Hunza Valley

Lush green fields, snow capped mountains, beautiful springs and friendly people make the enchanting Hunza valley a perfect spot for tourists and nature lovers. It is located in the north of Pakistan at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). The local languages spoken here are Burushaski, Wakhi and Shina, while many people understand Urdu (National language of Pakistan). Most of the people are Muslims. Hunza is administratively divided into 5 districts run by D.Cs controlled by the chief minister of Gilgit which is, in turn, controlled by the federal government of Pakistan itself. The capital is Karimabad.

In the past Hunza was a princely state near Nagar. This state continued to survive until 1974 when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto finally dissolved it. There are many versions about who inhabited the valley first. According to one, Alexander Zulkarnain made an effort to inhabit and develop the sublime valley. An other version implies that Alexander The Great annexed the area and at the last moments of his life alloted it to his loyal commanders. Who made it irrigable and inhabitable. Yet another version says that many people fled from the Tartar country after a great revolution and settled in the valley. About 200 years after the introduction of Islam in the area, the first Muslim ruler Mayroo Khan (Given the title of Thum) married, and twin sons were born. His sons were always hostile towards each other and Mayroo Khan had to break up his empire into two parts (Nagar and Hunza), when the question of succession arose. The British conquered the valley at some time between 1889 to 1892.

Hunza valley is a Heaven for mountaineers and climbers because of the towering mountains surrounding the valley. These include Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft), Ultar Sar 7,388 m (24,239 ft), Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 m (24,045 ft), Ghenta Peak 7,090 m (15,631 ft), Hunza Peak 6,270 m (20,571 ft), Darmyani Peak 6,090 m (19,980 ft), and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 m (19,685 ft). The picturesque Baltit Fort is also worth seeing. Valley's tourists season is from May to October. The Karakoram highway connecting China and Pakistan provides easy access to the exotic valley. Regular bus services are also present for tourists.

Baltit Fort

Rakaposhi, Northern Areas,Kashmir, 27th highest of the world at 7788m

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the third largest city of Pakistan and one of the oldest cities of Sub-continent. The city was regarded as “The Paris of Hindustan” before the partition (1947). Hyderabad also served as the capital of Sindh province. It is situated at a distance of 110 km from pre-Harappan Amri. It is one of the most exiting places in the world for Paleontologists and Archaeologists.

The history of Hyderabad dates back to the days when Ganjo Takan (Barren Hill), a nearby hill-tract, was used as a place of worship. In ancient times it was known as Neroon Kot named after its hindu ruler Neroon. In 1768 the city was re-built by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro and later on his son Sarfraz Khan adorned it. Ghulam Shah also built the fort Pacco Qillo (The strong fort). Later on the Talpur rule began. The Indus river changed its course and Mir Fateh Ali belonging to Talpur dynasty shifted the capital from Khudabad to Hyderabad. He used Pacco Qillo for his residence. In 1943 the British fought with the Talpur rulers to gain control of the city. British army successfully did so and the Talpur rulers had to flee. In 1947 upon the partition of Sub-continent Sindh was made a part of Pakistan.

The tourist attractions of the city include Pacco Qillo, Kacha Qilla, Amri, the monuments of Talpur and Kalhora rulers and the beautiful bazars of city. Hyderabad is connected to all the major cities of Pakistan via rail, road and air. Hyderabad has always been a place of political turmoil and unrest due to which the ancient buildings are in a desolate state. Immediate attention is required to preserve this asset.

Pacco Qillo