a beach in Karachi. Moen Jo Daro, an ancient civilization is also located in Sindh. Sindh is also credited to the Indus river and is also housed of the Indus civilization.

Khyber Pakhtoon Khuwah:

NWFP is the old name of Khyber Pakhtoon Khuwah. The name changed to KPK is in accordance with the Pakhtoons living in this province. Pathans or Pakhtoon live in this province. Strict Tribal system dominates the province.

Baluchistan:

The southwestern province is very famous because this is not only the largest province of Pakistan but also has many natural resources. Baluchistan accounts for 40% of total are of Pakistan.  

Gilgit Baltistan:

This is the site of great beauty in Pakistan. If you're lucky enough to travel to Pakistan, then you should definitely travel to Gilgit. One of the nature's marvel in Gilgit is the Heart-Shaped lake.

Heart Shaped lake in Astore, Gilgit, Pakistan

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN PAKISTAN

In Pakistan, some specific days of Public Holidays are:

Sacrifice of imam Hussain(R.A):

The sacrifice took place on 10th of Muharam the first month of Hijera Calander (Islamic Calendar). This sacrifice has very great importance in Islam so a public holiday was is announced on 10^th Muharam.

Eid-ul-Fitr:

People celebrate Eid-ul-Firt on the start of the holy month of Shawwal. This is the largest holiday of the year. People are invited to the home for a feast. Businesses close for at least a couple days if not a week. People celebrate it for 3 days.

Eid-ul-Azha 

This is the festival of sacrifice, commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. People sacrifice goats, lambs, ox and camel.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi: 

Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) varies according to Hijera calendar.

Pakistan Day: 

On March 23^rd

Labour Day:

1^st May

Independence Day:

14 Aug

Quaid-e-Azam's deathday:

11 Sep

Quaid-e-Azam's birthday:

25 Dec

Ramadan: 

Ramadan is the 9th and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass through the lips from dawn to sunset. 

FACTS ABOUT PAKISTAN

Flag of Pakistan

Pakistan is located in South Asia and it is a large country almost 1.5 times that of France. Neighbors of Pakistan include India, Iran, Afghanistan and China. Pakistan is located along Arabian Sea and has a beach in Karachi. India is located in East and China to the northeast while Afghanistan is located in West and northwest and Iran is located in Southwest. It is located on both sides of the ancient trade routes of the Khyber and Bolan passes between Central Asia and South Asia.

Pakistan and its Neighbors

Facts About Pakistan:

Following are some quick facts about Pakistan:

Capital:

Karachi is the first Capital of Pakistan. The current Capital of Pakistan is Islamabad.

Currency:

Pakistani Rupee is the currency of Pakistan.

Area:

Pakistan has 803,940 km2

Population:
An estimated Population of Pakistan is 162,419,946.

Language:

Urdu (official, national) 8%, English (official, government), Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki 10%, Pashtu 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, Burushaski and others 8%.

Religion:

Muslim 97%, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikhs and others 3%.

Electricity:

220-230V/50Hz (Europlug & Old British Plug)

Country Code:

+92 is the country code of Pakistan.

Internet TLD:

.pk is the Internet TLD of Pakistan.

Time Zone:

UTC+5.